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Creamy Budget Tres Leches Cake Recipe Under 3 Dollars Easy and Delicious

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A quick, easy, and budget-friendly tres leches cake that uses simple pantry ingredients to create a rich, moist, and creamy dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 125 grams)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature (separated whites and yolks)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams), divided
  • ⅓ cup whole milk (80 ml), room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 can (12 oz or 354 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz or 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup whole milk or cream (120 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml), chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Sift together 1 cup flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a clean, dry bowl, whisk 3 egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add ½ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  4. In another bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks with the remaining ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until pale and creamy. Add ⅓ cup whole milk and mix gently.
  5. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites in three additions, preserving as much air as possible.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, poke holes all over the surface with a fork.
  9. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup whole milk or cream. Slowly pour evenly over the cake, letting it absorb.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. Just before serving, whip 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread over the chilled cake.

Notes

If the cake seems too wet after soaking, chill uncovered in the fridge to evaporate excess moisture. Use gentle folding to keep batter light. Separate eggs carefully for fluffiness. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and cream. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Overnight soaking yields best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, budget dessert, creamy cake, easy tres leches, quick dessert, milk soak cake, simple ingredients, affordable dessert

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/creamy-budget-tres-leches-cake-recipe-under-3-dollars-easy-and-delicious/