Name: Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted; 5 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; Pinch of salt; ⅓ cup whole milk; ⅓ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 2 cups heavy cream; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed; ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup white chocolate, melted with 1 teaspoon neutral oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 62 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite and melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, this Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious cake soaks up a dreamy milk mixture that makes each forkful a delightful, moist treat, while the rich caramel topping and delicate white chocolate decoration elevate it into a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a way to make any day extraordinary, this cake will quickly become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with five raw egg yolks in it, each yolk bright yellow and round, floating in the clear egg whites. The yolks are scattered evenly in the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. The smooth texture of the yolks contrasts with the slightly runny and glossy egg whites around them, creating a simple and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe comes from straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role — the eggs give the cake structure, the milk and oil keep it moist, and the vanilla and caramel add that irresistible flavor and golden color.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour sifted: Provides the perfect light yet sturdy base for the cake’s tender crumb.
5 large eggs (room temperature): Essential for binding and creating a fluffy texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly without overpowering the milky goodness.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm, classic flavor that ties everything together.
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle rise for an airy, soft bite.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
⅓ cup whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
⅓ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the cake tender and moist, perfect for soaking up the milk mixture.
2 cups heavy cream: Heavy cream forms the base of the cake’s signature milk mixture soaking it full of creamy decadence.
3 cups whole milk: Works alongside heavy cream to provide the classic tres leches milk soak.
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel): Transforms into a luscious caramel topping, adding rich flavor and golden color.
2 tablespoon unsalted butter (cubed for caramel): Creates a smooth, velvety texture for the caramel sauce.
¾ cup heavy cream (for caramel): Makes the caramel sauce creamy and balanced.
2 tablespoon water (for caramel): Helps to dissolve the sugar evenly as it caramelizes.
1 teaspoon salt (for caramel): Enhances the flavors and adds a subtle contrast to the sweetness.
⅓ cup white chocolate (melted with 1 teaspoon neutral oil): Perfect for an elegant touch when decorating the cake.

How to Make Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease your baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and thick, which helps create that airy texture. Next, gently fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt to keep the batter light. Slowly mix in the vanilla extract, milk, and oil, blending until smooth but careful not to overmix. This batter sets the stage for a soft, moist cake that absorbs the milk mixture perfectly.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely. The cooling step is crucial because it allows the cake to soak up the milk mixture thoroughly without falling apart.

Step 3: Mix the Tres Leches Milk Mixture

While your cake is cooling, stir together the heavy cream and whole milk in a bowl until fully combined. This irresistibly creamy mixture will seep into the cooled cake, transforming it into the signature tres leches delight known for its decadently moist texture.

Step 4: Soak the Cake

Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake surface. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, giving it time to absorb fully. This step makes all the difference, turning your simple vanilla cake into a luscious tres leches that’s bursting with milky flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Topping

In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat, swirling the pan gently (without stirring) until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt until smooth and glossy. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling it generously over the soaked cake for that irresistible golden glaze and rich flavor twist.

Step 6: Decorate with White Chocolate

Melt the white chocolate with a teaspoon of neutral oil until silky and smooth. Use a spoon or a piping bag to create delicate drizzles or patterns on top of the caramel-coated cake. This finishing touch adds a stunning visual element and a hint of creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the caramel and vanilla base.

How to Serve Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe

A single square piece of layered dessert sits in the center of a white scalloped plate. The dessert has three visible layers: a light beige bottom layer, a thick creamy middle layer soaked in milk, and a smooth caramel-brown top layer decorated with white swirled lines forming a wave pattern. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a gold-colored fork resting on its right side. In the background, there is a larger white ceramic baking dish filled with more of the same dessert, showing the same caramel top layer and white swirl pattern photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really highlight the flavor and texture contrast, sprinkle some fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or ripe mango on top, or add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice. A sprinkling of toasted coconut or chopped nuts also adds a welcomed crunch that balances the cake’s softness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as the star dessert, but serving it alongside a simple cup of espresso or a refreshing glass of iced mint tea can elevate the entire experience. The bitterness of coffee complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully, while mint tea offers a cooling, palate-cleansing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider serving the cake in individual portions using clear dessert cups layered with cake, milk mixture, and caramel drizzle. This creates a visually stunning dessert that’s both easy to eat and gorgeous to behold. Alternatively, dust the top lightly with cinnamon or cocoa powder to give a warm aroma and a pretty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe actually tastes even better after resting overnight, so you can store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep it chilled, as the milk mixture needs to stay fresh and safe.

Freezing

Because of the milk soak and delicate caramel topping, freezing the whole cake is not ideal — it may cause the texture to separate or become watery. However, if you must freeze, slice the cake first, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for no more than one month. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is a cold, creamy dessert, it’s best enjoyed chilled and not reheated. If you prefer it closer to room temperature, remove from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to open up fully.

FAQs

Can I use almond milk or another milk substitute in this Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe?

While traditional tres leches uses whole milk and heavy cream for that rich texture, you can experiment with almond or oat milk for a lighter version, but the cake may not be as creamy or luscious. For the best authentic taste, sticking to dairy milks is recommended.

Is it necessary to use all five eggs in the recipe?

The eggs are key to the cake’s structure and fluffiness. Reducing the number of eggs might result in a denser, less airy cake. So for that classic texture, it’s best to follow the recipe as is.

Can I make the caramel topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramel topping a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up gently before drizzling it over the cake to bring back its smooth texture.

What can I use if I don’t have canola or vegetable oil?

Neutral oils like grapeseed or light olive oil work well too. Avoid strongly flavored oils so you don’t overpower the delicate vanilla and caramel notes.

How do I know when the cake has absorbed enough milk mixture?

Allow about 30 minutes after pouring the milk mixture for the cake to soak it up fully. You’ll see the milky liquid mostly absorbed with a moist, soft surface — a little pooling on the edges is normal and delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vanilla Milk Cake (Tres Leches) Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It brings together familiar flavors in a delightfully moist package that feels both homey and just a little indulgent. Trust me, once you try this, it will be your go-to cake for celebrations and cozy dessert moments alike. So grab your ingredients and let’s create some sweet memories!