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Tres leches cake

Heat the oven to 180°C and line a 23 x 33 cm baking dish with baking paper. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

Questions about this dish

Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.

How long does Tres leches cake take?

8 hr 55 min all in — 25 min prep, 30 min cook, 8 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.

How many does it serve?

The recipe is written for 12 slices. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.

How hard is it?

Easy.

How spicy is it?

No chilli.

What allergens should I watch?

This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Eggs, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.

Does it fit a diet?

The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Nut-free.

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What does it cost to cook?

Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.

What equipment do I need?

Mixing bowl, Oven.

How much salt do I put in?

The recipe lists Salt at 1 pinch.

How much sugar?

180 g of Sugar.

How much sugar?

2 tbsp of Sugar.

What can I use instead?

Whole milk in the soak → Coconut milk. A coastal variation. It adds a coconut note and makes the soak a little richer. Whipped cream → Italian meringue. Sturdier in warm weather and what many Mexican bakeries use. Whisk 3 egg whites while pouring in 150 g sugar cooked to 118°C.

Any tips from this recipe?

It keeps four days in the fridge and is better on day two than day one. A few slices of strawberry or mango on top is the usual bakery finish.

Can I prepare this ahead?

If it pools on top, wait a minute and carry on. It all goes in eventually.

Can I use an air fryer?

This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.

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