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Natasha’s Tres Leches Cake

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Natasha’s tres leches cake is a classic Latin American dessert featuring a light sponge cake soaked in a blend of three milks—evaporated, sweetened condensed, and heavy cream—then topped with whipped cream for a rich, moist, and indulgent treat.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 15 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (for soaking mixture)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in whole milk and vanilla extract.
  3. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the yolk mixture.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and fold them into the batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cake to cool slightly, then poke holes all over with a fork or skewer.
  7. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Slowly pour over the cake, letting it soak in.
  8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Before serving, whip 2 cups heavy cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks and spread evenly over the cake.

Notes

  • Best made a day ahead for full flavor and texture absorption.
  • Optional: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the milk mixture for extra warmth.
  • Garnish with fresh berries, mint, or dulce de leche for variation.
  • Do not freeze; the texture becomes watery.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/natashas-tres-leches-cake/