Pastel de Tres Leches

Pastel de Tres Leches is a white cake soaked in three types of milk and finished with a layer of fresh whipped cream. I am simplifying this indulgent dessert by using a box cake mix and substituting a couple of ingredients to mimic a homemade taste.

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Pastel de Tres Leches translates to Cake of 3 Milks. My family loves this cake so much they ask for it at every special occasion. I’ve made it from scratch a few times, but recently, I tried using a boxed cake mix without telling them. Surprisingly, no one noticed the difference—not even me! The box cake actually turned out more moist than the homemade version.

Using a box cake mix, makes this recipe less hassle since you don’t have to measure too many ingredients. I also like using a few swaps for the cake ingredients to give it a ‘homemade’ taste. Try this Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake.

Ingredients for Pastel de Tres Leches

These are the simple ingredients needed to make pastel de tres leches.

• Heavy cream– This will be used for the homemade whipped cream along with sugar and vanilla extract which is not pictured.
• Whole milk– The box cake mix calls for water, but we will replace it with milk. There is also milk in the 3 milk mixture.
• Sweetened condensed milk– This is the second milk in the mixture and adds sweetness to the cake. I listed the entire can, but I prefer to use about 10 ounces for a less sweeter cake.
• Evaporated milk– This is the third milk in the milk mixture.
• Eggs– The box cake mix calls for 3 eggs, but we will use 4 eggs for a lighter crumb texture.
• Butter– Another substitution for the box cake mix is melted unsalted butter instead of oil.
• Strawberries– This is optional, but I like to garnish the tres leches cake with sliced strawberries. Other options include mixed berries or sprinkled cinnamon.
• White box cake mix– I used Betty Crocker’s super moist white cake mix, but any white box cake mix will work.
• Ground Cinnamon– Optional, but I like to add cinnamon to the milk mixture.

Preparing the Cake

Start by greasing a 9×13 baking dish. Then make the box cake mix according to the instructions but substituting the following:

• Melted Butter for the Oil
• Whole Milk for Water
• 4 Eggs instead of 3

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake it according to the directions. I did 30 minutes, but I checked the cake and removed it once a toothpick came out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for about 20 minutes. While the cake is cooling, combine the remaining whole, evaporated, and sweetened condensed milk in a large measuring cup. I also like to add some ground cinnamon to the milk mixture, but that’s optional.

Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly on top of the cake, waiting for it to soak into the cake before adding more. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.

The same milk mixture is used to make Arroz Con Leche, Mexican rice pudding.

How to Serve and Store

Before serving the Tres leches cake, you’ll need to make the homemade whipped cream or use a store bought one like cool whip.

Place your bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for a few minutes. Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar to the bowl. Whisk at medium to high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the whipped cream to the cake and spread evenly. Top with strawberry slices, fresh berries, or more ground cinnamon.

The first slice is always hard to get pretty, but it’s ok because your family or guests will love this cake! And you can be happy you didn’t spend much time making it.

Any leftover tres leches cake can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing the cake once the milk mixture and whipped cream have been added.

Instead, you can wrap the baked cake in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. To serve, defrost it in a pan and poke holes to add the milk mixture. Place it in the refrigerator for 4 hours, then add the whipped cream before serving.

I’ve since made 2 variations of tres leches cake, Strawbery Tres Leches and Pumpkin Tres Leches. Check them out and let me know if you try them!

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