Vanilla Tres Leches Cake with Whipped Cream

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist vanilla cake soaked in a blend of three milks, crowned with airy whipped cream. This latin american-inspired quick meals ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder 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 350 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 12 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 4 large eggs with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  5. Step 5: In a bowl, combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 can sweetened condensed milk. Pour this mixture over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak for at least 2 hours.
  6. Step 6: Before serving, top with 1 cup whipped cream.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vanilla Tres Leches Cake with Whipped Cream take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 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 Vanilla Tres Leches Cake with Whipped Cream?

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 Vanilla Tres Leches Cake with Whipped Cream?

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 Vanilla Tres Leches Cake with Whipped Cream 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 Vanilla Tres Leches Cake with Whipped Cream?

Latin American quick meals 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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