Torta De Tres Leches – a cake made with three types of milk
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This dish originated in Latin America and has no equivalent in other countries. The method of soaking the cake is similar to Italian tiramisu and British rum cake. The recipe gained widespread popularity thanks to an advertising label on cans of Nestlé condensed milk. In its homeland, the cake is called Torta De Tres Leches, which literally translates from Spanish as “Three Milks Cake.” The recipe is named based on the amount of dairy ingredients.
Condensed milk, baked milk and cream
You don't have to be a master cook to make this cake. The simple recipe is captivating, as is the exquisite taste. This delicious dessert requires only a few ingredients, all of which are easy to remember:
- 4 chicken eggs;
- 180 g sugar;
- 150 g powdered sugar;
- 160 g sifted flour;
- a pinch of vanillin;
- 20 g butter;
- 2 tbsp. water;
- three milks (condensed, baked and cream 20%), 150 ml each.
Let's look at the recipe in more detail:
- First, you need to mix the sponge cake batter—the base of the cake. Crack the eggs and separate the yolks and whites. Beat the whites until soft peaks form; this is easiest to do with a mixer. Next, slowly add the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar runs out, begin adding the yolks one at a time, still using the mixer. Meanwhile, whisk in the vanilla.
- Put the mixer aside and use a whisk to combine the egg whites with the flour. Don't rush, or the mixture will lose its fluffiness.
- The final step in making the sponge cakes is baking. Be sure to grease the pan with butter. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40 minutes. This sponge cake recipe is suitable for a multicooker. Use the "Bake" setting for 60 minutes.
- While the cake is still hot, transfer it to a wider pan or baking dish. Prick the cake frequently with a fork or toothpick, but only halfway through.
- In a separate bowl, combine the three milks. The condensed milk, cream, and baked milk can be left unheated. Pour this mixture over the hot sponge cake and let it cool. Ideally, soak overnight, but two hours will do.
- It's easier to soak the cake using a ring mold. Place the finished, still-dry sponge cake into this mold and remove the bottom. Now place the ring-shaped sponge cake directly into a wide bowl, and once it's soaked, transfer it to a tray.
- Decorate the top of the cake with a glaze made from powdered sugar and boiled water. The glaze should be shiny. While the glaze is still wet, you can draw a design on the cake with chocolate or arrange fruit on it.
The best dessert and its secrets
The "Three Milks" cake is an unforgettable treat for any occasion. Its simple recipe is its main advantage. Creating this dessert requires three kinds of milk and three sequential steps. This moist, soaked sponge cake easily outshines expensive handmade mastic cakes or pastries from a bakery.
- Secret 1: If you change the cake decorations every time, from fruit to chocolate or meringue, you will have a unique recipe for any holiday.
- Secret 2: instead of baked milk, you can use concentrated milk.
- Secret 3: Add a spoonful of rum to the soaking recipe to create a dessert for adults.
When making the "Three Milks" cake, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. When choosing condensed milk, read the ingredients—it shouldn't contain vegetable cream or artificial ingredients. The ideal condensed milk is milk with sugar. You can make this ingredient yourself in a slow cooker.
When choosing baked milk, choose higher-fat varieties. If you have the time, you can make your own baked milk. Place the milk in a clay pot in the oven overnight at 100 degrees Celsius. In the morning, you'll have delicious baked milk that can be used not only in recipes but also as a flavorful drink.
You can use either homemade or store-bought cream here. However, if you're unsure of the quality of your homemade product, we recommend pasteurizing it to ensure a safe-to-use ingredient.
