Chilean Torta Tres Leches, also known as Three Milk Cake, is a popular dessert in Chile that is moist, creamy, and bursting with flavor. This cake is made with three types of milk: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, which give it a unique and irresistible taste.
Tres Leches Cake is believed to have origins in Latin America, with many countries claiming its creation. However, its popularity in Chile has made it a staple in Chilean cuisine. The cake likely became popular in the mid-20th century when canned milk products were widely distributed throughout Latin America. Its light, airy texture combined with the rich milk mixture makes it a beloved dessert for special occasions and everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit or berries (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk, and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
For the Milk Mixture:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream until well combined.
2. Once the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, use a fork or toothpick to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This will allow the milk mixture to soak into the cake.
3. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula to smooth the mixture over the top of the cake.
4. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture.
To Serve:
1. Once the cake has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the cake into individual servings.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy! Optionally, top with whipped cream and fresh fruit or berries for added flavor and decoration.
Notes:
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a twist, you can add a splash of rum or coconut milk to the milk mixture for extra flavor.
Nutrition Value:
For the Cake:
1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: 682
- Carbohydrates: 144g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Provides energy, essential for baking structure
2. 1 tsp baking powder
- Calories: 2
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 488mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Leavening agent, helps the cake rise
3. 1/2 tsp salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1160mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor, controls yeast growth
4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Calories: 814
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 92g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Cholesterol: 244mg
- Vitamins: A, E, K
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Adds moisture and flavor, provides essential fatty acids
5. 1 cup granulated sugar
- Calories: 774
- Carbohydrates: 200g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Sweetens the cake, provides energy
6. 5 large eggs
- Calories: 354
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 308mg
- Cholesterol: 1865mg
- Vitamins: A, D, E, B12
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, selenium
- Nutritional benefit: Adds structure, moisture, and richness, provides protein and essential nutrients
7. 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Adds flavor
8. 1/2 cup whole milk
- Calories: 76
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 52mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Vitamins: A, D, B12
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Adds moisture, provides protein and essential vitamins and minerals
For the Milk Mixture:
9. 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- Calories: 1220
- Carbohydrates: 200g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 294mg
- Cholesterol: 122mg
- Vitamins: A, D, B12
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Adds sweetness and richness, provides protein and calcium
10. 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- Calories: 495
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 27g
- Sodium: 285mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Vitamins: A, D, B12
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Adds creaminess, provides protein and essential vitamins and minerals
11. 1 cup heavy cream
- Calories: 821
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 88g
- Sodium: 66mg
- Cholesterol: 328mg
- Vitamins: A, D
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Adds richness and creaminess, provides essential fatty acids
For Serving:
12. Whipped cream
- Calories: 52 (per tablespoon)
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 16mg
- Vitamins: A, D
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Adds a light, creamy texture and flavor
13. Fresh fruit or berries (optional)
- Calories: Varies by fruit
- Carbohydrates: Varies by fruit
- Protein: Varies by fruit
- Fat: Varies by fruit
- Sodium: Varies by fruit
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, A
- Minerals: Potassium, fiber
- Nutritional benefit: Adds natural sweetness, vitamins, and fiber, enhances flavor and presentation
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