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Tres Leches Cubano

A Cuban classic — Tres Leches is a feather-light sponge cake soaked in a bath of three milks, sweetened condensed, evaporated and cream, until it is almost pudding-soft, then capped with clouds of whipped cream.

⏱ 30 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 12Servings
🏷 Cuban KitchenCategory
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Tres Leches Cubano - Cubain recipe

A Cuban classic — Tres Leches is a feather-light sponge cake soaked in a bath of three milks, sweetened condensed, evaporated and cream, until it is almost pudding-soft, then capped with clouds of whipped cream. Every slice releases a little flood of sweet milk, exactly as Cubans intend. It is the dessert that disappears first from birthday tables across the island.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
  2. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form, then gradually beat in half the sugar until stiff and glossy.
  3. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar and vanilla until pale and thick, then fold in the flour.
  4. Fold the whites into the yolk mixture in three additions, taking care not to deflate the batter.
  5. Pour into the dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and springy; cool completely in the dish.
  6. Whisk the condensed milk, evaporated milk and 1 cup (240 ml) of the cream together, and pour slowly over the cooled cake, letting each addition soak in.
  7. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  8. Whip the remaining cream with the powdered sugar to soft peaks, spread over the cake, dust with cinnamon, and serve cold.

💡 Chef tips & storage

The cake must be completely cool before the milk bath, or it turns gummy. Pour the milk slowly and let each addition soak in — the sponge should be sodden but not swimming.

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Recipe details

Prep30 min
Cook30 min
Servings12
CategoryCuban Kitchen
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →