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    Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe

    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe

    Published: Oct 3, 2022 · Modified: Jan 10, 2025 by Jessica · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

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    Our Tres Leches Cake is easier than most to make, without sacrificing on the delicious flavor and moist texture that makes this cake unique.

    A slice of tres leches cake on a white plate topped with a strawberry.

    What is a Tres Leches Cake?

    A tres leches cake is also known as pan tres leches, which literally translates as "three milks bread." It is a sponge cake that is soaked with three types of milk: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cream. 

    Don't be fooled into thinking this makes it complicated, because that is not the case. It's just as easy to whip together as it is delicious to eat. 

    Easy Tres Leches Cake Ingredients

    Cake Batter

    • 1 Package Golden or Yellow Cake Mix
    • 3 Large Eggs
    • ⅔ Cup 2% Milk
    • ½ Cup Butter Softened
    • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    Milk Mixture

    • 1 14 Ounce Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • 1 12 Ounce Can Evaporated Milk
    • 1 Cup Half and Half

    Whipped Cream

    • 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
    • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    How to make Tres Leches Cake

    A photo collage showing steps for how to make tres leches cake using a boxed cake mix.

    Step One - Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl combined your cake mix, eggs, milk, softened butter and vanilla and beat on low until well combined. 

    Step Two - Transfer your batter into your greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick near the center comes out clean. 

    Step Three- Allow cake to cool for 25 minutes. Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of your cake. 

    Step Four - While cake is cooling, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half and half. 

    Step Five - Pour your three milk mixture evenly over the cake allowing holes to fill with milk. Cover your cake and refrigerate for four hours or overnight. 

    Step Six - Prepare your whipped cream and spread over cake before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or fresh strawberries if desired. 

    Birds eye view of an easy tres leches cake with a fork next to it on a small white plate.

    Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe Tips

    • If you are running short on time you can substitute cool whip in place of whipped cream. Freshly whipped cream definitely takes the cake to the next level, though. 
    • You may substitute heavy whipping cream or whole milk in place of the half and half. Either will change the taste and consistency of the cake slightly, but I have used both in a pinch and the cake is still delicious. 
    • Tres Leches Cake can be prepared a day or two in advance. 

    If you make this recipe and enjoy it we'd love for you to leave us a positive comment and review, they mean so much to us. 

    Tres Leches Cake Recipe Easy Storage

    Refrigeration: Tres leches cake is a moist cake soaked in a milk mixture, so it must be refrigerated. After you've served the cake, cover any leftover portion with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Make sure it's sealed well to keep the moisture in.

    Use an Airtight Container: Alternatively, you can transfer the cake to an airtight container with a lid. This can help maintain the cake's moisture and prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Consume Within a Few Days: Tres leches cake is best when consumed within a few days of making it, as it may start to become too soggy if left for too long. It's a dessert that tends to improve in flavor and texture after soaking but may eventually become overly moist if stored for an extended period.

    Serve Chilled: When you're ready to enjoy a slice, serve it chilled directly from the refrigerator. Some people like to add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top before serving.

    Bird's eye view of a piece of tres leches with a fork, strawberries and a white cloth napkin.

    Best Tres Leche Cake Recipe FAQs

    What is special about tres leches cake?

    Moisture: The defining feature of tres leches cake is its incredible moisture. The name "tres leches" means "three milks" in Spanish, and the cake is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk or heavy cream. This soaking process makes the cake incredibly moist and gives it a rich, creamy texture.

    Sponge Cake: Tres leches cake is typically made with a light and airy sponge cake as its base. This sponge cake is known for its ability to absorb the milk mixture without becoming overly dense or soggy, resulting in a delightful contrast of textures.

    Sweetness: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk in the soaking mixture adds a delicious sweetness to the cake. It's sweet but not overly so, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy desserts with a balanced sweetness.

    Cultural Significance: Tres leches cake has cultural significance in Latin American cuisine, especially in countries like Mexico and Nicaragua. It's often served at celebrations and special occasions, making it a symbol of festivity and indulgence.

    Why is tres leches not soggy?

    The cake's open crumb structure and porosity enable it to absorb the three-milk mixture gradually. Instead of becoming soggy like some other cakes might, the sponge cake retains its structure and remains moist. It reaches an ideal balance between absorbing the flavorful milk mixture and maintaining its structural integrity.

    Why did my tres leches cake fall apart?

    If your tres leches cake fell apart, it could be due to several factors related to the cake's preparation and handling. Here are some common reasons why a tres leches cake might fall apart:
    - Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to excess gluten development, resulting in a denser and potentially crumbly cake. Be sure to mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing.
    - Inadequate Cooling Time: After baking, it's essential to let the cake cool completely before soaking it in the milk mixture. A warm cake may be more prone to falling apart when it absorbs the liquid.
    - Improper Soaking: While it's important to soak the cake with the three-milk mixture, it's also crucial not to oversaturate it. Over-soaking can lead to the cake becoming too mushy and fragile.
    - Insufficient Chilling Time: After soaking, tres leches cake needs time to chill in the refrigerator, usually for several hours or overnight. Inadequate chilling time can result in the cake not fully absorbing the milk mixture and being more prone to falling apart when sliced.
    - Cutting While Warm: If you attempt to slice and serve the tres leches cake while it's still warm or hasn't had enough time to absorb the liquid and set in the refrigerator, it may fall apart more easily.

    How do you stop Tres Leches from leaking?

