Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of El Salvador with our heavenly Pastel de Tres Leches. This iconic dessert, cherished by locals and revered by visitors, is a symphony of flavors and textures. Picture moist sponge cake delicately soaked in a trio of creamy milks—condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream—creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this dessert is a celebration of sweetness and tradition. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, our Pastel de Tres Leches promises to ignite your senses and leave you craving for more of El Salvador's culinary delights.

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 (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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 until soft peaks form. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 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 fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

5- Gradually fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until well combined.

6- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain.

7- 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.

8- While the cake is baking, prepare the milk mixture by combining the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk in a bowl. Mix well.

9- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes.

10- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

11- Before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

12- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake. Optionally, sprinkle some cinnamon on top for garnish.

13- Slice and serve the Pastel de Tres Leches chilled. Enjoy the rich and creamy indulgence!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Pastel de Tres Leches recipe:

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein for muscle repair and growth.

Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg

benefits:Helps the cake rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas when heated, resulting in a lighter texture.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits:Enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness in baked goods. Also essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.

Large eggs, separated (4):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:Rich source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, and provide vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and choline.

Granulated sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774
• Carbohydrates: 200g

benefits:Adds sweetness and flavor to the cake but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Whole milk (1/3 cup):

• Calories: 52
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:Provides protein, calcium, and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth, along with essential fats for energy.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits:Enhances flavor and aroma in baked goods without adding calories or macronutrients.

Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces):

• Calories: 1,498
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 251g

benefits:Adds sweetness and creaminess to the milk mixture, contributing to the rich flavor of the dessert.

Evaporated milk (12 ounces):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 36g

benefits:Adds richness and creaminess to the milk mixture while providing protein, calcium, and vitamins.

Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups):

• Calories: 1,200
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 120g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:Adds richness and creaminess to the whipped cream topping, providing calories and fat for energy.

Powdered sugar (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 30g

benefits:Used to sweeten and stabilize the whipped cream topping, adding sweetness without a gritty texture.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and serving sizes.