Baked Tres Leches Cake with Cinnamon and Lime Zest
A moist sponge cake soaked in a blend of three milks, infused with cinnamon and lime zest for a festive Cinco de Mayo dessert. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, separated large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 5, separated large eggs
- 1 cup, divided granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 cup, for topping whipped cream
- for dusting ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 5 egg yolks with 1/2 cup granulated sugar on high speed for 3 minutes until thick and pale. Stir in 1/2 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat 5 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Step 5: Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions, preserving as much air as possible.
- Step 6: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: While cake bakes, whisk together 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp lime zest.
- Step 8: When cake is done, allow to cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over with a fork and slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Step 9: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to absorb the milks fully.
- Step 10: Before serving, spread 1 cup whipped cream evenly on top and dust lightly with ground cinnamon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Tres Leches Cake with Cinnamon and Lime Zest take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Tres Leches Cake with Cinnamon and Lime Zest?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Tres Leches Cake with Cinnamon and Lime Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Tres Leches Cake with Cinnamon and Lime Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Tres Leches Cake with Cinnamon and Lime Zest?
Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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