Tres Leches de la Costa

Tres Leches de la Costa is a delightful dessert that hails from the coastal regions, where the fusion of creamy textures and rich flavors create a truly indulgent experience. This traditional cake is named for its three kinds of milk used in the recipe: traditional milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Its origins are a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of coastal cooks, who sought to create a cake that remains moist even in humid climates. Over generations, Tres Leches has become a beloved classic, celebrated for its unique texture and irresistible sweetness.

Ingredients

To create your own Tres Leches de la Costa cake, you'll need the following ingredients. Click on each to learn more about them or to ensure they are in your pantry:

• Flour – 1 cup
• Baking Powder – 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
• White Sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 5 large
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
• Whole Milk – 1/3 cup
• Evaporated Milk – 1 12-ounce can
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – 1 14-ounce can
• Heavy Cream – 1 and 1/2 cups
• Confectioners' Sugar – 1 cup
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon – for dusting, optional

Preparation

The preparation of this cake can be broken down into several stages, ensuring each element is perfectly balanced and contributes to the cake's overall character.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Separate the eggs. Beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until light in color. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla and the milk.
4. Fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Whip the egg whites with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter.

Step 2: Baking and Cooling

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set a timer to ensure optimal results.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Preparing the Three Milk Soak

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
2. Pierce the surface of the cooled cake several times with a fork or skewer.
3. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Step 4: Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a bowl, whip 1 and 1/4 cups of heavy cream with the confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake.
3. Optionally, dust with cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Tres Leches de la Costa is best served chilled, allowing the three milks to fully infuse the cake. It's perfect as a dessert for a summer gathering or a refreshing treat any time of the year. For added enjoyment, garnish each slice with fresh fruits like strawberries or berries to complement the creamy sweetness.