Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Gluten-free flour: A substitute for regular flour, ensuring the cake is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.

Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.

Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cake; separated to enhance texture.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.

Whole milk: Contributes to the cake's moistness and richness.

Evaporated milk: A concentrated milk that adds creaminess to the cake.

Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and a dense, rich texture to the cake.

When folding the egg whites into the batter, use a gentle motion to avoid deflating them. This will help maintain the cake's light and airy texture. Use a spatula to cut through the center of the mixture, then lift and fold the batter over the egg whites. Rotate the bowl slightly and repeat until fully incorporated.

• gluten-free flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and is naturally gluten-free, making it a great substitute for gluten-free flour in baking.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder to achieve the same leavening effect.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a good dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and moisture content.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, making it a healthier alternative to regular sugar.

• whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking and has a mild flavor.

• evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk is a rich, dairy-free alternative that provides a similar creamy texture.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk is a dairy-free alternative that offers the same sweetness and thickness.

• Allow the tres leches cake to cool completely before storing. This ensures the milk mixture is fully absorbed and the cake sets properly.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep it moist and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
• Store the covered cake in the refrigerator. The tres leches cake can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, maintaining its deliciously moist texture.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. First, cut the cake into individual servings to make thawing easier.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no part of the cake is exposed to air. Then, wrap again with aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Label the wrapped pieces with the date to keep track of freshness. The tres leches cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To thaw, transfer the desired number of pieces from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow them to thaw overnight for the best texture.
• Once thawed, you can enjoy the tres leches cake straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for a softer bite.

• Tres leches cake is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it warm, here are some methods to reheat it:

1. Microwave Method:

   • Place a slice of tres leches cake on a microwave-safe plate.
   • Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
   • Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 10 seconds if needed.
   • Be cautious not to overheat, as the milk mixture can curdle.

2. Oven Method:

   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • Place the cake slice in an oven-safe dish.
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cake from drying out.
   • Warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 5 minutes if necessary.
   • This method ensures even heating and maintains the cake's texture.

3. Stovetop Steaming Method:

   • Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
   • Place a heatproof plate or a steaming rack over the simmering water.
   • Put the cake slice on the plate or rack and cover the pot with a lid.
   • Steam for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the cake is warming evenly.
   • This gentle method helps retain the cake's moisture and texture.

4. Double Boiler Method:

   • Fill a pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
   • Place a heatproof bowl over the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.
   • Put the cake slice in the bowl and cover it with a lid or foil.
   • Warm for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
   • This method is ideal for maintaining the cake's delicate texture and flavor.

Enjoy your tres leches cake warm, but remember, it's traditionally served chilled for a reason!

• Oven: Used to bake the cake at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking pan: Greased to prevent the cake from sticking and to shape the cake during baking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine ingredients such as the gluten-free flour and baking powder.

• Electric mixer: Helps to beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and to mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Used to whisk together the gluten-free flour and baking powder.

• Spatula: Useful for folding the stiff egg whites into the batter gently.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is baked through by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder and vanilla extract.

• Refrigerator: Needed to chill the cake for at least 4 hours after pouring the milk mixture over it.

• Fork: Used to poke holes all over the cake to allow the milk mixture to soak in evenly.

• Small bowl: Useful for separating the egg yolks from the egg whites.

• Rubber spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the baking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time when beating butter and sugar or whipping egg whites.

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.

Poke holes efficiently: Use a fork to quickly poke holes in the cake for even distribution of the milk mixture.

Refrigerate overnight: Prepare the cake the night before and refrigerate overnight to save time on the day of serving.