Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This temperature creates the perfect environment for baking a cake that’s fluffy and tender. While the oven warms up grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure that your Tres Leches Cake slides out easily once baked giving you a picture-perfect presentation.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together your flour baking powder and a pinch of salt. This crucial step ensures that your cake will rise beautifully providing that light and airy texture that’s characteristic of the perfect Tres Leches Cake. Set this mixture aside and get ready for some serious mixing.

Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl crack open your eggs and add the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the mixture on high speed until it’s pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 5 minutes. The goal here is to incorporate air which will make your cake light-as-a-feather. You’ll know you’re ready when the batter forms ribbon-like trails that gently fall back when you lift the beaters.

Step 4: Add Ingredients Slowly

Now gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture from earlier alternating with the milk. Pouring the milk in gradually ensures that everything incorporates smoothly without deflating your whipped eggs. Mix until just combined keeping that light texture intact. The batter will be slightly lumpy—that’s perfectly fine!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and evenly distribute it. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. As it bakes your kitchen will fill with a delightful aroma giving you a taste of the sweet magic to come with your Tres Leches Cake.

Step 6: Prepare the Milk Mixture

While your cake is baking it’s time to create the luxurious soaking mixture that truly brings the Tres Leches Cake to life! In a bowl whisk together evaporated milk sweetened condensed milk and whole milk. This rich concoction is what makes the cake moist and decadent. Set it aside allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Soak the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven allow it to cool slightly. While it’s still warm poke holes all over the surface with a fork to help the milk mixture absorb into the cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top letting it soak in completely. Don’t rush this you want every bite of your Tres Leches Cake to be infused with flavor.

Step 8: Refrigerate and Whip Cream

Cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can wait that long! This chilling time is essential for allowing the flavors to develop fully. When you’re ready to serve whip heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form. This light and fluffy topping will balance the richness of the cake.

Step 9: Top and Serve

Once the cream is ready spread it generously over the top of the chilled cake. You can even put it into a piping bag to create swirls and patterns—get creative! Finish off with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some fresh fruit if you desire. Each slice of your Tres Leches Cake should look as good as it tastes!