Name: Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake) Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 eggs; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 12 oz evaporated milk; 1 cup Whipped cream; 1 cup fresh strawberries

Dive into the delightful world of Latin American desserts with the Pastel de Tres Leches. This delicious cake is soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk, giving it an incredibly moist texture that simply melts in your mouth. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries, this dessert is nothing short of a celebration of flavors.

Photos of Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake) Recipe

While most ingredients for Pastel de Tres Leches are pantry staples, you might need to check for the three types of milk- heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Each of these adds a distinct layer of flavor and consistency to the cake. The sweetened condensed milk lends a rich sweetness, the evaporated milk adds creaminess, and the heavy whipping cream provides a deliciously light and fluffy texture. Make sure to have fresh strawberries for a refreshing, fruity garnish.

Ingredients for Pastel de Tres Leches

Eggs: Used as a binding agent and to provide structure to the cake.

White sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake.

All purpose flour: The base for the cake, giving it structure and texture.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.

Milk: Used in the cake batter for moisture and in the three-milk mixture for soaking the cake.

Vanilla extract: Provides a depth of flavor.

Heavy whipping cream: Part of the three-milk mixture, and contributes to the cake's rich and creamy texture.

Sweetened condensed milk: A key element in the three-milk mixture, adding sweetness and creaminess.

Evaporated milk: Another component of the three-milk mixture, adding richness and depth of flavor.

Whipped cream: Used as a topping for the finished cake.

Fresh strawberries: Serve as a refreshing garnish and add a pop of color.

One reader, Kleon Kenyon says:

This pastel de tres leches recipe is a game-changer! The cake turned out moist and delicious, and the three-milk mixture added a rich and creamy texture. Topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, it was a hit at my dinner party. I'll definitely be making this again!

Kleon Kenyon

Essential Techniques for Making Pastel de Tres Leches

How to prepare the cake batter: Combine the eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake until lightly browned.

How to make the three-milk mixture: Blend heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk in a blender until well combined.

How to assemble the tres leches cake: Once the cake is baked and cooled, pour the three-milk mixture evenly over the cake and refrigerate until cold. Cut into squares and top each serving with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.

How To Make Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake)

If you haven’t tried these pastel de tres leches yet, you’re missing out. This delicious and fluffy treat is made with 3 types of milk.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6eggs,separated
1cupwhite sugar
1cupall purpose flour
1tbspbaking powder
½cupmilk
2tspvanilla extract
1cupheavy whipping cream
14ozsweetened condensed milk
12ozevaporated milk
1cupwhipped cream
1cupfresh strawberries,sliced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a 10×15-inch baking dish.
Beat egg whites in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form; gradually beat in sugar until the mixture is glossy.
Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, combining each yolk before adding the next.
Reduce mixer speed to medium and add flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, to the mixture, beating continuously; beat in baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cake is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean for about 25 minutes. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.
Pour 1 cup cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk in a blender and pulse several times until well blended.
Pour a three-milk mixture evenly over the cake. Refrigerate cake until cold and the milk mixture has soaked in for at least 1 hour.
Cut in squares and top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a few sliced strawberries. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 371.45kcal
Fat: 15.99g
Saturated Fat: 9.26g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.79g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.99g
Carbohydrates: 48.61g
Fiber: 0.54g
Sugar: 39.75g
Protein: 9.30g
Cholesterol: 131.44mg
Sodium: 206.23mg
Calcium: 297.91mg
Potassium: 305.87mg
Iron: 1.18mg
Vitamin A: 173.02µg
Vitamin C: 8.97mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Pastel de Tres Leches

When pouring the three-milk mixture over the cake, make sure to do it evenly and slowly. This allows the cake to absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy. It's also helpful to poke holes in the cake with a fork before pouring the mixture, this ensures that the liquid seeps into the cake evenly, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Tres Leches Cake

Plan ahead: Prepare all the ingredients and utensils before starting to save time and make the process smoother.

Multi-task: While the cake is baking, prepare the three-milk mixture to maximize efficiency.

