Description
This easy no-bake Tres Leches Cake combines the classic flavors of three luscious milks soaked into ladyfingers, topped with whipped cream and optional decorative touches like freeze-dried strawberries and pistachios. Perfect for a quick dessert that requires no oven baking, this recipe yields a moist, creamy, and indulgent cake that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Milk Mixture
- 300g sweetened condensed milk (roughly 3/4th of a 14 oz can)
- 400g evaporated milk (1 14 oz can)
- 60g heavy cream (1/4 cup) – use milk if you want the cake to be lighter
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder (start with 1/8 tsp, taste and adjust as needed)
Main Ingredients
- 35-40 ladyfingers (about 1.5 packs with 24 ladyfingers each)
For Decoration
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (for whipping and decoration)
- Optional: freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
- Optional: pistachios (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Milk Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Add a very small amount of cardamom powder (start with 1/8 tsp), then taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Layer Ladyfingers: In a clean 7×11″ dish, arrange ladyfingers tightly in a single layer, trimming any to fit and fill gaps for a uniform layer.
- Soak First Layer: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour half of the milk mixture over the ladyfingers, ensuring each one is thoroughly drenched as they will absorb the liquid.
- Let Soak: Allow the soaked ladyfingers to sit for 10-20 minutes so they absorb most of the milk mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Add a second layer of ladyfingers on top and repeat the soaking with the remaining milk mixture.
- Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for approximately 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the cake set.
- Whip Cream: While the cake chills, whip 1.5 cups of heavy cream to stiff peaks using a mixer or whisk.
- Spread Whipped Cream: Evenly spread half of the whipped cream over the soaked ladyfingers with an offset spatula for a smooth surface.
- Pipe Decoration: Optionally add food coloring to the remaining whipped cream, transfer it to a piping bag, and pipe decorative patterns on top of the cake.
- Add Final Decorations: Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries and chopped pistachios over the piped cream for added texture and color.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake chilled. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and flavorful no-bake dessert!
Notes
- Adjust the cardamom powder carefully as it has a strong flavor; start small and increase to taste.
- Ladyfingers absorb liquid well but can become soggy if over-soaked; monitor soaking time closely.
- Substitute milk for heavy cream in the milk mixture to achieve a lighter cake.
- If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries or pistachios, fresh berries and nuts can be used as alternatives.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator covered for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Latin American
