Welcome to a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica! Renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Costa Rica also boasts a delightful array of traditional desserts. Among these, the Tres Leches Cake stands out as a beloved classic, capturing the essence of indulgence with every heavenly bite.

Originating from Central America, Tres Leches Cake is a moist and decadent sponge cake soaked in a trio of creamy milks—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Each forkful offers a symphony of textures, from the softness of the cake to the lusciousness of the milk mixture. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit, this dessert epitomizes the sweet pleasures of Costa Rican cuisine.

Join us as we unveil the secrets behind crafting the perfect Tres Leches Cake, inviting you to savor the irresistible flavors of Costa Rica in your own kitchen. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of tropical paradise, this recipe promises to delight your senses and transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Pura Vida. Let's embark on this culinary escapade together and create memories to cherish with every delectable slice. ¡Buen provecho!

Ingredients:

For the sponge cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the milk mixture:

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

For the topping:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon or fresh fruit, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

4- In another large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and creamy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.

5- Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just combined. Then, fold in the beaten egg whites until no streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

6- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7- While the cake is baking, prepare the milk mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Set aside.

8- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cake.

9- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the warm cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for even better results.

10- Before serving, prepare the topping by whipping the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.

11- Optionally, garnish the cake with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or fresh fruit.

12- Slice and serve the Tres Leches Cake chilled. Enjoy the creamy, indulgent goodness of this Costa Rican delight!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Total Fat: 1.2g
• Total Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 12.9g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and a source of dietary fiber.

Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 3
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise and become fluffy.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in baked goods.

Eggs, separated (4 large eggs):

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 20g
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 24g

benefits:Rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Granulated sugar (1 cup), divided:

• Calories: 774
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds sweetness and helps to tenderize the cake while providing quick energy.

Whole milk (1/3 cup):

• Calories: 52
• Total Fat: 1.7g
• Total Carbohydrates: 4.8g
• Protein: 3.3g

benefits:Provides calcium, protein, and vitamins D and B12 for bone health and overall nutrition.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Enhances flavor and aroma, adding depth to the cake's taste.

Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 ounces):

• Calories: 630
• Total Fat: 24g
• Total Carbohydrates: 72g
• Protein: 36g

benefits:Adds richness and creaminess to the milk mixture, contributing to the cake's moist texture.

Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces):

• Calories: 1435
• Total Fat: 38.5g
• Total Carbohydrates: 238g
• Protein: 35g

benefits:Adds sweetness and richness to the milk mixture, making it creamy and indulgent.

Heavy cream (1 cup):

• Calories: 821
• Total Fat: 88g
• Total Carbohydrates: 6.6g
• Protein: 4.9g

benefits:Adds richness and creaminess to both the milk mixture and the whipped cream topping.

Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups):

• Calories: 1232
• Total Fat: 132g
• Total Carbohydrates: 9.9g
• Protein: 7.4g

benefits:Adds richness and creaminess to both the milk mixture and the whipped cream topping.

Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Sweetens and thickens the whipped cream topping, providing a smooth texture.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients. Additionally, the nutritional values for garnishes like ground cinnamon or fresh fruit are not included as they can vary widely based on the type and amount used.