Creating an Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix is not just about combining a few ingredients; it’s about whipping up a delightful dessert that brings smiles all around. This cake, drenched in a rich mixture of three kinds of milk, is a popular Latin American treat that’s both moist and satisfying. Using a cake mix makes it super simple without sacrificing that homemade charm. Imagine serving this indulgent cake at your next gathering or enjoying a slice after a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to experiment with different toppings and variations!
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get into why this recipe works so well and why you’ll love making it.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe hits all the right notes, turning a simple cake mix into a delightful dessert. The combination of the yellow cake mix with a trio of milks creates a moist and rich texture that traditional cake recipes often miss. With each bite, you’ll taste the creamy sweetness and experience the nostalgia of classic tres leches without the fuss. It’s perfect for those new to baking or for seasoned pros looking for a quicker option.
The secret is in the leche mixture. By soaking the cake with the perfect blend of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk, each piece absorbs the flavor, resulting in a dessert that melts in your mouth. The fluffy whipped cream on top adds a dreamy finish. It’s a recipe that feels special but is incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix
Not only is this cake a breeze to prepare, but it’s also versatile, satisfying, and sure to impress your family and friends. Here are a few key reasons you will adore it:
- Quick to Make: Using a cake mix cuts down on prep time while still delivering delicious flavors.
- Moist and Flavorful: The ‘tres leches’ soak guarantees that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or adding your twist, it fits any occasion.
- Great for Celebrations: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!
- Easy to Store: Leftovers can easily be refrigerated, so you can enjoy it for days.
Ingredients for Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix
Now, let’s get our hands messy and bring this cake to life!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
First, let’s get things heated up! Preheat your oven to 350°F while you prepare your baking dish. Take a 13×9 inch pan and coat it with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy removal later.
Create the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl (ideally, a stand mixer), combine your yellow cake mix with the eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, melted butter, and the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix everything on medium speed until it’s smooth and no lumps remain. This batter should look vibrant and creamy, promising a fantastic base for our cake.
Bake the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it into your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! When the top turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, it’s time to take the cake out of the oven. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Make the Leche Mixture
With your cake cooling, let’s prepare that delicious leche mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and an additional ⅓ cup of whole milk. Whisk until the mixture is combined well—it should look thick yet pourable. This is where the magic happens, providing that dreamy moist texture.
Assemble the Cake
Once your cake has cooled completely, take a knife and create slits all over the top. Be careful not to cut all the way through; we want it to soak up all that lovely leche! Slowly and evenly pour the leche mixture over the surface, making sure it seeps into the slits. Let it sit for a moment to soak in.
Chill the Cake
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least two hours—overnight is even better! This chilling time helps everything meld together perfectly and gives you that rich, moist experience you’re after.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
While the cake is chilling, it’s time to make that fluffy whipped cream. Place a mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15 minutes to chill. Once cooled, mix the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in the bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. You want it to be fluffy and luscious, ready to crown your cake!
Finish the Cake
Once the cake is thoroughly chilled and the whipped cream is delightful and fluffy, grab a rubber spatula. Gently spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. You can make it as smooth or textured as you’d like—both will look beautiful.
Garnish and Serve
For that final touch, dust the top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. If you’re feeling fancy, add sliced strawberries around for a pop of color and a refreshing taste contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix chilled with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. That combo is simply divine! Slices adorned with fresh strawberries make it visually stunning and experience flavorful, too.
Tips for Success
- Ensure that your cake cools completely before soaking it in the leche mixture for the best texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using flavored extracts like almond or coconut alongside vanilla.
- If you’re in a time crunch, you can prepare the leche mixture ahead and keep it in the fridge.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of fun variations:
– Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate or spice cake mix. This gives a unique twist to the traditional flavor.
– Add tropical flair with coconut milk or top with toasted coconut flakes and fresh pineapple slices.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best taste, aim to enjoy within the first 24 hours.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Chocolate and vanilla cake mixes work wonderfully too.
2. How long should I let the cake chill?
Chill the cake for a minimum of 2 hours. If possible, let it rest overnight for even better flavor absorption.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
4. Is it necessary to use heavy whipping cream?
Heavy whipping cream is ideal for the best texture, but regular whipping cream can work in a pinch.
5. Can I freeze Tres Leches cake?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze slices for up to a month. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix is more than just dessert; it’s a creation that captures warmth and celebration. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake remains a beautiful reminder that simplicity can lead to delicious creations. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the fun of baking, and share this delightful treat with others. After all, good food is meant to be shared and enjoyed!
Print
Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix
This cake combines a soft, moist texture with a rich mixture of three types of milk, offering a delicious experience that’s quick and simple to make.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 13×9 inch pan with non-stick spray.
- Mix yellow cake mix, eggs, 1 cup whole milk, melted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and ⅓ cup whole milk until combined.
- Once cooled, create slits in the cake and pour the milk mixture over it.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Make whipped cream by mixing chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the chilled cake and garnish with cinnamon and strawberries.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the cake cools completely before soaking for best results.
Flavored extracts like almond or coconut can enhance the flavor.
For quick prep, make the leche mixture ahead and refrigerate.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 90
