Ingredients
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
Milk Mixture
– 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– 1/4 cup whole milk
Toppings
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
– Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of the sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and doubled in volume. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
2. Make the Milk Mixture
1. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
3. Assemble the Cake
1. Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
2. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it soaks in evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture.
4. Prepare the Topping
1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
5. Serve
1. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the whipped cream and garnish with fresh fruit.
2. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Enjoy your delicious Tres Leches Cake!