Tres Leches or Milk cake

Tres Leches Recipe - A Classic Mexican Milk Cake

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tres Leches, also known as Milk Cake, is a popular dessert in Latin American cuisine. This decadent cake gets its name from the three types of milk used in the recipe - condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half and half. The result is a moist and creamy cake that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Tres Leches cake is believed to have originated in Latin America, with some sources pointing to Nicaragua as its place of origin. The recipe has since spread throughout the region and beyond, becoming a beloved dessert in many countries.

Ingredients

Baked Cake Filling

2 cups of milk
1 can of condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 qt (946 ml) of half and half
vanilla
1 cup of sugar

How to prepare

Mix sugar and butter until creamy. Add 4 eggs and vanilla extract, then blend in 2 cups of flour mixed with baking powder.
Pour the batter into a greased rectangular Pyrex dish and bake for 30 minutes.
Once the cake is baked and cooled, prepare the filling by combining milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Optionally, you can whip together sugar and half & half to make whipped cream. Spread the whipped cream on top of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for approximately 1 hour.
For added flavor and decoration, you can garnish the cake with fresh fruits such as strawberries or cherries.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or Kahlua to the milk mixture for a boozy twist.
Top the cake with toasted coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
Use different flavored extracts, such as almond or coconut, to change up the flavor profile of the cake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to poke holes in the cake before pouring the milk mixture over it. This will allow the milk to soak into the cake and create a moist texture.

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

- Garnish the cake with fresh fruits or nuts for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Tres Leches cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Tres Leches cake is to allow the milk mixture to fully soak into the cake. Be sure to poke holes in the cake and pour the milk slowly to ensure even distribution.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have half and half on hand, 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 cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tres Leches cake in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. You can also garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a dusting of cinnamon for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Tres Leches cake pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a more indulgent pairing, serve it with a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream.

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 Tres Leches cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tres Leches cake contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tres Leches cake contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tres Leches cake contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Tres Leches cake contains dairy and eggs.

Summary

Tres Leches cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.

Summary

Tres Leches cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any day of the week. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. I had always loved to cook, and spent countless hours in the kitchen with my mother, watching her prepare delicious meals for our family.

One day, while rummaging through an old recipe book that belonged to my grandmother, I stumbled upon a recipe for Tres Leches cake. I had never heard of it before, but the name alone intrigued me. I asked my grandmother about it, and she told me that it was a traditional Mexican dessert that was incredibly moist and delicious.

I was determined to make this cake, so I set out to gather all the ingredients. The recipe called for three different types of milk – evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream – along with flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. It seemed like a simple enough recipe, but I could sense that there was something special about it.

As I mixed the batter and poured it into the baking pan, I could already smell the sweet aroma of the cake. I couldn't wait for it to come out of the oven so that I could top it with the tres leches mixture – a combination of the three milks that would soak into the cake and make it incredibly moist.

When the cake was finally ready, I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a place of pure bliss. The cake was like nothing I had ever tasted before – it was rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

I shared the cake with my family, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My grandmother was especially impressed, and she told me that I had a natural talent for cooking. From that day on, Tres Leches cake became a staple in our household, and I would often make it for special occasions and family gatherings.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to make it even more decadent. I learned new tricks and techniques from friends and neighbors, who all had their own unique twist on the classic dessert.

One day, I was invited to a cooking competition in the city, where I would be pitted against some of the best chefs in the region. I knew that I had to bring my A-game, so I decided to showcase my Tres Leches cake as my signature dish.

The competition was fierce, but when it came time for the judges to taste my dessert, their faces lit up with delight. They praised the cake for its perfect texture, its balanced sweetness, and its overall deliciousness. I was over the moon when they announced me as the winner of the competition.

From that day on, my Tres Leches cake became famous throughout the region. People would come from far and wide just to taste my signature dessert, and I would often receive requests for the recipe. I would always smile and tell them that it was a family secret, passed down through generations.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of vanilla and caramelized sugar, I can't help but feel grateful for the day I discovered that old recipe for Tres Leches cake. It has brought me so much joy and satisfaction over the years, and I know that it will continue to be a cherished part of my culinary repertoire for many years to come. Cooking truly is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to share my love of food with those around me.