Mexican
Pastel de Tres Leches
An airy vanilla sponge absorbs condensed, evaporated, and whole milk without collapsing, then rests under a restrained cap of cinnamon-scented whipped cream.
12 servings · 35 minutes prep · 30 minutes cook
Ingredients
Vanilla Sponge
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, for the yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for the meringue
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- as needed, for the pan bottom
Three-Milk Soak
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Bake the Sponge
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Use the cooking spray to lightly coat only the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch cake pan. Beat the yolks of the eggs with the yolk sugar until pale and thick. Mix in the milk and vanilla.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt separately, then fold into the yolks. Beat the whites to soft peaks, gradually add the meringue sugar, and beat to glossy medium peaks. Fold into the batter in three additions.
- Spread evenly and bake until the center springs back and a tester is clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Soak and Chill
- Whisk the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Pierce the warm cake all over with a skewer.
- Pour the milk mixture slowly over the cake in three passes, waiting 5 minutes between each. Cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Finish and Serve
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to medium peaks. Spread over the cold cake and dust lightly with the cinnamon.
- Cut with a clean knife and serve chilled, ensuring each square carries its full layer of cream. Keep the finished cake covered at 40°F or below, refrigerate within 2 hours of service (1 hour above 90°F), and use within 3 to 4 days.
