These Tres Leches Cupcakes are light and fluffy cupcakes filled with three creamy milks and topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream frosting.
These Tres Leches Cupcakes are an easy homemade cupcake recipe. These totally made from scratch cupcakes are decadent and always a hit for celebration!
Do you love a tres leches cake? You'll love it even more in these beautiful cupcakes!
You may be asking if the paper cupcake wrappers are strong enough to hold all the milky cupcakes? Yes, it works out perfectly! No mess and no leaks!
Tres Leches. Three milks. Ripples of soft whipped cream on top of a milky cake. That sensual cherry on top...mmm!
I see Tres Leches and other luscious Cuban desserts right next to the Cuban coffee station at our Publix every week. Aleyda is always ready with her contagious Cuban smile. “Hola! Come estas? Quieres un cafecito?” Aleyda asks me, “Would you like a Cuban coffee?” I always want a Cuban coffee!
I quickly walk by to start my shopping. I dare not glance down for more than a 1/2 a second at that dreamy dessert just beckoning me to buy it and sink my teeth into its creamy cake.
I received a copy of A World of Cake by Krystina Castella last week. I can’t stop looking at it and dreaming of which cake I want to try. It’s gorgeous!
I decided to try first the Tres Leches recipe. I made a cake. It disappeared in 10 minutes.
The next day, I made cupcakes. If you never had Tres Leches, you must try it. The cake is sweet and milky drenched in the three milks. I made a quick whipped topping to spread on top. I had to put on a cherry just the way I see it every week at our grocery store.
My son had 2 big slices of the cake. He kept saying, “I love it Mommy! I love it!”
The infamous Tres Leches! Here’s the lineup: evaporated milk, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk.
What ingredients are in a tres leches cake?
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- unsalted butter
- sugar
- 7 eggs
- vanilla extract
- sour cream
Tres Leches Topping
- milk
- sweetened condensed milk
- evaporated milk
What does the recipe yield?
This tres leches makes 1 cake (serves 6-8) or approx. 16 cupcakes
How to make a tres leches cake?
To Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter and flour a 12-inch round cake pan or your muffin pans.
To Make the Cake
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with a mixer until fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternation with the sour cream, and mix until blended.
To bake:
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan.
Here it is as a cake.
To make the Tres Leches Topping
Stir together the milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. when the cake is cool, remove from the pan and transfer to an ovenproof serving tray. Pierce the cake all over with a fork.
Spoon the milk mixture over the cake and let soak for 5 minutes. (I let mine soak for about 15-20 minutes). I brushed it on my cupcakes with a pastry brush. I didn’t use all the tres leches mixture on the cupcakes.
Whipped Cream
Whip one pint of whipped cream until soft peaks form. Don't overbeat it because you will then have butter. Add two tablespoons of powdered sugar and combine for about 1 more minute.
For Cake or Cupcakes:
Pipe or spoon on the whipped topping. Don’t forget the cherry on top!
Some other cupcake recipes:
- One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
- Christmas Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
Tres Leches Cupcakes
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 7 eggs at room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- Tres Leches Topping:
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- Topping:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons confectioner's sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter and flour a 12-inch round cake pan or your muffin pans.
- To Make the Cake: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with a mixer until fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternation with the sour cream, and mix until blended.
- To bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan.
- To make the Tres Leches Topping: Stir together the milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. when the cake is cool, remove from the pan and transfer to an ovenproof serving tray. Pierce the cupcakes (or cake) all over with a fork.
- Spoon the milk mixture over the cake and let soak for 5 minutes. (I let mine soak for about 15-20 minutes). I brushed it on my cupcakes with a pastry brush. I didn’t use all the tres leches mixture on the cupcakes.
- Whipped Cream: Whip one pint of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Don't overbeat it because you will then have butter:)Add two tablespoons of powdered sugar and combine for about 1 more minute.
- For Cake or Cupcakes: Pipe or spoon on the whipped topping. Don’t forget the cherry on top!
