Colombian Tres Leches Cake, also known as "Three Milk Cake," is a delectable and moist dessert soaked in a blend of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. This popular Latin American treat is known for its rich, creamy texture and irresistible sweetness. The cake is first baked to a golden perfection and then drenched in the three-milk mixture, allowing it to absorb the flavors and become incredibly moist. It's topped with a light whipped cream and can be garnished with fresh fruit or other decorations for a touch of elegance. Perfect for celebrations or as a comforting indulgence, Tres Leches Cake is a beloved classic in Colombian cuisine.
Tres Leches Cake has deep roots in Latin American culture, with variations found across the region. Its origin is often debated, but it is widely believed to have been inspired by traditional European milk-based desserts, brought to the Americas by Spanish colonizers. In Colombia and other Latin American countries, Tres Leches Cake became a staple for its luxurious texture and simple, accessible ingredients. The cake's popularity has spread internationally, earning a place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 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 evaporated milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
6. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While baking, prepare the milk mixture by whisking together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
9. Cool the cake for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over with a fork.
10. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
11. To make the whipped cream topping, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
12. Spread whipped cream over the top of the cake and decorate with fresh fruit if desired.
Notes:
- Allow the cake to cool before adding the milk mixture to avoid sogginess.
- You can use different pan sizes if needed; adjust baking times accordingly.
- For an adult twist, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy to the milk mixture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Value:
1. All-purpose flour
- Calories: 455 per cup
- Carbohydrates: 95 g per cup
- Protein: 13 g per cup
- Fat: 1.2 g per cup
- Sodium: 2 mg per cup
- Cholesterol: 0 mg per cup
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (e.g., niacin, thiamine)
- Minerals: Provides iron and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: All-purpose flour is a staple source of carbohydrates and protein, providing energy for daily activities. Its small amounts of B vitamins support metabolic functions.
2. Baking powder
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg per tsp
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Provides sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Baking powder helps the cake rise by creating carbon dioxide gas, which improves texture.
3. Unsalted butter
- Calories: 102 per tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 11.5 g
- Sodium: 1 mg per tbsp
- Cholesterol: 31 mg per tbsp
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Unsalted butter adds flavor and moistness to baked goods. It provides essential fatty acids and vitamins for overall health.
4. Granulated sugar
- Calories: 49 per tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 12.6 g per tbsp
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Granulated sugar provides a quick source of energy, though it should be consumed in moderation due to its high caloric content.
5. Eggs
- Calories: 72 per large egg
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g per egg
- Protein: 6 g per egg
- Fat: 5 g per egg
- Sodium: 71 mg per egg
- Cholesterol: 186 mg per egg
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamins A, D, and B12
- Minerals: Provides iron, zinc, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are a high-quality protein source and contain essential nutrients for muscle repair and overall health.
6. Vanilla extract
- Calories: 12 per tsp
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g per tsp
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg per tsp
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains trace amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Vanilla extract adds flavor without significant nutritional impact.
7. Whole milk
- Calories: 150 per cup
- Carbohydrates: 12 g per cup
- Protein: 8 g per cup
- Fat: 8 g per cup
- Sodium: 98 mg per cup
- Cholesterol: 31 mg per cup
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamins A, D, and B12
- Minerals: Provides calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Whole milk is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins for bone health.
8. Evaporated milk
- Calories: 340 per cup
- Carbohydrates: 26 g per cup
- Protein: 17 g per cup
- Fat: 18 g per cup
- Sodium: 350 mg per cup
- Cholesterol: 85 mg per cup
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Evaporated milk adds creaminess and is a concentrated source of protein and calcium.
9. Sweetened condensed milk
- Calories: 982 per cup
- Carbohydrates: 266 g per cup
- Protein: 24 g per cup
- Fat: 14 g per cup
- Sodium: 370 mg per cup
- Cholesterol: 60 mg per cup
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and richness, though it is high in calories and sugar.
10. Heavy cream
- Calories: 51 per tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g per tbsp
- Protein: 0.3 g per tbsp
- Fat: 5.5 g per tbsp
- Sodium: 6 mg per tbsp
- Cholesterol: 33 mg per tbsp
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Heavy cream adds richness and flavor, and provides a source of fat and calcium.
11. Powdered sugar
- Calories: 30 per tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 8 g per tbsp
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten and texture whipped cream, though it has minimal nutritional value.
12. Whipped cream (heavy cream)
- Calories: 51 per tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g per tbsp
- Protein: 0.3 g per tbsp
- Fat: 5.5 g per tbsp
- Sodium: 6 mg per tbsp
- Cholesterol: 33 mg per tbsp
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Whipped cream adds a light, airy texture and a rich flavor to desserts, contributing to the overall indulgence of the dish.
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