Creating a delightful dessert for Christmas celebrations can truly elevate the festive spirit in your home. Embrace the flavors of Mexico with a rich and indulgent treat that will leave your guests craving more. This traditional Mexican Christmas baking recipe is none other than the luscious “Pastel De Tres Leches” or Three Milk Cake. This incredibly moist and flavorful cake soaked in a mixture of three different kinds of milk is a beloved dessert that will surely impress your loved ones.
### Pastel De Tres Leches Three Milk Cake
#### Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 5 large eggs, separated
– 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
– 1/3 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
#### For the Three Milk Soak:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
#### For the Topping (Optional):
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 2 tbsp powdered sugar
– Ground cinnamon, for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add in half a cup of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining half cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
5. Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites until just combined. Slowly fold in the flour mixture until no lumps remain.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake is baking, prepare the three milk soak by combining the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix well.
8. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using a fork or skewer, pierce the cake all over, creating small holes for the milk mixture to seep in.
9. Slowly pour the three milk soak over the warm cake, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture.
10. If desired, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the chilled cake and dust with ground cinnamon for a decorative touch.
Indulge in the velvety texture and rich flavors of this Mexican Christmas delight! Serve this Pastel De Tres Leches with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a festive presentation that will impress your guests and sweeten your holiday celebrations. Get ready to savor every delicious bite of this decadent treat that perfectly blends tradition and sweetness. Enjoy the joy of baking and the warmth of sharing homemade goodness with your loved ones.
