Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake recipe is a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This moist, sweet confection combines the best of Latin American flavors with Ina’s signature touch. After the success of my previous tres leches cake recipe, I couldn’t resist creating a copycat version of Ina Garten’s tres leches cake.
This recipe boosts the traditional tres leches (three milks) soak with Ina’s expert touch. The result is a cake that’s both elegant and comforting, sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With its rich, milky syrup and fresh berry topping, this Ina Garten tres leches cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time
Time to Prepare: 55 minutes
Time to Bake: 1 hour 45 minutes (for the cake and cheesecake layers)
Type of Dish: Dessert
Style of Cooking: American cuisine
Estimated Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes plus overnight chilling time
Ingredients for Copycat Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake
To make this delightful Ina Garten tres leches cake, you’ll need:
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Extra-Large Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness to the cake batter.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tender crumb.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Whole Milk: Moistens the cake batter and contributes to its tender texture.
Heavy Cream: Forms part of the tres leches mixture, adding richness and creaminess.
Evaporated Milk: Contributes to the tres leches mixture, providing concentrated milk flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and density to the tres leches mixture.
Pure Almond Extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle nutty note.
Vanilla Bean: Infuses the milk mixture with intense vanilla flavor and aroma.
Fresh Raspberries and Sliced Strawberries: Provide a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich cake.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Used for dusting, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Copycat Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake
Ready to create this delectable dessert? Follow our detailed instructions to make Ina Garten’s tres leches cake in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your results with us on Instagram.
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Beat the eggs and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Tres Leches Mixture
- Whisk together the heavy cream, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, almond extract, and vanilla bean seeds in a large bowl.
- Poke holes all over the cake using a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely.
Finishing Touches
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar.
- Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake
To ensure your Ina Garten tres leches cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the milk mixture.
- Be patient when pouring the milk mixture, giving it time to soak in.
If you’re looking for a no-bake option, check out my No-Bake Chai Tres Leches Cake.
Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake
Ina Garten tres leches cake is best served chilled. Here are some serving ideas:
- Top with fresh whipped cream and a variety of berries.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair with a cup of strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness.
For a fruity variation, try my Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake recipe.
Storing and Make-Ahead Options
You can refrigerate this Ina Garten tres leches cake for up to 3 days. For best results, add the confectioners’ sugar and berries just before serving. The cake doesn’t freeze well due to its high moisture content.
Flavor Enhancements
Enhance the flavor of your Ina Garten tres leches cake by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter. You can also infuse the milk mixture with a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean for extra depth. For a tropical twist, try adding a bit of coconut extract to the milk mixture.
Presentation Ideas
Make your Ina Garten tres leches cake a visual delight by creating a beautiful fruit pattern on top. Alternatively, pipe rosettes of whipped cream around the edges and dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish. For individual servings, cut the cake into squares and serve in pretty dessert glasses layered with fruit and cream.
Try Out My Other Recipes!
J Alexanders Carrot Cake Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add the toppings just before serving for the best results.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of this copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake?
Absolutely! You can create a gluten-free copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How long does this copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of milk for this copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake?
While traditional milk options work best, you can experiment with alternatives in this copycat Ina Garten tres leches cake. Try using coconut milk or almond milk for a unique twist, but keep in mind it may alter the final taste and texture.
Copycat Ina Garten Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 extra-large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup plus 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
- Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean
- 8 cups mixed fresh raspberries and sliced strawberries for serving
- Sifted confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the tres leches mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, almond extract, and vanilla bean seeds.
- Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over it using a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar.
- Serve chilled with fresh berries and whipped cream on top.