Tres Leches Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounces can evaporated milk
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar or powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground Cinnamon and/or Fresh Strawberries

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Cake: ---

2. 2

   Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.

3. 3

   Mix dry ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

4. 4

   Crack and separate eggs: Using two separate bowls, separate the eggs. Placing the egg whites in one bowl and the egg yolks into the other bowl.

5. 5

   Beat egg yolks with sugar: Add 3/4 cup of sugar to the bowl with the egg yolks and with an electric hand mixer, beat on high speed until yolks are pale yellow. Add the 1/3 cup whole milk and the vanilla and stir to combine.

6. 6

   Combine egg yolk mixture with dry ingredients: Pour the egg yolk mixture over the flour mixture and stir gently just until combined.

7. 7

   Whip the egg whites: With a handheld mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form (about 1 minute). With the mixer on medium-low, pour in remaining 1/4 cup sugar and then, beat on high speed until egg whites are stiff but not dry.

8. 8

   Fold egg whites: Gently, fold the egg whites into the batter, just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread the batter with a spatula to even out the surface.

9. 9

   Bake and cool: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.

10. 10

    --- Three Milks: ---

11. 11

    Combine milks: In a large measuring cup or a pitcher combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.

12. 12

    Poke cake: Once the cake has cooled use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.

13. 13

    Pour milks: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top of the cake, making sure to pour the milk mixture near the edges and all around.

14. 14

    Chill: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight, to allow the milk to soak in.

15. 15

    --- Whipped Topping: ---

16. 16

    Make whipped topping: In the meantime, whip the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

17. 17

    Frost and garnish: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. Garnish with ground cinnamon and fresh strawberries, if desired.