Vanilla Tres Leche

Tres Leches is a very popular Mexican dessert. It’s a really rich sponge cake with three different milks soaked into it, hence tres leche. This recipe has been with me for quite sometime, and haven’t shared it yet. But with Cinco De Mayo around the corner it’s time to celebrate! I used to work at a bakery and made it all the time there. It has become a true favorite in our household. I have made it for a number of holidays and birthdays and it’s always a hit! Hope you love it!!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 cup whole milk
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 vanilla bean
• raspberries for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl combine together the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder and salt, whisk until combined then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter until smooth and then add in the sugar and mix all together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time mixing between each one until it’s incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract. Then gently cut the vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife and using the back of the knife scrap out the vanilla seeds and stir them into the batter. Mix it well making sure to scrape the sides. Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Until golden and when a toothpick is inserted it comes out clean.

While the cake is baking in a large bowl combine the milks together, the whole milk, condensed milk and the evaporated milk. Whisk all together.

Once the cake is baked and slightly warm, it soaks up the milk better when warm. Poke holes in the cake using a fork. Then gently pour the milks over the cake letting it soak it all up as you go. Cover with plastic wrap and let it set in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

While it’s chilling, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on high, when it gets slightly foamy add in the 1/2 vanilla bean, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cake and let continue to chill for about an hour. Garnish with raspberries and then cut into it and enjoy!