Chill quickly: Place the cake in the freezer for a shorter time to speed up the chilling process.

Organize: Keep your workspace clean and organized to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients or tools.

Use pre-sliced fruits: Opt for pre-sliced strawberries to save time on preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake) Recipe

All purpose flour - Substitute with cake flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a lighter texture, which is ideal for a tres leches cake.
Heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can add a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the cake.
Sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and honey: This combination can provide a similar level of sweetness and richness, while also infusing a subtle coconut flavor.
Evaporated milk - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk to maintain the creamy texture and richness in the cake.
Whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can add a tropical twist to the cake and complement the flavors of the tres leches.
Fresh strawberries - Substitute with mangoes: Mangoes can provide a sweet and tropical flavor, adding a refreshing twist to the traditional tres leches cake.

Presenting Your Tres Leches Cake

Elevate the plating: When presenting the pastel de tres leches, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use edible flowers and mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle the tres leches mixture on the plate in a circular motion using a squeeze bottle to create a visually appealing and artistic presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Serve the pastel de tres leches on fine china or glass dessert plates to enhance the luxurious feel of the dish.
Garnish with precision: Carefully place fresh strawberries and a quenelle of whipped cream on top of each slice for a sophisticated and polished finish.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on the plate to elevate the overall presentation.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the sliced pastel de tres leches in a symmetrical pattern on the plate to showcase precision and attention to detail.
Incorporate texture: Add a contrasting element by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes around the plate to introduce a delightful textural component to the dish.
Emphasize minimalism: Keep the presentation clean and minimalistic, allowing the vibrant colors of the dessert and garnishes to take center stage.

Essential Tools for Making Pastel de Tres Leches

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
Baking dish: A dish used for baking the cake.
Electric mixer: Used for beating the eggs and sugar until stiff peaks form.
Blender: Used to blend the three-milk mixture for the cake.
Toothpick: Used to check the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the middle of the cake.
Refrigerator: Used to chill and store the cake.
Knife: Used for slicing the fresh strawberries.

Storing and Freezing Your Tres Leches Cake

To store leftover pastel de tres leches, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake will continue to absorb the three-milk mixture and become even more moist and flavorful over time.
If you want to freeze the tres leches cake, it's best to do so before adding the whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw the frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Once thawed, add the whipped cream topping and sliced strawberries before serving.
If you have already added the whipped cream and strawberries to the cake, you can still freeze it, but the texture of the toppings may change slightly upon thawing. The whipped cream may become slightly grainy, and the strawberries may release some excess moisture.
For best results, store and serve the pastel de tres leches cold from the refrigerator. This dessert is not suitable for storing at room temperature due to the high moisture content and the presence of dairy products.

How To Reheat Leftover Pastel de Tres Leches

Refrigerate the leftover pastel de tres leches in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
When ready to reheat, remove the desired portion from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to slightly warm up and ensures even reheating.
For best results, reheat the tres leches cake in the microwave. Place the cake slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. This gentle reheating method helps preserve the cake's texture and prevents overheating, which can cause the cake to become rubbery or dry.
Alternatively, you can reheat the cake in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the cake slice on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat the cake for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. The foil helps prevent the cake from drying out or browning further.
If the reheated tres leches cake seems a bit dry, you can drizzle a small amount of the three-milk mixture over the top before serving. This will help reintroduce some moisture and enhance the flavors.
Once reheated, serve the pastel de tres leches immediately, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries for a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Interesting Fact About Pastel de Tres Leches

The traditional Mexican dessert pastel de tres leches is believed to have originated in Nicaragua. It is a popular cake in many Latin American countries and is often served at celebrations and special occasions.

Is Making Pastel de Tres Leches at Home Cost-Effective?

This pastel de tres leches recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as eggs, sugar, flour, and milk, are commonly found in most households, making it budget-friendly. The use of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for garnish may slightly increase the cost, but they are optional. Overall, I would rate this recipe a 9 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a pocket-friendly dessert option.

