This Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake uses a box mix combined with three different types of milk to create one easy and delicious cake.
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.
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.
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.
- 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!
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
Mains
Barbacoa Style Short Rib Tacos
Drinks
Semi-Homemade Tres Leches Cake
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!
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