Tres Leches Cake with Cilantro
A Mexican tres leches cake infused with fresh cilantro for a unique herbal twist. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers all-purpose flour, sugar, 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 260 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and 4 eggs until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, about 2-3 minutes. Tip: Ensure the sugar is fully incorporated to avoid gritty texture.
- Step 2: Pour the batter into a 9x13-inch greased baking tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tip: Use non-stick spray or butter for best results.
- Step 3: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the tin halfway through baking for even browning.
- Step 4: Once the cake is removed from the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes at room temperature to firm up slightly before pouring the milk mixture.
- Step 5: Drizzle 3 cups milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to absorb for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro over the top, pressing gently to ensure even distribution. Tip: Use fresh cilantro for the brightest flavor.
- Step 6: Let the cake sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, allowing the milk to fully soak into the cake layers before serving. Tip: For a richer flavor, refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tres Leches Cake with Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Tres Leches Cake with Cilantro?
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 Tres Leches Cake with Cilantro?
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 Tres Leches Cake with Cilantro 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 Tres Leches Cake with Cilantro?
Mexican desserts 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mexican come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
