Dessert

Joanna Gaines Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Name: Joanna Gaines Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter (115g); 1 cup white sugar (200g); 5 eggs; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups whole milk (480ml); 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (397g); 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk (340ml); 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

ByLila Prescott January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

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Introduction

Joanna Gaines’ Tres Leches Cake is a luscious, moist dessert soaked in a rich blend of three milks. This iconic Latin American treat combines a light sponge cake with a creamy whipped topping for a perfect indulgence.

A close-up of a single slice of yellow cake with one thick layer of light and fluffy texture, topped with a thick, creamy white frosting sprinkled with small brown nut pieces, all placed on a white plate with light green floral patterns. A fork in front holds a small bite of the cake with frosting. In the background, there is a blurred brown woven basket and soft-focus red and pink flowers, set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup white sugar

5 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups whole milk
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup white sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.
Step 2: Sift together 1 ½ cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat ½ cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing ½ cup at a time until fully combined.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool to room temperature.

Step 7: Use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake.
Step 8: In a bowl, mix together 2 cups whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Step 9: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in thoroughly.

Step 10: To make the whipped topping, beat 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream with 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the soaked cake.
Step 11: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 12: Slice and enjoy this creamy, indulgent dessert.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream before serving.
Use almond milk or coconut milk to add a subtle nutty twist to the milk soak.
Make sure to poke enough holes to allow the milk mixture to absorb fully into the cake.

Storage

Store the Tres Leches Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain moistness and freshness. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or bring it to room temperature briefly for a softer texture.

How to Serve

A slice of yellow sponge cake with a light, fluffy texture sits on a white plate with green patterns. The cake has two layers: a thick base of soft yellow cake and a top layer of creamy white frosting sprinkled with small brown nut pieces. A fork rests on the plate, holding a piece of the cake with both the cake and frosting visible. The background features a blurred orange basket and pink flowers, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, Tres Leches Cake actually benefits from resting in the fridge for several hours or overnight, as this allows the milk mixture to fully soak into the cake.

What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?

You can substitute whipping cream or a stabilized whipped topping if preferred, but heavy whipping cream provides the best texture and richness for the frosting.