Gluten Free Classic Tres Leches Cake

Total time5 hr

Prep time30 min

Cook time30 min

This dreamy, soak-through cake gets its signature moisture from a trio of milks poured over a delicate sponge until every square is rich, cool, and custardy. The sponge itself comes together through whipped egg yolks and stiffly beaten whites, folded together for that airy, ribbon-like crumb that's built to soak up liquid without turning mushy. After a long chill in the fridge, the top gets finished with a cloud of vanilla-scented whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon, plus fresh strawberries or cherries if you're feeling festive. It's the kind of make-ahead dessert that tastes even better the next day, once the layers have had time to meld into something cool and luxurious. This one is a genuinely great option for a gluten free spread — easy to prep in advance and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Gluten-Free Measure For Measure Flour Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour Pillsbury Best Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend - 24 Oz Bob's Red Mill Baking Flour, 1 to 1, Gluten Free King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
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Chef's tip
Choose a gluten-free baking blend labeled 1:1 or cup-for-cup and use the same amount. Almond and coconut flour won't work the same way.
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
5 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
⅓ cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the tres leches soak

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 cup whole milk

For the whipped cream topping

2 cups heavy cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For serving

ground cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
fresh strawberries or maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

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