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Creamy Tres Leches Sheet Cake Recipe Easy for a Crowd

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A creamy, dreamy tres leches sheet cake perfect for feeding a crowd, combining a light sponge cake soaked in a luscious milk mixture and topped with whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup (160 ml) whole milk
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 ounces / 354 ml) evaporated milk
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Ground cinnamon (optional, for dusting)
  • Fresh berries or sliced strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  8. In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk or half-and-half, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Using a skewer or fork, gently poke holes all over the cooled cake about 1 inch apart.
  10. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually. Pour any remaining milk after initial absorption.
  11. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  12. Just before serving, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
  13. Optionally, dust with ground cinnamon and garnish with fresh berries or sliced strawberries.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Poke holes gently and evenly to avoid crumbling. Pour the milk soak slowly in batches for even absorption. Use cold heavy cream for easier whipping. Let eggs come to room temperature before mixing. Fresh baking powder ensures proper rise. Cake is best chilled overnight for full flavor and creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, sheet cake, creamy dessert, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser, milk soaked cake, whipped cream topping

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-tres-leches-sheet-cake-recipe-easy-for-a-crowd/