Tres Leches from Cafe Rio features a moist, fluffy sponge cake soaked in a luscious blend of three milks--evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream--topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, creating a rich and creamy dessert with a light, airy texture.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Fork or skewer
- Small saucepan (optional, for heating milk mixture)
- Whisk
- Offset spatula or spoon (for spreading whipped cream)
- Sifter or fine-mesh sieve (for sprinkling cinnamon)
- Knife (for slicing cake)
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (for soaking milk mixture)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for topping)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
The trio of milks--evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream--is essential to achieve the signature moistness and rich flavor of Tres Leches from Cafe Rio. Using fresh, room temperature eggs and accurately measuring ingredients like flour and sugar ensures the sponge cake rises properly and remains fluffy. Whole milk in the batter adds tenderness, while the heavy cream used both in soaking and topping creates the creamy texture that defines this dessert. When preparing the milk mixture, gently warm it if desired to help it absorb more evenly into the cake. You can recreate the indulgent Tres Leches from Cafe Rio copycat menu by carefully following these ingredient notes and techniques.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs with electric mixer until fluffy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until thick and pale.
- Mix in milk and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the cake with a fork or skewer.
- In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup heavy cream.
- Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream topping evenly over chilled cake with offset spatula or spoon.
- Use sifter or fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle ground cinnamon over whipped cream.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Substitution
Tres Leches from Cafe Rio copycat menu features a delicate sponge cake soaked in a rich mixture of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream, crowned with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. If evaporated milk is unavailable, you can substitute it with equal parts whole milk and dry milk powder mixed together. For a lighter soaking mixture, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream without compromising flavor. When spreading the whipped cream topping, use an offset spatula for an even, smooth finish that enhances presentation. Your Tres Leches cake will stay moist longer if you chill it covered, preventing the cake from drying out before serving.
Tips
Make sure to beat the eggs until fluffy and pale to achieve a light sponge texture. When folding in the dry ingredients, do it gently to avoid deflating the batter. After baking, poke holes evenly with a fork to allow the milk mixture to soak thoroughly for moistness. Your Tres Leches cake will taste best after chilling for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to fully absorb the three milk blend.
Nutritions
Tres Leches from Cafe Rio offers a rich source of calories primarily from its blend of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream, contributing both fat and sugars. This dessert provides significant amounts of calcium and protein from the dairy components, supporting bone health and muscle repair. With eggs adding additional protein and essential nutrients, you should be mindful that the sugar content is also high, affecting overall caloric intake. Enjoying this cake in moderation allows you to indulge in its creamy texture while balancing your dietary needs.
Storage
Store your Tres Leches cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its moist texture and prevent it from absorbing other odors. Keep the dessert chilled at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Avoid freezing as it may alter the cake's delicate sponge and creamy consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk in the batter with buttermilk to add a slight tang and enhance the cake's tenderness. For a dairy-free version, replace evaporated milk and heavy cream with coconut milk and coconut cream, which infuse a subtle tropical flavor. Instead of baking a sponge cake, try using a light chiffon or angel food cake for an even airier texture. If you prefer a more intense cinnamon flavor, toast the ground cinnamon lightly before sprinkling it on top.
Allergies
Tres Leches from Cafe Rio contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy products including evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream, as well as wheat from all-purpose flour. Individuals with allergies to eggs, milk, or gluten should avoid this dessert to prevent adverse reactions. If you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, it's important to consider alternative options to keep your dessert experience safe.
Why this recipe?
Cafe Rio's Tres Leches cake is beloved for its rich, moist texture infused with a blend of three milks--evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream--that create a perfectly sweet and creamy dessert experience. Fans appreciate the light yet indulgent consistency, topped with freshly whipped cream and a hint of cinnamon that enhances every bite. Your attempt to make a copycat version allows you to enjoy this exquisite treat at home, capturing the authentic flavors without waiting in line. Recreating the recipe also gives you control over ingredients, ensuring freshness and personalization tailored to your taste preferences.