This Tres Leches Cake is irresistibly moist, juicy, creamy, and indulgent, perfect for celebrations. It features a light sponge cake soaked in a three-milk mixture, topped with a luscious whipped cream cheese frosting and fresh berries.
STEP 1 - Tres Leches Mix: Whisk condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk until smooth. Set aside.
STEP 2 - WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE FROSTING: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the cold heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form, typically between 3-5 minutes. Refrigerate the frosting until ready to use.
STEP 3 - SPONGECAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large bowl, beat eggs, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla on high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, approximately 7–10 minutes. In a separate bowl, sift together AP flour and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in thirds, being careful not to deflate the batter. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans (not specified, but typically 2 8-9 inch round pans or a 9x13 inch pan) and gently shake the pans to ensure a smooth top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Run a knife around the edges of the cake, then flip onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.
STEP 4 - ASSEMBLE: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, slice each in half horizontally to create four thinner layers (if using two round pans, you'll have 4 layers total). Place the first cake layer on a serving stand. Generously soak the layer with a portion of the tres leches mix, then spread with a layer of whipped cream cheese frosting and top with fresh berries. Repeat this process for the next layers. For the final layer, soak it with the remaining tres leches mix, frost the top and sides, and garnish generously with berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for decoration. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2–3 hours before serving to allow the milks to fully absorb and the cake to set.
