Authentic Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Pastel de Tres Leches)

Pastel de Tres Leches, also known as Three Milk Cake, is one of the most beloved desserts in Mexican cuisine. This rich vanilla butter cake is soaked in a delicious blend of three different milk products, creating an irresistibly moist texture that is sweet, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

The combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and table cream gives this classic dessert its signature flavor and texture. Topped with a light meringue and fresh strawberries, this traditional Mexican cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a bakery-style dessert at home.

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Ingredients

For the Batter

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 3/4 cups Zulka Pure Cane Brown Sugar - Azucar Morena Granulada
• 8 egg yolks
• 2 1/2 cups flour, sifted
• 2 1/2 tsp Royal Baking Powder - Polvo para Hornear Royal
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract All Natural by McCormick
• 1 cup milk
• 6 egg whites

For the Milks

• 2 cups Carnation Evaporated Milk
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened La Lechera Condensed Milk - Leche Condensada Nestle
• 3 1/2 cups Nestle Media Crema - Table Cream
• 6 egg yolks

For the Meringue

• 6 egg whites
• 2 cups Zulka Pure Cane Brown Sugar - Azucar Morena Granulada
• 1 3/4 cups light corn syrup or Pure Honey - Miel by Don Victor
• Juice of 2 Fresh Mexican Limes

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour a 12 x 8-inch cake pan.
3. Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl.
4. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
5. Add the egg yolks and mix well.
6. Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Add vanilla extract and slowly pour in the milk until the batter becomes smooth and thick.
8. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
9. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
10. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
11. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Milk Mixture

1. Blend the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, table cream, and egg yolks in a blender or food processor.
2. Pour half of the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil while stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining milk mixture.
4. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cooled cake.

Prepare the Meringue

1. In a double boiler, combine the egg whites and sugar.
2. Beat until stiff peaks begin to form.
3. Slowly add the corn syrup or honey while continuing to beat the mixture.
4. Add the lime juice and continue beating until the meringue becomes glossy and smooth.
5. Invert the cake onto a deep serving platter or dish.
6. Spread the meringue evenly over the cake.
7. Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.
8. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature and pairs perfectly with coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, or fresh fruit. This dessert is ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations throughout the year.

Video: Tres Leches Cake by Cooking con Claudia

Looking for authentic Mexican ingredients for your desserts and family recipes? Visit MexGrocer.com for a wide selection of traditional Mexican pantry staples, sweets, beverages, and baking essentials.