Cuisine : Tres Leches Cake : How to make this delightful tasty cake

 

Tres Leches Cake, also known as "Pastel de Tres Leches," is a popular and delicious dessert in many Latin American countries, including Mexico and Central America. The name translates to "Three Milks Cake" because it is soaked in a mixture of three different types of milk. Here's how it's typically made:

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

- 1/3 cup whole milk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Three Milk Mixture:

- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

- 1 cup whole milk

For the Topping:

- 2 cups heavy cream

- 1/4 cup powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar until they become pale and creamy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

4. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

5. Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites, and then fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a while, then poke it all over with a fork or skewer.

8. In a separate bowl, combine the three different milks (sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk). Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it's absorbed evenly. Refrigerate the cake for at least a few hours or overnight, allowing it to soak up the milk mixture.

9. Before serving, make the whipped cream topping. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread this over the chilled cake.

10. You can garnish the Tres Leches Cake with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or fresh fruit if you like.

Tres Leches Cake is incredibly moist and sweet due to the milk soak, and the whipped cream topping adds a delightful touch. It's a favorite dessert for special occasions and gatherings.