Easy Tres Leches Cake Recipe Made with a Cake Mix
Want to know something? There is no reason to wait for Cinco De Mayo to make Tres Leches Cake when you have an easy recipe like this one. In fact, you can have this moist vanilla cake with three milks that is topped with whipped topping and fruit any day of the year. All you need are a few simple ingredients. This Tres Leches Cake starts with a cake mix which makes it super simple and perfect for any celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it for yourself!
Do you love Mexican inspired desserts? Try these Churro Bars!!
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What is Tres Leches Cake?
Tres Leches Cake is a cake that is popular in Mexico and Latin America. You can often find it on the menu of Mexican restaurants.
Tres, means three and leches, means milk…so this cake is soaked in a mixture of three milks. Whole milk, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are combined to make a sweet milk mixture that is poured over the baked cake.
The cake is then served cold, covered in a whipped cream topping and fresh fruit for a refreshing and surprisingly light dessert.
Ingredients Needed for your Tres Leche Cake
Cake-
- Vanilla Cake Mix-A perfect and simple start to a delicious cake.
- Butter-Melted and added in place of oil to give the cake a rich flavor and nice texture.
- Milk-Used in place of water.
- Eggs-An extra egg is added to help give the cake a lighter texture.
Milk Mixture-
- Whole Milk-Heavy cream can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk-Sold in a can in the baking section of the grocery store. This thick milk will give the mixture a nice sweet flavor.
- Evaporated Milk-Also sold in a can in the baking section of the grocery store.
Toppings-
- Whipped Topping-Homemade whipped cream can also be made if desired.
- Fresh Fruit-I love using raspberries but any kind of fresh fruit would be delightful on this cake.
How to Make Tres Leches Cake with a Cake Mix
- Combine a vanilla cake mix, 1 stick of melted butter, 1 cup of milk, 4 eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla. Mix using a hand-held mixer {or by hand} until everything is incorporated. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
- While the Tres Leches Cake is cooling, whisk together whole milk, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. I like to mix it in a pitcher or something that is easy to pour. After the cake has cooled for at least 15 minutes, poke holes in it using a toothpick or skewer. I would suggest holes every half inch or so.
- Then pour the milk mixture over the top of the cake, making sure to evenly distribute it over all of the holes you poked. Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour but preferably longer. Then cover with whipped topping and fresh fruit.
5 Top Tips for the Best Tres Leches Cake with a Cake Mix
- Let the cake cool before poking holes. If you poke holes too early, then the cake will stick to whatever you use to make the holes.
- Mix the milk mixture together well before pouring. You want the milks to be mixed well and evenly distributed over the cake.
- Allow time for the cake to refrigerate after pouring the milk on. I suggest at least an hour but overnight is even better.
- Keep the Tres Leches Cake refrigerated.
- Serve with seasonal fresh fruit right before serving.
Other Topping Suggestions for your Tres Leche Cake with a Cake Mix
I would not stray from the whipped topping {or fresh whipped cream} on this Tres Leches Cake but there are many options when it comes to what to add on top of that. I love raspberries but here are a few other ideas I think you will love.
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Mangos
- Toasted Coconut
- Pecans
- Pineapple
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Tres Leches Cake be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make it 1 or 2 days ahead of time. In fact, I think this cake is best made the day before serving.
Is Tres Leches Cake supposed to be soggy?
A Tres Leches Cake should not be soggy. Rather, it should be the texture of a custard when serving. There will however be a puddle of milk when you cut it with a fork.
Can I freeze Tres Leches Cake?
You can freeze the cake itself once it has cooled completely for up to 3 months. Do not freeze the cake with the milk mixture poured over the top however.
Instead, thaw the cake and then pour the milk mixture over the cake. Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for at least 1 hour, top with whipped topping, fruit and then serve.
Do I have to use all 3 kinds of milk?
Yes, I would not make this cake without using all three kinds of milk. The combination of these three milks is what gives this cake the iconic flavor that you know and love.
Leaving one of them out may change the taste and texture of the Tres Leches cake.
Want to know what to serve with Tres Leches Cake? Try these recipes…
- Churro Bars
- Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Easy Doritos Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Easy Baked Churros
- Crock Pot Taco Soup with Ground Beef
- No Bake Key Lime Pie
Tres Leches Cake with a Cake Mix
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix {15.25 ounces}
- ½ cup butter {melted}
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Milk Mixture
- 1 ½ cup whole milk
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 16 ounces evaporated milk
Toppings
- 8 ounce whipped topping
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Combine cake ingredients and mix with a hand held mixer {or by hand}. Mix until all of the ingredients are nicely combined {about 2 minutes}. Pour into the prepared 9x13 pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake is cooked through. You can tell it is finished when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling combine the milk mixture and whisk. Once the cake has cooled poke holes in the top of the cake with a tooth pick or skewer. Poke the holes about about a half inch apart all over the top of the cake. Then pour the milk mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer {even overnight}.
- Once the cake has refrigerated for at least an hour, top with whipped topping and fresh berries. Serve or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
