Tres Leches Cake

Step 1

Turn the oven to 325 degrees F. Make sure to adjust the oven rack to the middle position. grease and flour a 13-by-9 inch pan and set aside. For a taller cake, use an 8 x 8-inch pan. Set it aside. If you check the pictures, this cake is not tall.

Step 2

Place flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-size bowl and whisk together to mix.

Step 3

With an electric mixer, beat the eggs one by one on a medium speed, for about 45-60 seconds, and slowly add the sugar as in a light dusting, until all sugar is incorporated. The egg mix will be very fluffy and be turning a light yellow.

Step 4

Reduce speed of mixer, and slowly add the melted butter, little bit little, and then the vanilla. Keep the mixer running in low. (The butter HAS to be melted and cool if not, it will flatten your bubbles, meaning flat cake)

Step 5

Add the flour in batches (spoon by spoon) and gently fold with a spatula until well combined. DO NOT OVER MIX.

Step 6

Transfer batter to your prepared pan using a rubber spatula to help you spread the evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cake looks light golden or a wooden toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the cake.

Step 7

Remove the cake and transfer to a wired rack to cool completely. Poke the top of the cake using a toothpick, skewer or fork all over.

Step 8

Whisk condensed milk, evaporated milk and cream together with the vanilla and rum in a sauce pan, warm over low heat until completed mixed. Remove from heat and set aside. (Not everyone warms the milk, some people just mix them and pour over the cake, that is a personal choice)

Step 9

Once the cake has cooled, pour the milk mixture over the cake, cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerated for 4 hours or overnight.

Step 10

Place heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla into a bowl and mix on medium speed until soft peaks form. This will take about 2 minutes. I usually place the mixer attachment in the freezer and the bowl in the fridge before making whipping cream. This trick always works to form a smooth and fluffy frosting.

Step 11

For assembly, the cake spread the whipped cream over the cake. Refrigerate to chill until ready to serve. Remember, it is better to leave in the fridge overnight to soak all the three kinds of milk, and decorate with fruit, until ready to serve. (If you are making this cake ahead of time, add the fruit just right before serving time). To make them look shiny you can glaze them with a mix of apricot preserves and water and use a kitchen brush to cover the fruit.