Is Pastel de Tres Leches Healthy or Unhealthy?

The pastel de tres leches recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest dessert option. The cake itself is made with a significant amount of sugar and all-purpose flour, which are both high in calories and carbohydrates. The three-milk mixture, consisting of heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, adds a substantial amount of saturated fat and sugar to the dish. Additionally, the toppings of whipped cream and strawberries contribute to the overall calorie count.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the carbohydrate load
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives instead of heavy whipping cream to decrease the saturated fat content
Choose a lighter topping, such as fresh fruit or a yogurt-based whipped cream, to cut down on additional calories and fat
Serve smaller portion sizes to help control calorie intake

By incorporating these changes, you can still enjoy the delightful flavors of pastel de tres leches while making it a more balanced and nutritious treat. Remember, moderation is key, and indulging in a slice of this cake on special occasions can be part of a healthy lifestyle when paired with an overall balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Tres Leches Recipe

This pastel de tres leches recipe is a delightful and indulgent treat. The combination of airy sponge cake soaked in a rich three-milk mixture creates a luscious and moist texture. The addition of fresh strawberries and whipped cream adds a refreshing and creamy finish to each bite. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, and the end result is sure to impress any dessert lover. Enjoy creating and savoring this decadent dessert!

Enhance Your Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try serving the pastel de tres leches with a side of grilled asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze for a savory and tangy contrast to the sweet dessert.

Bacon-wrapped Dates: For a unique and indulgent side, consider serving bacon-wrapped dates alongside the pastel de tres leches. The combination of sweet and salty flavors will delight your taste buds.

Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist to your dessert spread by serving a vibrant mango salsa on the side. The fresh and fruity flavors will complement the richness of the tres leches cake.

Creamy Corn Chowder: If you're looking for a comforting and hearty side dish, consider pairing the pastel de tres leches with a bowl of creamy corn chowder. The creamy texture and sweet corn flavor will be a delightful contrast to the dessert.

Delicious Alternatives to Pastel de Tres Leches

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a zesty herb dressing before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich red wine sauce until tender and flavorful, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine ripe mangoes, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds for a refreshing and nutritious dessert or snack.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: Simmer tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful spices in a savory broth for a comforting and satisfying soup.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: Indulge in these creamy and tangy cheesecake bars with a burst of sweet blueberries in every bite.

Ideal Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Pastel de Tres Leches

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a rich and creamy mixture, these bite-sized appetizers are sure to impress.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with these flavorful and vibrant bruschetta bites. Topped with a fresh and zesty tomato mixture, these toasts are the perfect way to start any meal.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. The combination of savory chicken and velvety sauce is sure to satisfy any pasta lover's cravings.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using tender strips of beef and an assortment of fresh vegetables. The savory and slightly sweet flavors of the stir fry sauce perfectly complement the tender beef and crisp vegetables, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Why trust this Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake) Recipe:

This recipe is a tried and true classic, perfected over time by generations of passionate bakers. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whipped cream creates a luscious, moist texture that's simply irresistible. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a burst of fruity flavor, elevating the overall experience. Trust in the traditional method and quality ingredients to deliver a delectable dessert that will surely impress your taste buds.

Looking to discuss this delightful Pastel de Tres Leches (Three Milk Cake) recipe further? Head over to our Recipe Sharing forum and share your experience, tips, and any tweaks you've made to perfect this classic Latin American dessert.

FAQ:

How long does it take to make pastel de tres leches?

The total time to make pastel de tres leches is approximately 2 hours, including preparation, baking, and chilling time.

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of strawberries?

Yes, you can use different types of fruit such as peaches, mangoes, or raspberries to top the pastel de tres leches.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after it has been chilled for a few hours.

Can I use a different size of baking dish?

It's best to use a 10x15-inch baking dish as specified in the recipe to ensure the cake bakes evenly. Using a different size may affect the baking time and texture of the cake.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer to beat the egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. It may take a little longer, but it will work just fine.