Three Milk Cake

Three Milk Cake, also known as Tres Leches Cake, is a classic Latin American dessert known for its moist and sponge-like texture soaked in a mixture of three different types of milk. Here’s a traditional recipe to make a delicious Three Milk Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Three Milk Mixture (Tres Leches):

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Topping:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Cake:
   • In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until well combined.
   • In another clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until just combined.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
   • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan.
4. Prepare the Three Milk Mixture (Tres Leches):
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk until well combined.
5. Soak the Cake:
   • While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer.
   • Slowly pour the three milk mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. You may need to do this in batches, letting the milk mixture absorb before adding more.
6. Chill the Cake:
   • Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture.
7. Prepare the Topping:
   • Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
   • Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the whipped cream, if desired.
   • Slice the cake and serve chilled. Enjoy the moist and creamy texture of this classic Three Milk Cake!

Tips:

• Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before poking holes and pouring the milk mixture to prevent it from falling apart.
• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rum or Kahlua to the three milk mixture.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This Three Milk Cake is a beloved dessert with its irresistible combination of moist cake and creamy milk soak. It’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of desserts!