Lizzy says
This is my daughter's favorite cake. I love the idea of making it into cupcakes! And, of course, yours are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the super idea~
foodwandeings says
How wonderful Lora. Great giveaway as usual and delicious lookis tres leches cupcakes!!
Sharon says
I loved reading every word of this post. Have to make this cake ....
And I'd love to own this wonderful book! Thanks for the entry!
Sharon says
I liked A world of cake on facebook (Rust Hawk).
Sharon says
I liked Storey Publishing on facebook (Rust Hawk).
Melissa @IWasBornToCook says
That cake looks insane! Love tres leches.
Sharon says
Following @cakeduchess on twitter on twitter @rusthawk.
Sharon says
Following @StoreyPub on Twitter @rusthawk.
Sharon says
I am following on GFC (rusthawk).
Sharon says
I am following you on facebook (Rust Hawk).
Sharon says
Shared on my facebook wall http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=197942580225190&id=100001156831237
Jeannie says
Look so delicious! I like the cherry on top of the cupcake, so gorgeous!
Lindsey says
This cupcake looks fabulous! And A World of Cake sounds like an awesome book!!
Katrina says
I love this! I want this cake in my belly!!!! ♥ - Katrina
Lindsey says
I'm following your blog!
knitstamatic says
What a lovely looking cupcake, bet it tastes wonderful as well. The book looks awesome. Would be a great addition to my collection, my waistline...not so much! 🙂
knitstamatic says
I retweeted about this giveaway.
Pegasuslegend says
I have never seen a more gorgeous cupcake!
Sandra says
I am still in shock what you wrote before..so let me just say your cupcakes are so pretty and looks extremely delicious!
Happy When Not Hungry says
Wow these cupcakes look amazing! A World of Cake looks like such a wonderful cookbook too!
Wilde in the Kitchen says
This cupcake sounds rich and delicious, love it. Fantastic step-by-step directions too. Eat a couple of these for me tonight.
Anonymous says
I love Tres Leches cake!!
Anonymous says
I'm a follower of the blog 🙂
Anonymous says
Follow on twitter @godawgs428
Anonymous says
Like on Facebook!
Lo-mo says
I have seen Alton Brown make this before, but his didn't look this amazing!! I love the cherry on top of the cupcakes!! A great looking cake, and I will get my calcium from it as well!!
Jennifer says
I follow you on twitter
Jennifer says
These cupcakes look awesome. And as someone who loves making desserts, that cook book was so made for me. Hope I win. ;-D
Jennifer says
I also liked you on facebook. Yay!
Jennifer says
And finally I retweeted this post.
Elizabeth Ann (Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box says
oh wow! 🙂 This looks amazing! 🙂 Since I just one the LAST cookbook giveaway, I feel bad entering this one. . . so I'm just commenting to say OH MY GOSH THAT LOOKS AMAZING! and that is all! 🙂
-=This:Envy=- says
I like A World of Cake on FB!
(SMorton)
-=This:Envy=- says
I like Storey Publishing on FB
(SMorton)
-=This:Envy=- says
I follow @StoreyPub on twitter
(thisenvy)
-=This:Envy=- says
I follow you on twitter!
(thisenvy)
-=This:Envy=- says
I like you on Facebook
(SMorton)
-=This:Envy=- says
My comment for this post: I never thought about how tres leches means 3 milks. ROFL @ me
Chow and Chatter says
wow what a great cake and the pic of your son says it all
-=This:Envy=- says
I publicly follow your blog!
-=This:Envy=- says
I also follow your feed!
(btw that "comment for this post" was a half-joke, I commented on the FB one too lol)
Cookin' Canuck says
I can't think of a better kind of cupcake. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to stop at just one.
Annapet says
I tweeted this:
The Daily Palette
Don't miss out on this! RT @cakeduchess Cake Duchess: Tres Leches Cupcakes and A World of Cake Giveaway! http://bit.ly/goJ6Gp
Savory Sweet Living says
The cake looks amazing but I really just want to eat a whole bowl of the topping. Gorgeous post!
