Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake

This Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake uses a box mix combined with three different types of milk to create one easy and delicious cake.

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake with whipped cream frosting, topped with a strawberry and served on plates

Tres Leches Cake is a beloved Latin American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The moist cake is soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy texture that is hard to resist. However, making it from scratch can be quite time-consuming and involve a lot of ingredients. That’s where this Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake recipe comes in. By starting with a store-bought cake mix, you can cut down on time and effort while still enjoying a delicious and moist cake.

When is Tres Leches Cake Served?

Tres Leches Cake is traditionally served for celebrations. Many Mexicans and those from bordering states, often celebrate birthdays, graduations, Quinceañeras and weddings with this cake. This sweet and decadent cake is always front and center at any family gathering or party. In addition, this cake is perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Different variations of this cake

One of the best things about Tres Leches Cake is its versatility. There are countless ways to add a modern twist to this classic dessert. Here are some of our favorite variations:

  • Chocolate Tres Leches Cake: Swap out the vanilla cake for a chocolate cake and drizzle chocolate syrup over the top.
  • Strawberry Tres Leches Cake: Use a strawberry cake mix instead of vanilla.
  • Lavender Tres Leches Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of dried lavender to the milk mixture for a unique floral twist.
  • Coffee Tres Leches Cake: Mix 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee into the milk mixture for a delicious coffee-infused cake.
Tres Leches Cake with whipped cream frosting and topped with a strawberry

Add these great toppings to your Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s always fun to add some toppings to take it to the next level. 

  • Fruit topping: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, bananas, etc. add sweetness and color to your cake. Pick your favorites or add a combination of several different fruits. There’s no wrong way to top your cake!
  • Nuts: Almonds, walnuts and pecans add some nice crunch and flavor.
  • Coconut: The addition of coconut adds a tropical flavor. Use sweetened or toasted coconut for some extra crunch.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin chocolate rings and sprinkle them over the top of the cake.
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or a combination of sugar and cinnamon to the top of your cake.
Delicious three milk Mexican dessert topped with whipped cream frosting and a strawberry

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake-Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • baking spray with flour

Tres Leches 

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Whipped Cream Frosting

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2/3 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking pan with baking spray with flour. 
  • Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
  • Bake as directed on the box, (25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan and place on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
  • While the cake is cooling, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy whipping cream. Use a whisk and combine until blended. 
  • Using a fork, generously poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Pour milk mixture slowly over the entire cake, filling all the holes. Continue to cool on the wire rack for 30 additional minutes. Then refrigerate, covered for at least 3 hours. For best results refrigerate overnight.
Sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy whipping cream mixed together and poured over a warm cake
  • In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar and pure vanilla extract. Beat until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream frosting over the entire cake.
9x13 inch dessert topped with whipped cream frosting
  • Add your favorite toppings and cut into slices.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tres Leches Cake with whipped cream frosting and topped with a strawberry

How long does it keep?

Keep this cake in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. However, the whipped cream frosting may not be as light and fluffy after a few days.

Why you’ll love this recipe!

This Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious dessert without all the time and effort of making it from scratch. With just a few key ingredients and some simple steps, you can have a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, with so many options for toppings and variations, you can make this cake your own and get creative in the kitchen. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, give this recipe a try and see just how delicious semi-homemade Tres Leches Cake can be.

Try these great Mexican appetizers, mains and drinks too!

Appetizers

Healthy and Delicious Guacamole

Carne Asada Nachos

The Best Taco Dip

Mains

Barbacoa Style Short Rib Tacos

The Best Easy Chili

Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Drinks

Fresh Peach Margarita

Peach Margarita in a cocktail glass garnished with a peach slice and flower

The Elderflower Margarita

Spicy Paloma Cocktail

Tres Leches Cake

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake

This Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake uses a box mix combined with three different types of milk to create one easy and delicious cake. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling and Refrigeration 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Latin American, Mexican
Servings 20 servings

Equipment

  • 13×9 inch baking pan
  • hand mixer
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • baking spray with flour

Tres Leches

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
  • 1 can evaporated milk 12 oz
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Whipped Cream Frosting

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2/3 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking pan with baking spray with flour.
  • Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
  • Bake as directed on the box, (25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan and place on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
  • While the cake is cooling, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy whipping cream. Use a whisk and combine until blended.
  • Using a fork, generously poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Pour milk mixture slowly over the entire cake, filling all the holes. Continue to cool on the wire rack for 30 additional minutes. Then refrigerate, covered for at least 3 hours. For best results refrigerate overnight.
  • In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and pure vanilla extract. Beat until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream frosting over the entire cake.
  • Add your favorite toppings and cut into slices.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Keyword Box Cake, Celebration Cake, Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Mayo Dessert, Mexican Dessert, Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake, Three Milk Cake, Tres Leches Cake

Delicious three milk Mexican dessert topped with whipped cream frosting and a strawberry

Sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy whipping cream mixed together and poured over a warm cake

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake with whipped cream frosting and topped with a strawberry

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake with whipped cream frosting and topped with a strawberry

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake with whipped cream frosting and topped with a strawberry

Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake with whipped cream frosting and topped with a strawberry

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