Here are two versions of this recipe.  A traditional version and a quick and easy recipe.  If you’ve had this before, first of all you know what a treat it is.  Secondly, you know that it is going to be the same consistency as tiramisu, a bit wet at the bottom but not soggy.  I hope you try one of these or both if you have a big party for Cinco De mayo!  Happy cooking!  

Recipe credits to:
www.foodnetwork.com
www.cooking-mexican-recipes.com 

 Both recipes serve 14 to 16 conservative slices  

TRADITIONAL RECIPE
Recipe courtesy www.cooking-mexican-recipes.com

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 teaspoons Mexican vanilla extract
• 1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 – 13 ounce can evaporated milk
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Fresh mangoes, strawberries, blackberries, or other fresh fruit, sliced

 Directions: 

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9 by 3 inch springform pan with a vegetable spray like Pam.   Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium size bowl.   I like to use a kitchenaid mixer for this recipe or any stand mixer will do. Mix the eggs and sugar in the mixer bowl and beat on high-speed for about 5 minutes or until the volume has doubled. Reduce the speed to low and add one teaspoon vanilla and water. Mix well. 

 Gently fold the flour ingredients into the egg mixture. You can use the mixer on the slowest setting or fold the flour in with a spatula.  Pour the batter into the springform pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. I placed the cake in the center of my oven and it took closer to 45 minutes.  You can tell when it’s done when the center is firm and the cake starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. 

Cool the cake on a rack for 15 minutes. Place a plate over the cake and turn upside down.  Release the springform pan. I found that the bottom stuck a bit so use a knife to cut along and release the cake.  Place your hand over what is now the bottom of the cake and turn the cake over onto your hand. Gently place the cake right side up onto your serving dish. 

Serving It Up

Make sure to serve your tres leches cake on a platter that has a lip to hold in the milk.   Set the cake aside to cool completely. Use a serrated knife to slice and/or peel off the top skin of the cake. You can toss this part away or if you are like me you will probably want to see how it tastes. 

When the cake is cool, whisk together in a bowl the evaporated milk, the condensed milk, 1 cup of the heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla.  Using a long tooth pick, ice pick or whatever you have available, poke holes all over the cake. The holes will allow the cake to absorb more of the milk.  Pour or spoon the milk mixture slowly all over the cake and allow it time to soak in before adding more milk. Refrigerate. 

When you are ready to serve the cake, place the 2 cups whipping cream in a chilled mixing bowl and begin mixing on medium. Add one teaspoon vanilla and the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and beat on high until stiff peaks form.   Spread whipping cream generously on the top of cake. I garnished mine with sliced strawberries the first time and blackberries the second time.   What a special treat this delicious dessert is. I assure you I will be making this again. Be sure to refrigerate leftovers, if there are any.  I hope you enjoy this tres leches cake as much as I do.  

QUICK & EASY RECIPE
Recipe courtesy Ben Plastina
Show: Melting PotEpisode: A Melting Pot Holiday

Ingredients

• 1 yellow cake mix (with pudding) baked as directed in 13 by 9-inch pan

For topping mixture:

• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup rum (or to taste)

To finish:

• Whipped cream, to cover cake
• 5 ounces sweetened coconut

Directions

Poke holes in the cake with a fork all over. Pour topping mixture over cake. Let mixture absorb completely in refrigerator.  Cover with whipped cream or cool whip and sprinkle sweetened coconut over top of cake.  OPTIONAL: Add macadamia nuts, cherries and/or pineapple.

Well there you have it!  Two completely different ways of making this treat.