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
I liked A World Of Cake on Facebook.
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
I am following @cakeduchess on twitter.
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
I liked you on Facebook.
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
Even though I do not like maraschino cherries myself, I would still put one on top because it completes the cake. I have this book on my wishlist.
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
I am following you on Google Connect.
Monet says
Hi lovely lady. This is perfect. I have all the ingredients for these cupcakes in my pantry! I've wanted to try a Tres Leches cake for awhile so I've stockpiled 🙂 Thanks for sharing your cake and this giveaway! Love you!
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
I am following @StoreyPub on twitter.
A little bit of everything says
I'm following StoryPub on twitter @gringarl
A little bit of everything says
i'm following you on twitter @gringarl
A little bit of everything says
I like you on facebook
A little bit of everything says
the cupcake looks stunning. love the sexy maraschino cherry on top
A little bit of everything says
follow you on Google friend connect
A little bit of everything says
RT your giveaway
Elin says
Lora....your cupcakes looks great...love your photography too and thank you for the recipe. I would to have that book 🙂
Have a nice day,
Elin
Emily says
those cupcakes look amazing and that book looks wonderful! I always can use new cookbooks to add to my collection 🙂
Emily says
following you!
Emily says
tweeted it 🙂
Peggy says
I've actually never had Tres Leches cake, but this post really made me want to go out and make it! Yours looks absolutely beautiful!
Table Talk says
Tres Leches cake is very popular here at our house. I drizzle caramel over the top as well for extra decadence. I know the cupcake version would be a big hit too!
SMITH BITES says
Great giveaway Lora! i'm such a collector of cookbooks and would love to have this to add to my library!! i've been lucky enough to have enjoyed tres leches cake although i think it was a tiny bit different; made me chuckle to see your little guy looking very intent on having another piece of that cake!
SMITH BITES says
already a fan of yours on fb!
Pretend Chef says
My neighbors talk about Tres Leches Cake a lot. Their toddlers birthday is coming up and I am so excited that it is tradition for them to have this cake at birthday parties. I can't wait to try it! Your cupcake with the cherry looks so simple but utterly delicious! I LIKE A World of Cake on Facebook!
Pretend Chef says
I LIKE Storey Publishing on Facebook!
Pretend Chef says
I already LIKE you on Facebook... and everywhere else! Haha!
Lynn says
Thanks for sharing looks delish! and that book looks awesome!
Pretend Chef says
Looks like I combined entry #1 and #6 on my first entry for the giveaway. Here's to make up for it.
Pretend Chef says
I posted about this giveaway on my Facebook page!
Pretend Chef says
I am already a FOLLOWER of your blog and absolutely love it. I especially love it when you post photos from your childhood and anything with an Italian backdrop sigh!
Pretend Chef says
I am signed up for emails as well!
Lael Hazan @educatedpalate says
I love making cake with my girls but we always have tres leches at a friends house. I guess it is time for us to make it at home. I'm already a follower and I'm tweeting it!
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow says
Tres Leches is one of my absolute favorites! Love your cupcakes!
Sourkraut says
Fun giveaway and gorgeous-looking cupcakes!
whoistracy says
Yum, this looks delicious! I've never had tres leches but now you have me curious and wanting some!! Thanks for the giveaway. :o)
Dionne Baldwin @ Try Anything Once says
I went to Facebook and "Liked" A World of Cake.
I have never ever had Tres Leches cake, cupcake or anything but the cake looks so moist and fluffy and the frosting so light and creamy I need to try this.
I hope you know I mean it when I say THANKS for sharing this with us. 🙂
Love,
Dionne
Dionne Baldwin @ Try Anything Once says
I "liked" Storey Publishing.
I hope you are feeling better and you are having a very good week.
Dionne Baldwin @ Try Anything Once says
I'm already your Twitter friend! I hope you enjoyed your massage and yes you do deserve it.
Dionne Baldwin @ Try Anything Once says
I like you on Facebook areddy. I get a sneak peek on your beautiful photos right before I click to see your post...
Dionne Baldwin @ Try Anything Once says
You are on my Firefox RSS bar thingy...I'm not sure what it's called but I know how to use it lol.
Now I need to plan when I can make this cake...
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
Oh I just want to kiss your face for this recipe! My family LOVES tres leches, and loves CUPCAKES even more. Thanks darlin, for helping make their weekend!
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
Your cake and cupcakes look perfect! I LOVE Tres Leches cake and would love to taste yours!! Luca is just too cute staring at the cake. I think he secretly wanted to take the whole cake into the corner and eat it by myself. haha 🙂
Don't include me in the giveaway, I just wanted to comment. 🙂
The Mom Chef says
Since I don't bake much, you don't have to include me in the giveaway. There are others that would have much more use for a resource like that book.
I just wanted to say that those cupcakes and the cake look amazing. I've seen tres leches cakes before but never tried them. Now I think I need to. Thanks for the extra push with this recipe.
Maria says
Oh my! These look too good to be true! My kind of cupcake!
Foodies says
I am jealous that your Publix serves you Cuban coffee...The cupcakes looks delish!
Carolyn says
Gorgeous cupcakes and cake, Lora. And the book seems like a must-read, I would have a hard time not salivating all over it!
MarmandeintheKitchen says
I love tres leches - such a great idea to make it as a cupcake. Looks delcious!
Tiffany says
Moist and delicious! mmmmmmm......mmmmm.m.m.mmmmmmmmm
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
I love the book, what a great giveaway! Tres leches is one of those old favorites that stands the test of time, so moist and delicious.
Sandra says
I've heard lots about Tres Leche, but have yet to try it. You've described it very well.
sara @ CaffeIna says
so jealous about the book and about these cupcakes. I always love tres leches cakes so I can imagine the sweetness and softness of these cupcakes. heaven!
Carole says
Love the idea of making this cake into cupcakes--so delectable. Thanks for the fun giveaway.
Carole says
Of course, I follow you on Twitter. @cspod
Carole says
And I follow/liked you on FB.
Bridgett ~ La Bella Cook says
Oh goodness, no wonder why your little one loved this cake....it looks divine!
Raina says
I have never had tres leches cake. I have always wanted to try it. I love that you made it into cupcakes. They look delicious.
What a wonderful cookbook. Unfortunately, I am not on Facebook yet. I know...hard to believe.
Sarita says
“Like” A World Of Cake
Sarita says
“Like” Storey Publishing
Sarita says
following @storeypub
Sarita says
follow @cakeduchess on twitter
Amy says
Oh. My. God. I am sooo making these!!
Elle says
Those look delectable! I can tel just by looking at them how moist the cake must be. What a great book, too!
scrambledhenfruit says
This Tres Leches cake looks wonderful, especially with the cherry on top! 🙂
scrambledhenfruit says
I follow your blog. 🙂
scrambledhenfruit says
I "liked" you on facebook. 🙂
scrambledhenfruit says
I "liked" A World of Cake on facebook. 🙂
Tabitha says
I follow you.
Land says
Love the idea of an international cake book!
Tabitha says
I love the idea of a cookbook with background and origins of the cakes. I do monthly cooking nights themed by country and sometimes regions of countries. This would be handy. If I don't win, I'm going to see if our library has it or check my local bookstore.
Also, I made an attempt at a chocolate tres leches cake a few years ago that failed. It wouldn't absorb the milks mixture. I was using an odd recipe but seeing someone else's success makes me think I should try it again. Thanks for that encouragement.
Sue says
Your Tres Leches cake looks amazing, Lora! The book does too!
Sue says
I follow your blog, Lora, with GFC. 🙂
kita says
Ive never had a tres Leches cupcake or cake but omg, have to try. It looks so soft and moist.
Stinks that I missed the giveaway!! Oh well, I still had to tell you this looks great!
Shirley says
They look so good! I've always wanted to try tres leches cake, but I get afraid it'll disappear in 10 minutes like yours did, only I'll do the damage alone! I've never seen it in cupcake form... too cute.