Can I make this in a different pan size?

The 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) pan is ideal: it gives you the right depth for the sponge and enough surface area for the milk mixture to penetrate evenly.

How long does tres leches cake last?

Up to 4 days in the fridge, covered. It actually gets better on days 2 and 3 as the sponge keeps absorbing. It doesn't freeze well: the texture of the soaked sponge doesn't survive the freezer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and I strongly recommend it. Bake the cake, add the milk mixture, and refrigerate (covered, without the whipped cream) up to 2 days ahead.

My cake didn't absorb all the liquid: is that normal?

Some liquid will sit at the bottom of the pan and that's completely normal. It gets reabsorbed over time. If the cake seems to be floating in liquid after a few hours, don't panic. Let it rest. By morning it'll be gone.

Strawberries are the classic garnish and look beautiful: slice them and layer on top of the whipped cream just before serving. Fresh mango and pineapple are also incredible. Go classic, go tropical, go with whatever you want.

Tres Leches Cake (3-Ingredient Sponge Cake!)

Tres Leches Cake (3-Ingredient Sponge Cake)

A feather-light 3-ingredient sponge soaked in sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk, topped with pillowy homemade whipped cream. Simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely the cake your family will ask for every time.

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A feather-light 3-ingredient sponge soaked in sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk, topped with pillowy homemade whipped cream. Simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely the cake your family will ask for every time.

Author: Cassis Boeno
Prep Time: 25
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 3h
Yield: 15 slices
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking

Ingredients

Sponge Cake

10 large eggs, room temperature
225g granulated sugar
225g all-purpose flour

Three-Milk Mixture

1 can (395g / 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (354ml / 12 oz) evaporated milk
½ cup (120ml) whole milk

Whipped Cream Topping

3 cups (720ml) heavy cream, cold
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
Ground cinnamon to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sponge Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 10 full minutes, until the mixture is fluffy, pale, and falls in thick ribbons from the whisk (ribbon stage).
Reduce to the lowest speed. Add the flour gradually in 3 additions, taking care not to deflate the batter. Once all the flour is incorporated, beat for 1 more minute and turn off.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.

Three-Milk Mixture

6. Once the cake is completely cool, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface, including the edges and corners.

7. In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk.

8. Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake, letting it absorb as you go.

9. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Whipped Cream

10. In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form.

11. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Assembly

12. Spread the whipped cream over the fully chilled cake.

13. Dust with ground cinnamon if desired. Garnish with sliced strawberries to serve.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. The cake gets even better on days 2 and 3.

Make ahead: Prepare through step 9 up to 2 days in advance. Add the whipped cream a few hours before serving.

The coconut variation: Swap the whole milk for full-fat coconut milk. It adds a subtle tropical flavor that’s absolutely worth trying.

Important: Do not add the whipped cream to a warm cake: it will melt. The cake must be completely cold before topping.

Find it online: https://thelatincrumb.com/tres-leches-cake/