Easy Yellow Cake Mix Tres Leches with Whipped Cream Topping
This streamlined tres leches cake transforms boxed yellow cake mix into an authentic Latin dessert soaked in three milks. The cake absorbs a rich blend of whole milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk, creating an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, it's perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or any time you want an impressive dessert without starting from scratch. The cake mix shortcut makes this traditionally time-intensive dessert achievable on weeknights while maintaining the classic creamy, sweet flavor that makes tres leches so beloved.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ cups flour, measure with a light hand
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅝ cup canola oil or neutral vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup milk, whole or low fat
- 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
- 14 oz condensed milk, canned
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 13x9 inch pan
- 2
Mix cake ingredients together and beat for about two minutes on high until smooth
- 3
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-42 minutes until a chopstick inserted in center comes out clean
- 4
Let cake cool for about 20 minutes
- 5
Mix together the three milk filling ingredients
- 6
Use a chopstick to poke holes throughout the cake and pour filling gradually into holes
- 7
Allow liquid to seep into cake and along sides, then refrigerate for at least two hours
- 8
Beat cream and sugar until soft peaks form, add vanilla and continue beating until stiff peaks form
- 9
Spread whipped cream over chilled cake and garnish as desired
Tips
Poke holes evenly across the entire cake surface to ensure the milk mixture penetrates uniformly for consistent moisture throughout.
Pour the three-milk mixture slowly and let each addition absorb before adding more to prevent overflow and ensure maximum absorption.
Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture as the flavors meld and the cake becomes perfectly moist.
Good to Know
refrigerate covered up to 3 days
can be made 1 day ahead, add whipped cream just before serving
serve chilled directly from the pan
Common Mistakes
don't skip poking holes or the milk won't absorb properly
don't pour milk mixture too quickly or it will overflow the pan
don't skip chilling time or the texture won't be right
FAQ
Can I use a different size pan for this tres leches cake?
You can use a 9x13 inch pan as specified, but avoid smaller pans as the cake will be too thick and won't absorb the milk mixture properly.
How long does tres leches cake keep in the refrigerator?
The cake will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it's best within the first 2 days when the texture is optimal.
Can I freeze tres leches cake for later?
Freezing isn't recommended as the milk-soaked texture becomes watery and grainy when thawed, significantly affecting the quality of the dessert.