Description
A rich, moist tres leches cake infused with buttery toasted pecans, soaked in a creamy three-milk mixture, topped with luscious whipped cream and extra pecans for delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 large eggs, separated
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional toasted pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Gradually fold in the flour mixture.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined. Stir in the toasted pecans.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and melted butter.
- Once cake is cooled, poke holes all over surface with fork or skewer. Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- To prepare topping, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream evenly over soaked cake.
- Garnish with additional toasted pecans. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days but is best enjoyed within 2 days.
Do not freeze the cake to preserve texture.
For nut allergies, substitute pecans with toasted coconut flakes or omit nuts.
Try toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Use whipped coconut cream for a lighter topping alternative.
Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or caramel drizzle enhances the flavor.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, soaking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg