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Tres Leches Cake Recipe with Box Cake That Everyone Asks For - Easy, Moist, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cake: 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • Ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
  • Three-Milk Soak: 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Topping: 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon, for dusting
  • Optional fruit: sliced strawberries, peaches, or berries

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 350°F (or as directed on your cake mix). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix the cake: Prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla for extra flavor.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25–30 minutes. Do not overbake.
  4. Cool slightly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. It should still be warm, not hot.
  5. Poke holes: Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cake, going almost to the bottom. Space them about 1/2 inch apart.
  6. Make the milk soak: In a bowl, whisk evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  7. Soak the cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, covering every inch. Go in passes so it absorbs evenly.
  8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the milk fully absorb.
  9. Whip the topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to soft, billowy peaks.
  10. Finish and serve: Spread whipped cream over the chilled cake. Dust with cinnamon and top with fruit if you like. Slice and serve cold.