This easy dessert recipe consists of an airy sponge cake that is soaked in a creamy, sweet, mixture of three different types of milk and then topped with fluffy vanilla whipped cream.
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Also called ‘pastel de tres leche’, this dessert is a traditional celebratory dessert in Latin America. I have eaten this luscious treat in Nicaragua, Columbia, Mexico, and as far as Turkey. And can I tell you, they were all equally as decadent and delicious. This easy dessert recipe is something that I hope you will add to your repertoire.
WHAT IS TRES LECHE CAKE
Tres leche, or three milk cake, is either a fluffy sponge cake, pound cake, or traditional yellow cake that is poked with a toothpick or small dowel to create small holes. Then a sweet, creamy mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream is poured on top and allowed to seep and soak into the cake.
Now if that isn’t enough, the cake is then topped with either meringue or whipped cream. This is what ‘gilding the lily’ refers to. Pure delicious decadence.
HOW IS A TRES LECHE CAKE MADE
This recipe is easy to customize. If you don’t like baking and prefer a boxed mix, go for it. Make a sponge cake, a pound cake, or a white or yellow cake. All of them will be equally delicious.
The most important part of this recipe is the three milk soaking liquid. You want to use all three of the different milks. Sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream all add a different flavor profile to the dish.
The recipe is as simple as making (or buying) an unfrosted cake, poking holes into it, and soaking it in the mixture of the three kinds of milk.
Then, top the cake with either whipped cream or meringue. Delicious.
If you are feeling inspired to complete a Latin American themed meal, try my recipe for Nicaraguan Gallo Pinto or try these wonderful recipes that I have made from my fellow bloggers:
An easy dessert recipe for a sponge cake that is soaked in a mixture of three milks and topped with whipped cream. This Latin American favorite is sure to be your family’s favorite as well.