Sumptuous Tres Leches Cake with Caramel or Berries

Immerse yourself in the delightfully moist and rich flavors of this Tres Leches Cake, a classic Latin American dessert. This recipe features a light and airy sponge cake soaked in a sweet mixture of three kinds of milk, topped with a smooth whipped cream frosting. Choose between a luxurious caramel sauce or the fresh zing of berries for the topping, making it a versatile treat for any palate.

Why You'll Love This:

• Moist and Flavorful: The milk syrup infuses the cake with incredible moisture and richness.
• Light Sponge Cake: The airy texture perfectly balances the creamy milk syrup.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with either caramel sauce for sweetness or fresh berries for tartness.
• Celebration-Worthy: Ideal for festive occasions or as a decadent family dessert.

For the Cake: Ingredients:

• Eggs: 6 (separated)
• Sugar: 3/4 cup (divided)
• Salt: A pinch
• Hot Water: 2 tbsp
• Flour: 1 1/2 cup
• Baking Powder: 2 tsp
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp

For the Milk Syrup: Ingredients:

• Milk: 4 cups
• Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup
• Granulated Sugar: 8 tbsp (or 6 tbsp with caramel sauce)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp

For the Frosting: Ingredients:

• Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 cups
• Powdered Sugar: 3 tbsp

For the Topping:

• Caramel Sauce or Fresh Berries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 baking pan with butter and parchment paper.
2. Mix flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk egg whites with salt to soft peaks, gradually adding 1/2 cup sugar.
4. In another bowl, beat egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until foamy. Mix in hot water and vanilla.
5. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the whites. Sift in flour mixture, folding gently.
6. Pour batter into the pan, bake for 25-30 minutes, and let cool.
7. For the syrup, warm milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour over the poked cake.
8. For frosting, whip cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks. Spread over cake.
9. Top with caramel sauce or fresh berries.

Enjoy this Tres Leches Cake as a delightful treat for any occasion! Bon Appétit!