Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake Recipe is light and creamy, which uses a sponge cake base and a rich three-milk soak. It’s a classic, foolproof dessert recipe, ready in under 1 hour (plus chilling time).

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Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake Recipe Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup plus 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Milk Mixture

• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
• Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean

For the Topping

• 8 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Sifted confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
• Whipped cream, for serving

How To Make Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake Recipe

1. Prepare the cake batter: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking pan. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. In a mixer, beat eggs, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla for 10 minutes until fluffy. Lower speed, add half the dry mix, then milk, then remaining dry mix. Stir gently to combine.
2. Bake the cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes until cake springs back when touched and a tester comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
3. Soak with three milks: In a measuring cup, whisk heavy cream, evaporated milk, condensed milk, almond extract, and vanilla bean seeds. Poke holes all over cooled cake with a skewer and slowly pour milk mixture over cake until fully absorbed. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours.
4. Prepare the strawberry topping: Toss sliced strawberries with remaining 5 tablespoons sugar to macerate.
5. Serve: Dust cake with confectioners’ sugar, cut into squares, add macerated strawberries and whipped cream, and serve chilled.

Recipe Tips

• How long should tres leches cake chill? At least 6 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, it tastes better the next day as the milk fully soaks in.
• How to prevent a soggy bottom: Don’t over-pour the milk; let it absorb gradually.
• Can I use store-bought whipped cream? Yes, but freshly whipped cream gives better texture.
• Can I skip the almond extract? Yes, just use extra vanilla for a classic flavor.

What To Serve With Tres Leches Cake

This creamy dessert pairs perfectly with:

• Fresh tropical fruit like mango or pineapple
• A drizzle of caramel or dulce de leche
• Strong coffee or espresso
• Vanilla bean ice cream

How To Store Tres Leches Cake

Refrigerate: Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Not recommended, as the milk mixture may separate and affect texture.

Tres Leches Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 20g
• Sugar: 40g
  Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
No, evaporated milk adds richness and thickness that regular milk can’t replicate.

Why is my tres leches cake falling apart?
It may have been underbaked or soaked too quickly. Ensure cake is fully cooled and firm before adding milk.

Do I need to refrigerate tres leches cake?
Yes, the milk mixture makes it perishable—always store chilled.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, prepare it a day ahead for even better flavor.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chocolate Flourless Cake Recipe
• Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
• Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe