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Easy Tres Leches Cake With Cake Mix (Moist, Creamy & Foolproof) - A Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the cake: 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • For the tres leches soak: 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 teaspoon rum extract
  • For the topping: 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional garnish: Ground cinnamon, fresh berries, or sliced strawberries

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix the cake: Prepare the cake batter according to the box directions. Stir in vanilla or almond extract if using.
  3. Bake: Pour into the pan and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
  4. Cool slightly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. You want it warm, not hot.
  5. Make the milk mixture: In a large measuring cup, whisk condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Add cinnamon or rum extract if you like.
  6. Poke holes: Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake, going almost to the bottom.
  7. Soak: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it seep in. Go over the surface several times to distribute evenly. The cake will look very wet—this is right.
  8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the milk fully absorbs.
  9. Whip the topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to medium-stiff peaks.
  10. Frost and garnish: Spread whipped cream over the chilled cake. Dust with cinnamon or top with berries.
  11. Serve: Slice cold. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices.