What is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres leches cake is a beloved Mexican dessert that translates to “three milks cake.” It’s a light, sponge-style cake soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. The result? A rich, ultra-moist cake that’s perfect for celebrations—or just satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week.

How to Make Tres Leches Cake

Making tres leches cake is simpler than it looks. Here's a basic outline:

Bake the Cake: Use a light sponge cake recipe, as it soaks up the milk mixture without getting soggy.

Mix the Tres Leches: Combine one can each of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, and add about 1 cup of heavy cream.

Soak the Cake: Once the cake is baked and cooled, poke holes all over and slowly pour the milk mixture over it.

Chill and Top: Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Top with whipped cream or your favorite toppings.

Tres Leches Cake Recipe by Chris Gan
Another cake that has been on my baking bucket list for a while! There are many variations out there, but I preferred to start with a recipe that had a chiffon cake as a base. The Preppy Kitchen website has a great recipe and I used that as a starting point. However, I made some important technical …
CookpadChris Gan

Tres leches is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular twists on the classic:

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake - Strawberries and cream are classic combo!

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake 🍓..! Recipe by Jonas Rojas
Great recipe for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake 🍓..!.
CookpadJonas Rojas

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake - A chocolate sponge soaked in chocolate milk for an even more decadent treat.

Chocolate Tres Leches Recipe by Spoonful Passion
This chocolate version of tres leches cake is the ultimate chocolate treat of all! The chocolate sponge cake is soaked in chocolate milk, to make it moist, soft, and flavorful. It is then topped with chocolate cream. Super indulging and a guaranteed hit. 😋
CookpadSpoonful Passion

Coconut Tres Leches Cake: Substitute coconut milk for some of the dairy and top with shredded coconut for tropical vibes.

Coconut Tres Leches Cake Recipe by Danna Rosales
A classic cake that is a must-have at celebrations.
CookpadDanna Rosales

Caramel Tres Leches Cake: Drizzle with dulce de leche or caramel sauce for a buttery-sweet finish.

Tres Leches (Balkan Version) Recipe by Flavour101
This is a recipe I have been doing for nearly 10 years. The exact origins of the tres leches cake can be traced back to 19th century Mexico, where soaked cakes and sponges were a tradition however for the Balkan Tres Leche one theory is that the popularity of Latin American soap operas in Albania le…
CookpadFlavour101

Each version offers a unique spin while preserving the signature soak-and-serve style that makes tres leches so irresistible.

FAQs About Tres Leches Cake

Q: Can I make tres leches cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it’s better when made a day ahead, allowing the milk to fully soak in.

Q: How long does tres leches cake last in the fridge?
A: Up to 4–5 days. Keep it covered and chilled.

Q: Can I make tres leches cake without eggs?
A: Yes, there are eggless sponge cake recipes that work well for soaking.

Q: Is tres leches cake supposed to be wet?
A: Yes! The cake should be moist and milky, but not mushy. That’s the signature texture.

Q: Can I freeze tres leches cake?
A: It’s not recommended, as the milk mixture may separate after thawing.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these Cookpad categories:

Final Bite

Tres leches cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or exploring fun flavors like strawberry tres leches cake or chocolate tres leches cake, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Browse Cookpad USA to discover how home cooks are making tres leches their own—and don’t forget to share your version too!

Explore all our tres leches cake recipes on Cookpad!

Easy, Irresistible & Authentic Tres Leches Cake Recipes for All Tastes
Indulge in classic, chocolate, and fruity tres leches cakes. Discover these deliciously moist and creamy recipes today!
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