    A little bit of leaking is totally normal for a Tres Leches cake. If you feel there is still an excess amount of liquid draining from the cake here are some things to consider.
    ‌
    Poke Holes in the Cake: Before pouring the milk mixture over the cake, use a fork or toothpick to create small holes in the cake's surface. This will help the milk mixture distribute evenly throughout the cake without causing excessive leakage.
    Soak Gradually: Pour the three-milk mixture evenly over the cake, starting with a smaller amount and gradually adding more as the cake absorbs the liquid. Allow the cake to absorb the liquid for a few minutes before adding more if needed.
    Use a Rimmed Serving Platter: Place the soaked tres leches cake on a rimmed serving platter or a dish with raised edges. This can help contain any excess liquid that may seep out during the soaking process.

    More Cake Recipes to Try

    • Death by Chocolate Cake
    • Easy Coffee Cake
    • Mardi Gras King Cake
    • Easy Red Velvet Cake
    • Texas Sheet Cake
    • Better Than Anything Cake
    • Raspberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    If you make this recipe, please leave us a comment and a positive review. They mean a lot to us!

    Easy Tres Leches Cake

    Our Easy Tres Leches Cake made with a cake mix is as delicious as it is quick to throw together. Nothing better than a three milk cake topped with a strawberry. 
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cooling Time: 4 hours hours
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 355kcal
    Author: Pretty Providence

    Video

    Equipment

    • Oven
    • 9x13 Baking Dish

    Ingredients

    Cake Batter

    • 1 Package Golden or Yellow Cake Mix
    • 3 Large Eggs
    • ⅔ Cup 2% Milk
    • ½ Cup Butter Softened
    • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    Milk Mixture

    • 1 14 Ounce Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • 1 12 Ounce Can Evaporated Milk
    • 1 Cup Half and Half

    Whipped Cream

    • 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
    • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl combined your cake mix, eggs, milk, softened butter and vanilla and beat on low until well combined. 
    • Transfer your batter into your greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick near the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool for 25 minutes. Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of your cake. 
    • While cake is cooling, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half and half. Pour your three milk mixture evenly over the cake allowing holes to fill with milk. Cover your cake and refrigerate for four hours or overnight. 
    • Prepare your whipped cream and spread over cake before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or fresh strawberries if desired. 

    Notes

    Pro Tips: 

    • If you are running short on time you can substitute cool whip in place of whipped cream. Freshly whipped cream definitely takes the cake to the next level, though. 
    • You may substitute heavy whipping cream or whole milk in place of the half and half. Either will change the taste and consistency of the cake slightly, but I have used both in a pinch and the cake is still delicious. 
    • Tres Leches Cake can be prepared a day or two in advance. 
    • I love to serve this for dessert after some of our favorite Mexican recipes like Cafe Rio Chicken Tacos or our Healthy Beef Enchiladas.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 416mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @prettyprovidenceblog or tag #prettyprovidence!
    Side view of a slice of cake in front of the 9x13 pan.

    Happy eating, friends. 

    xo, 

    Easy Tres Leches Cake RecipeEasy Tres Leches Cake Recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Leah

      January 11, 2025 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      Can't wat to eat this cake !!

      Reply
    2. Sha

      June 03, 2024 at 10:52 pm

      5 stars
      This is indeed easier! It turned out so moist and extra decadent. It delighted everybody!

      Reply
    3. Cally

      June 03, 2024 at 4:39 pm

      5 stars
      Making this with cake mix was such an easy shortcut! It turned out great and everyone loved it. Can't wait to have an excuse to make it again!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        June 12, 2024 at 3:21 pm

        Yay, I am so glad! This just made our day!

        Reply
    4. jess

      June 03, 2024 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      This cake was everything that I wanted it to be and more! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe

      Reply
    5. Kristen

      January 24, 2024 at 5:03 am

      5 stars
      This was a great hack using a cake mix. It was so simple, yet just perfectly flavored.

      Reply
      • Jessica

        January 25, 2024 at 3:10 pm

        Right?! So glad you loved it!

        Reply
    6. Jennie Y

      January 24, 2024 at 4:38 am

      5 stars
      This was my first time making this and YES it's so easy!! Your instructions were perfect and we LOVED this!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        January 25, 2024 at 3:09 pm

        I'm so glad! Thanks Jennie!

        Reply
    7. Sharina

      January 24, 2024 at 4:08 am

      5 stars
      One of the easiest cake recipes I've tried! So easy and decadent. It delighted everybody. Highly recommended!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        January 25, 2024 at 3:10 pm

        That is so great to hear! Thanks Sharina!

        Reply
    8. Gene

      May 17, 2023 at 7:58 pm

      5 stars
      Baked cake for family and place of employment, all amazed with great flavor and enjoyment of cake.
      Thanks for great recipe

      Reply
    9. Kim

      April 23, 2023 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      This cake is so good! I need to make it again ASAP! Yum!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        April 25, 2023 at 1:04 pm

        I'm so glad you loved it! Thanks Kim!

        Reply
    10. Journa Liz Ramirez

      October 06, 2022 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      This is the easiest recipe I followed in making Tres Leches Cake! My new go-to cake recipe for important occasions.

      Reply
      • Jessica

        October 06, 2022 at 1:51 pm

        Yay! I am so glad you loved it.

        Reply
    11. jennifer

      October 04, 2022 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      this recipe really was so easy and came out so good!! the whole fam loved it!

      Reply

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