The most PERFECT Tres Leches Cake Recipe

cake flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while all-purpose flour is more budget-friendly.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: whipped topping

Coconut cream is lower in calories, and whipped topping is often cheaper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

In a medium bowl, mix 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup corn starch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined.

In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar for at least 2 minutes.

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix.

Add 5 eggs one or two at a time, mixing after each addition until just incorporated.

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.

Add 1/2 cup sour cream and mix again, then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, then check doneness with a toothpick.

Let the cake cool, then poke holes all over the top with a fork or toothpick.

In a large bowl, mix 1 can (12 oz) coconut milk, 1/2 cup regular milk, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, and 1 can sweetened condensed milk until well combined.

Set the milk mixture aside to cool in the fridge.

Toast sweetened coconut flakes in a small baking dish in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, checking periodically to avoid burning.

Pour the milk mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring the entire surface is covered and allowing it to absorb.

If needed, gently move the cake from the sides to help the milk absorb.

Let the cake cool on the counter or in the fridge until the milk is fully absorbed.

In a large bowl, mix 1 and 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed and whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cake and flatten it out with a spatula.

Decorate the cake with the toasted coconut and maraschino cherries as desired.

Serve with extra milk poured over each serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens