Prepare to embark on a decadent culinary journey that will transform your dessert experience forever! Imagine a cake so moist it practically melts in your mouth, infused with rich Colombian coffee and bathed in three luxurious milks. Tres Leches de Café isn't just a dessert; it's a sensory experience that bridges traditional baking with modern gourmet indulgence. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, a dessert connoisseur, or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to elevate your baking skills and tantalize your taste buds like never before.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1 cup coffee
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder to ensure no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the eggs. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- While the cake cools, prepare the tres leches mixture by combining evaporated milk, condensed milk, coffee, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well integrated.
- Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke multiple holes across the entire surface of the cake, allowing the milk mixture to penetrate deeply.
- Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the liquid for at least 30 minutes.
- Cover the cake and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to enhance flavor absorption and chilling.
- Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground coffee or cocoa powder.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Egg Technique: When beating eggs and sugar, whip them thoroughly until they become light and fluffy - this creates the cake's signature airy structure.
- Hole-Poking Precision: Use a fork to create multiple, evenly distributed holes across the cake surface to ensure uniform milk absorption.
- Milk Mixture Timing: Pour the tres leches mixture slowly and gradually, allowing the cake to absorb liquid without becoming soggy.
- Chilling is Key: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld and enhance the overall taste experience.
- Optional Garnish: Elevate presentation by topping with fresh whipped cream and a light dusting of ground coffee or cocoa powder.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 130mg
