### Detailed Steps to Make a Tres Leches Cake (3 Milk Cake)
Tres Leches Cake is a classic Latin American dessert that's both rich and delicious. This cake soaks up three types of milk, creating an incredibly moist texture and a flavor explosion with every bite. Follow these steps for a perfect tres leches cake:
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 (15 oz) can condensed milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and fresh fruits for topping
#### Equipment:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat Your Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your cake will be light and fluffy, avoiding any lumps that could affect the texture. Sifting is optional but recommended for a smoother batter.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients:**
- In another large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
- Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and continue beating until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while continuing to mix on low speed with an electric mixer.
4. **Combine Milk Mixtures:**
- In a small bowl, stir together the condensed milk and evaporated milk. This combination will help create the perfect soaking mixture for your cake.
5. **Bake the Cake:**
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool slightly before adding the second layer of batter and baking for another 15-20 minutes.
6. **Soak the Cake:**
- Once fully baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Using a fork or toothpick, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Slowly pour half of the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it soaks into the crumb. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before pouring in the remaining milk.
7. **Set and Cool:**
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or until completely soaked.
- This soaking process is crucial as it ensures each bite of the cake will be infused with a rich, milky flavor.
8. **Prepare Topping:**
- Just before serving, whip some heavy cream to make a fluffy topping.
- You can also top your cake with fresh fruits like strawberries or mangoes for an extra burst of flavor and color.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Garnish the cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
### Tips:
- Use high-quality milk and condensed milks to enhance the flavors.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing consistency.
- Allow the cake to soak thoroughly; this step will make it extra moist and flavorful.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious tres leches cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy your cooking!