Tres Leches Costa Rica

Tres Leches Costa Rica Recipe - Indulge in a Rich and Creamy Dessert

Region / culture: Costa Rica | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tres Leches Costa Rica is a delicious and decadent dessert that originates from Costa Rica. This dessert is a moist and creamy cake that is soaked in a mixture of three different types of milk, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor.

History

Tres Leches cake is believed to have originated in Latin America, with each country putting its own unique twist on the classic recipe. In Costa Rica, Tres Leches cake is a popular dessert that is often served at special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 baked cake
Filling
1 cup of milk
1 can of condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 cup of half and half
vanilla
1 cup of sugar

How to prepare

For the base: Mix sugar and butter until creamy. Add 4 eggs and vanilla, and blend together with 2 cups of flour and baking powder. Pour the mixture into a greased rectangular Pyrex dish and bake for 30 minutes.
Once the cake is ready and still hot, prepare the filling by combining milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Soak the cake with the mixture.
If desired, whip together sugar and half & half to make whipped cream. Spread the whipped cream on top of the cake.
Keep the cake in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
You can decorate the cake with fresh fruits such as strawberries or cherries.

SPANISH

1. Para la base: mezcla azúcar y mantequilla hasta obtener una crema. Agrega 4 huevos y vainilla, y mezcla todo junto con 2 tazas de harina y polvo de hornear. Vierte la mezcla en un molde rectangular engrasado y hornea durante 30 minutos.
2. Una vez que el pastel esté listo y aún caliente, prepara el relleno combinando leche, leche condensada y leche evaporada. Empapa el pastel con la mezcla.
3. Si lo deseas, puedes hacer crema batida mezclando azúcar y mitad y mitad. Extiende la crema batida sobre el pastel.
Guarda el pastel en el refrigerador durante aproximadamente 1 hora.
Puedes decorar el pastel con frutas frescas como fresas o cerezas.

Variations

For a tropical twist, you can add shredded coconut or diced pineapple to the cake batter.
You can also add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the milk mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to poke holes in the cake before soaking it with the milk mixture to ensure that the cake absorbs all the delicious flavors.

- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat or skim milk in the milk mixture.

- Be sure to refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Tres Leches Costa Rica is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also garnish it with fresh fruits such as strawberries or cherries for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Tres Leches cake is to ensure that the cake is moist and soaked with the milk mixture. Be sure to poke holes in the cake and pour the milk mixture slowly to allow the cake to absorb all the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have half and half, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream as a substitute. You can also use almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of the cake.

Make Ahead Tips

Tres Leches Costa Rica can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This dessert actually tastes better the longer it sits in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Presentation Ideas

You can serve Tres Leches Costa Rica in individual glasses for a more elegant presentation. Top each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Tres Leches Costa Rica pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine. The rich and creamy flavors of the cake complement the bold flavors of the coffee or wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tres Leches Costa Rica in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tres Leches Costa Rica contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tres Leches Costa Rica contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tres Leches Costa Rica contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tres Leches Costa Rica contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tres Leches Costa Rica is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Tres Leches Costa Rica contains dairy and eggs.

Summary

Tres Leches Costa Rica is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Summary

Tres Leches Costa Rica is a decadent and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. This moist and creamy cake is soaked in a mixture of three different types of milk, giving it a rich and delicious flavor that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this traditional Costa Rican dessert with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a truly memorable experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Tres Leches Costa Rica. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little kitchen. Maria had always been a fantastic cook, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

That day, Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. She told me that she had recently learned how to make Tres Leches Costa Rica from her cousin who had just returned from a trip to Costa Rica. Maria said that this version of the classic tres leches cake was a popular dessert in Costa Rica, and she was excited to share the recipe with me.

As Maria began to gather the ingredients for the cake, she told me the story of how her cousin had learned to make Tres Leches Costa Rica from a local baker in a small town near the beach. The baker had been making this cake for years, and it was a beloved treat that everyone in town looked forward to.

Maria explained that Tres Leches Costa Rica was a unique twist on the traditional tres leches cake. Instead of just soaking the cake in a mixture of three milks (hence the name "tres leches"), this version also included coconut milk and rum for added flavor. Maria assured me that it was a delicious and decadent dessert that was sure to impress.

I watched intently as Maria mixed the cake batter, adding the coconut milk and rum as she explained that these ingredients were what gave Tres Leches Costa Rica its distinct tropical flavor. She poured the batter into a baking dish and popped it into the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma.

While the cake baked, Maria prepared the three milk mixture that would be poured over the cake once it was done. She combined condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and rum in a bowl, stirring until everything was well mixed. Maria told me that the key to a good tres leches cake was to make sure that the cake absorbed the milk mixture evenly, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.

When the cake was done baking and had cooled slightly, Maria poked holes all over the top with a fork to allow the milk mixture to seep into the cake. She then poured the milk mixture over the cake, watching as it slowly soaked in and transformed the cake into a rich and creamy dessert.

As we sat down to enjoy our Tres Leches Costa Rica, Maria told me that she loved sharing recipes with me because it reminded her of the time she spent in the kitchen with her own grandmother, learning how to cook and bake. She said that passing down recipes and cooking traditions was a way to keep her grandmother's memory alive and honor the bond they shared.

I savored each bite of the moist and decadent cake, grateful for the opportunity to learn how to make Tres Leches Costa Rica from my dear friend Maria. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished addition to my own collection, a reminder of the special moments shared in the kitchen with loved ones. And as I licked the last bit of sweet cream off my fork, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of passing down this delicious recipe to future generations, just as Maria had done for me.