Blissful Tres Leches Delight Recipe
Tres Leches cake is a classic Latin American dessert known for its rich, moist texture and sweet, creamy flavor. This Blissful Tres Leches Delight recipe offers a lighter take on the traditional version while maintaining all the deliciousness. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat after dinner, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Below, you will find a detailed recipe, nutritional information, Weight Watchers points, and valuable tips for making this delightful dessert.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Servings: 12
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (low-fat or skim)
Tres Leches Mixture
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk (or low-fat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 4g
Weight Watchers Points
- Blue Plan: 6 points
- Green Plan: 6 points
- Purple Plan: 5 points
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture helps create a light and airy cake.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 large eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes thick and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Milk
Once the egg mixture is ready, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup milk to the bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture
While the cake is cooling, prepare the tres leches mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture is what gives the cake its signature moistness.
Step 6: Soak the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the top. This allows the tres leches mixture to soak in effectively. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the entire cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This soaking process is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Whip the Cream
Before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy topping to contrast the moist cake.
Step 8: Assemble the Dessert
After the cake has soaked and is well chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the cake using a spatula. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. This adds a pop of color and enhances the presentation.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite will be a delightful experience, with the creamy milk soaking into the fluffy cake.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them combine better and results in a lighter cake.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, consider reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk or powdered sugar in the whipped cream.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different flavorings, such as almond extract or citrus zest, to the milk mixture for a unique twist.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will continue to soak up the milk mixture, making it even more flavorful.
Nutritional Benefits
This Blissful Tres Leches Delight is not just a delicious treat but also offers some nutritional benefits. Milk is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health, while eggs provide protein and essential vitamins. By making a few substitutions, such as using low-fat milk or reducing sugar, you can enjoy this indulgent dessert while maintaining a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Blissful Tres Leches Delight is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, while the lighter adjustments ensure it fits into your wellness goals. This recipe invites creativity, allowing you to customize flavors and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Share this delightful dessert at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes a favorite among family and friends.
Feel free to share this recipe on your website or with others. Happy baking!