Easy recipe: Tres leches (milk cakes)

This a delicious cake that melts in the palate. Tres Leches literally means “three milks”,  and tres leches cake is an ultra light sponge cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture. It is popular in Mexico and Latin America. 

What you will need:

1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

5 large eggs, separated

1 cup sugar, divided

1/3 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

350g evaporated milk 

350g sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup whole milk

Baking pan and electric mixer/beater

For the topping:

500ml heavy whipping cream 

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a baking pan with butter. 

2. In a big bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Separate the eggs into two separate bowls (medium sized). 

3. Add 3/4 cup sugar to the bowl with the egg yolks and mix on high speed until yolks are pale yellow. Add the 1/3 cup milk and vanilla and stir to combine.  

4. Pour the egg yolk mixture over the flour mixture and stir gently just until combined. 

5. Use electric beaters to beat the egg whites on high speed. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar as you mix and continue beating until stiff peaks. Fold egg whites into the batter gently, just until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan. 

6. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely. 

7. Combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk in a small bowl. Once the cake has cooled use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.  

8. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top of the cake, making sure to pour near the edges and all around. 

9. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour or overnight, to allow it to soak up the milk. In the meantime, whip the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until peaks are stiff. Smooth over the top of the cake. Garnish with your favourite chocolate slices, if desired. 

TIP: Evaporated milk and condensed milk are available in major supermarkets in varied brands and quantities (350-410g). Adjust as needed to fit the recipe.