Ina Garten Tres Leches Recipe

If you love sweet and creamy desserts, this Ina Garten Tres Leches Recipe is perfect for you. Tres Leches means “three milks” in Spanish.

It is a cake soaked in three types of milk. This cake is soft, rich and very flavorful. Many people love it because it is both fancy and easy to make at home.

You do not need special skills to enjoy this dessert. In this post, I will share how to make Ina Garten Tres Leches, including ingredients, tips and variations. By the end, you can make a perfect, creamy cake that everyone will enjoy.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first tried this Ina Garten Tres Leches Recipe last year. I was amazed at how soft and moist the cake turned out.

The three-milk mixture makes it rich but not too heavy. My family loved it instantly. The whipped cream topping added a light, sweet finish. I noticed that even beginners can make this recipe without stress.

The steps are clear and the ingredients are easy to find. Making this cake gave me confidence and made my dessert table feel special.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Tres Leches
• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Toothpick (for testing cake doneness)
• Fork or skewer (for poking cake)
• Refrigerator-safe dish for chilling

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Tres Leches Recipe

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup heavy cream (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Fresh berries or cinnamon (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guid

1. Preheat the Oven

Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking pan with butter. Lightly flour it.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

3. Beat Egg Yolks

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar. Beat until pale yellow.

4. Add Milk and Vanilla

Mix milk and vanilla with egg yolks. Stir until smooth.

5. Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold flour mixture into wet ingredients. Mix until combined.

6. Beat Egg Whites

In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar gradually.

7. Combine Mixtures

Fold egg whites gently into the cake batter. Do not overmix.

8. Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30–35 minutes. Test with toothpick.

9. Cool the Cake

Let cake cool completely in the pan. Do not remove from pan yet.

10. Prepare Milk Mixture

Mix evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup heavy cream in a bowl.

11. Poke the Cake

Use a fork to poke holes all over the cake. This helps milk soak in.

12. Pour Milk Mixture

Slowly pour milk mixture over the cake. Let it absorb for 10–15 minutes.

13. Whip the Cream

Whip 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

14. Spread Topping

Spread whipped cream evenly on the soaked cake.

15. Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Serve cold for best taste.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Tres Leches Recipe

• Use room-temperature eggs for a fluffier cake.
• Gently fold egg whites to keep cake light.
• Pour milk mixture slowly to avoid overflow.
• Chill cake for at least 2 hours for full flavor.
• Use a fork to make small, even holes in the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing egg whites makes cake dense.
• Skipping cooling time can melt whipped cream.
• Pouring milk too fast will cause spills.
• Not measuring flour correctly can dry cake.
• Using low-fat milk makes cake less creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ina Garten Tres Leches chilled. Garnish with fresh berries, cinnamon or shaved chocolate. It pairs well with coffee or a cold drink.

Slice into squares for parties or enjoy alone as a sweet treat. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays or any special occasion.

Variations You Can Try

• Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Top with toasted coconut flakes for texture.
• Mix some cocoa powder into cake batter for chocolate version.
• Use caramel drizzle instead of whipped cream.
• Add a layer of fresh strawberries between milk and whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Do not freeze whipped cream topping; it loses texture.
• Keep milk mixture soaked cake refrigerated.
• Use airtight container to prevent fridge odors.
• Serve cold; no reheating needed.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Carbohydrates	55 g
Protein	7 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Sugar	42 g

Health Benefits

Although this cake is sweet, it has some nutritional value. Eggs provide protein. Milk gives calcium and vitamin D.

Using fresh berries as topping adds fiber and antioxidants. Enjoy in moderation as a dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings without overindulgence.

FAQs about Ina Garten Tres Leches Recipe

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, make it a day before. Refrigerate for best flavor and moist texture.

Q2: Can I use low-fat milk in this recipe?
You can, but the cake will be less creamy. Full-fat milk gives the best results.

Q3: How long can I store the cake in the fridge?
Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Do not freeze whipped cream topping.

Q4: Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, adjust baking time slightly. 9×13 inch pan works best for this recipe.

Q5: Can I add flavor variations?
Yes, try almond extract, cocoa, or berries for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten Tres Leches Recipe is simple, creamy and perfect for any occasion. The cake is soft, soaked in rich milk and topped with whipped cream.

Even beginners can make it easily. Follow the steps, use fresh ingredients and your dessert will impress everyone.

Serve chilled, enjoy with family and feel proud of your baking skills. This cake is a sweet memory waiting to happen.