Tres Leches Cake Recipe – Easy Soft and Moist 3 Milk Cake

How to Make Classic Tres Leches Cake: Light, Milky & Delicious

Posted By Shekhar Ahuja on February 2026

What could be more comforting than a soft sponge cake soaked in sweet milk and topped with fluffy cream?

That’s the magic of Tres Leches Cake—a dessert that feels light, rich, and melt-in-the-mouth all at once.

Also known as three milk cake, 3 leches cake, or leche cake, this classic dessert is loved across the world for its ultra-moist texture and gentle sweetness. Whether you’re making a tres leches birthday cake, a festive dessert, or just a treat for milk lovers, this recipe never fails.

In this blog, you’ll learn what tres leches cake is, how to make an easy tres leches recipe at home, and all the tips you need for perfect results.

What Is Tres Leches Cake?

Tres leches cake literally means “three milks cake.”

It is a soft sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three different kinds of milk.

The cake absorbs the milk mixture beautifully, becoming moist without falling apart. Unlike regular cakes, this one is intentionally soaked—and that’s what makes it special.

“Tres leches cake is not baked to stay dry—it’s baked to drink.”

Tres Leches Cake Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Sugar – ¾ cup
Eggs – 4 (separated)
Baking powder – 1 tsp
Vanilla essence – 1 tsp
Salt – a pinch

For the Three Milk Soak

Condensed milk – ½ cup
Evaporated milk – ½ cup
Fresh cream or full-fat milk – ½ cup
(Indian option: Use full-fat milk + fresh cream if evaporated milk is unavailable)

For Topping

Fresh whipping cream – 1 cup
Powdered sugar – 2 tbsp

Optional garnish: fruits, cinnamon, or saffron strands

Tres Leches Cake Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 170°C.
Grease a rectangular or round cake tin and line it with butter paper.
Separate egg whites and yolks.
Beat egg whites with half the sugar until soft peaks form. Keep aside.
In another bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla essence.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture using a spatula.
Now fold in the whipped egg whites in batches.
Do this slowly to keep the batter airy.

“Gentle folding is the secret to a light three milk cake.”

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared tin.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely.

Preparing the Three Milk Mixture

In a bowl, mix condensed milk, evaporated milk, and fresh cream or milk
Whisk until smooth.
Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over using a fork or skewer.
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak fully.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

“This cake tastes better the next day—patience pays.”

Whipped Cream Topping

Beat fresh cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Spread evenly over the soaked cake.

You can garnish with:

Fresh strawberries or mango
A dusting of cinnamon
Saffron milk drizzle for an Indian-style saffron milk cake

No Oil or Butter in the Cake?

Yes, that’s correct.

The traditional tres leches cake recipe uses no oil or butter in the sponge.

Why?

A fat-free sponge absorbs milk better without becoming greasy. The richness comes from the milk soak and cream topping, not from the cake itself.

Best Way to Store Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches cake must be stored in the refrigerator.
Store in an airtight container
Keeps well for 3–4 days
Always serve chilled
Do not freeze—it affects the milk texture.

Why Tres Leches Cake Is So Popular

Extremely moist and soft
Not overly sweet
Perfect for hot weather

Customisable with flavours like coffee, chocolate, or saffron

“A cake that drinks milk and still holds its shape—pure genius.”

Final Thoughts

This tres leches cake recipe easy version proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert. Light sponge, rich milk soak, and fluffy cream—every bite feels like comfort.

Once you try this 3 leches cake easy recipe, it might just become your go-to celebration cake

FAQs

1. What does tres leches cake taste like?

Soft, milky, lightly sweet, and very moist.

2. Can I make tres leches cake eggless?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser.

3. Is tres leches cake very sweet?

No, it’s balanced and not overly sugary.

4. Can I use only one type of milk?

You can, but the classic flavour comes from all three.

5. Is tres leches cake served cold?

Yes, always chilled.

6. Can I add saffron or cardamom?

Yes, for an Indian-style saffron milk cake.

7. How long should the cake soak?

Minimum 4 hours, best overnight.

8. Why is my cake soggy?

Too much milk or warm cake while soaking can cause this.