Nicaraguan Tres Leches

Nicaraguan Tres Leches Recipe - Authentic Dessert from Nicaragua

Region / culture: Nicaragua | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Nicaraguan Tres Leches is a delicious and decadent dessert that is popular in Nicaragua and throughout Latin America. This rich and moist cake is soaked in three different types of milk, giving it a unique and indulgent flavor.

History

Tres Leches cake is believed to have originated in Nicaragua, although it is now enjoyed in many countries throughout Latin America. The recipe is thought to have been inspired by similar soaked cakes from Europe, but the addition of three types of milk is what sets Tres Leches apart.

Ingredients

6 eggs
16 egg yolks
4 egg whites
0.5 cup of milk
2 cups of flour
1.5 tsp of baking powder
3.5 cups of sugar
3 tbsp of vanilla
2 cans of condensed milk
2 cans of evaporated milk
1 pt (473 ml) of whipped cream
1.5 cups of corn syrup
1 sour lemon

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C) and prepare a cakepan of similar size to a sheet of paper.
To make the cake, combine 6 eggs, 0.5 cup of milk, 2 cups of flour, 1.5 tsp of baking powder, 2 cups of sugar, and 3 tbsp of vanilla. Mix well and pour the batter into the cakepan. Bake for 20 minutes.
Prepare the leches (milks) while the cake is baking. Blend 4 egg yolks, 0.5 cup of milk, 2 cans of condensed milk, and 2 cans of evaporated milk.
Prepare the baño (bath) for the cake. Heat the corn syrup in a bowl and stir. Beat 4 egg whites until they form peaks, then gradually pour in the syrup while continuing to beat. Shred lemon peels using a cheese grater and add cherry juice. Beat until well mixed.
Once the cake is done, poke holes in it to allow the milks to soak in. Pour the milks over the cake, ensuring it is completely saturated.
Cover the soaked cake with the baño (bath) mixture and return it to the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes at 400°F (204°C), or until the surface is cooked. Remove from the oven and decorate as desired.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding a layer of fresh fruit between the cake and the milk mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to poke holes in the cake before pouring the milks over it to ensure that the cake absorbs all of the liquid.

- Make sure to let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding a splash of rum or coffee to the milk mixture for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Nicaraguan Tres Leches is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect Tres Leches cake is to ensure that the cake is completely soaked in the milk mixture. Be sure to poke holes in the cake and pour the milk slowly to allow it to absorb evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have corn syrup, you can substitute honey or maple syrup in the baño mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

Nicaraguan Tres Leches can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Nicaraguan Tres Leches pairs well with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tres Leches cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nicaraguan Tres Leches contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nicaraguan Tres Leches contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nicaraguan Tres Leches contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Nicaraguan Tres Leches contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Nicaraguan Tres Leches is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Nicaraguan Tres Leches contains eggs, milk, and wheat.

Summary

Nicaraguan Tres Leches is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Nicaraguan Tres Leches is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. With its rich and moist texture and indulgent flavor, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, during a trip to Nicaragua with your grandfather. We were exploring the bustling streets of Managua when we stumbled upon a small, hole-in-the-wall bakery. The scent of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, drawing us in like a magnet.

As we entered the bakery, we were greeted by the warm smile of the owner, a kind elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye. She welcomed us with open arms and offered us a taste of her specialty - Tres Leches cake. I had never heard of this dessert before, but one bite was all it took to make me fall in love.

The cake was moist, decadent, and soaked in a sweet mixture of three different kinds of milk - evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I struck up a conversation with the bakery owner, asking her about the origins of the recipe and if she would be willing to share it with me. She chuckled at my eagerness and agreed to teach me her secret recipe, on one condition - that I promised to pass it down to future generations, just as she had done with her own family.

For the next few hours, I stood by her side as she guided me through the process of making Tres Leches cake. She shared tips and tricks with me, explaining the importance of soaking the cake just enough to make it moist but not too soggy. She showed me how to whip the cream to the perfect consistency and how to decorate the cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

After we had finished baking the cake, she insisted that we enjoy a slice together. As we sat at a small table in the bakery, savoring the rich, creamy dessert, she shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to make Tres Leches cake when she was just a young girl. It was a tradition that had been passed down through generations, and now she was passing it on to me.

I left the bakery that day with a full heart and a belly full of delicious cake. The recipe for Nicaraguan Tres Leches had become a part of me, a cherished memory that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

Since that day, I have made Tres Leches cake countless times for family gatherings, special occasions, and just because. Each time I bake it, I am transported back to that small bakery in Managua, where a kind-hearted woman shared her passion for baking with me.

And now, as I pass the recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition and share the joy of Tres Leches cake with your own loved ones. May it bring you as much happiness and deliciousness as it has brought me over the years.