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easy tres leches cake - featured image

Easy Tres Leches Cake: Perfect 5pm Birthday Win


  • Author: Isabel
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

Description

A stress-free, moist tres leches cake made with a box mix that soaks up a rich milk mixture. Perfect for last-minute birthdays or when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 15.25 oz Yellow Cake Mix
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tbsp Sugar (optional, for topping)
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together water, oil, and eggs. Add cake mix and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a fork, going down to the pan.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
  7. Pour the milk mixture over the warm cake. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb; pour twice if necessary.
  8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Before serving, whip heavy cream with vanilla and sugar (if using) until stiff peaks form.
  10. Spread whipped cream over the chilled cake and sprinkle with cinnamon or nuts if desired.

Notes

The cake must be chilled for at least 4 hours to set properly. Do not rush the chilling time or the cake will be soupy. You can make this gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix, or dairy-free by substituting with coconut/almond/oat milks. The cake keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 45
  • Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Protein: 6

Keywords: tres leches cake, easy dessert, birthday cake, box mix recipe, make ahead dessert, latin american dessert, moist cake