Go Back

Tres Leches Cake Recipe with Box Cake Mix (Easy & Extra Moist) - Foolproof and Delicious

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box—usually eggs and oil)
  • Whole milk (for the cake batter and soak)
  • Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz)
  • Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 oz)
  • Heavy whipping cream (for the soak and topping)
  • Granulated sugar or powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon (optional, for dusting)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Heat the oven to 350°F (or as directed on your cake mix). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix the cake: Prepare the cake batter according to the box, but use milk instead of water and add 1 teaspoon vanilla for more flavor.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake as directed until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake.
  4. Cool slightly: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. It should be warm, not hot.
  5. Poke holes: Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cake, spacing about 1/2 inch apart. Go deep, but don’t tear the cake.
  6. Make the tres leches: In a bowl, whisk 1 cup whole milk, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 1 can evaporated milk until smooth.
  7. Soak the cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the entire cake, focusing on the edges and dry spots. The cake will look very wet—this is right.
  8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the cake absorbs the milk fully.
  9. Whip the topping: Beat 1 1/2 cups heavy cream with 2–4 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla to medium-soft peaks.
  10. Frost and finish: Spread whipped cream over the chilled cake. Dust with a little cinnamon and add berries if you like. Slice and serve cold.