Classic Tres Leches Cake

Serves 12 · 25 min prep · 28 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 5 large eggs, separated, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup plus 1 cup for topping heavy cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar for whipped cream
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2In a large bowl beat the egg yolks with granulated sugar on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until thick, pale yellow, and ribbon-like. Stir in the whole milk and vanilla.
3. 3In a clean bowl with clean beaters whip the egg whites on medium until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue whipping to stiff, glossy peaks.
4. 4Gently fold the flour mixture into the yolk batter in two additions. Then fold in the whipped egg whites in three additions, keeping as much air as possible so the batter stays light.
5. 5Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cake is golden, springs back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. 6While the cake bakes, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a large measuring cup or bowl to make the three-milk soak.
7. 7Remove the cake from the oven and cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the surface about 1/2 inch apart, going nearly to the bottom.
8. 8Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm cake, pausing to let it absorb. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight so the cake becomes fully saturated and chilled.
9. 9Just before serving, whip the remaining cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar to medium-stiff peaks. Spread over the chilled cake and dust lightly with cinnamon. Cut into squares and serve cold.