Tres Leches Cake Cups – A Delicious Miniature Treat
Tres Leches Cake Cups are a delightful twist on the traditional tres leches cake. They capture the moist, milky goodness of the classic dessert but present it in individual cups for easy serving.
The preparation involves baking a light sponge cake base, soaking it generously with the milk mixture, and topping it with fluffy whipped cream.
These cups are ideal for parties, gatherings, or even an elegant dinner dessert. The mini version allows each person to enjoy a perfectly portioned sweet treat soaked in the luscious three-milk mixture.
Unlike a full-size cake, these cups bake faster and are easier to serve without the mess of slicing.
Let’s get started!
What is Tres Leches Cake & Where Does it Come From?
Tres Leches Cake, meaning “three milks cake” in Spanish, is a light sponge cake soaked in a blend of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream.
This soaking method gives the cake an incredibly moist, almost pudding-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Though its exact origin is debated, the cake is widely associated with Latin American cuisine. Some say it emerged in Nicaragua, while others point to Mexico or Venezuela.
What’s clear is that the use of canned milk—like evaporated and condensed—rose in popularity during the 20th century in regions where refrigeration was limited. This led to the development of milk-soaked desserts like this one.
Today, Tres Leches is a staple at parties, holidays, and celebrations across Latin America and has found international popularity, especially in the United States.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | For 4 Cups | For 6 Cups | For 8 Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup |
| Whole milk (for batter) | 1/4 cup | 1/3 cup | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1/2 can | 3/4 can | 1 can |
| Evaporated milk | 1/2 can | 3/4 can | 1 can |
| Heavy cream (for soaking) | 1/4 cup | 1/3 cup | 1/2 cup |
| Whipping cream (for topping) | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for topping) | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
Alternatives
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Sugar: Substitute coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
- Dairy: Use almond milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
Cooking Instruments Needed
| Instrument | Alternative |
| Mixing bowls | Any medium-sized bowls |
| Hand mixer | Whisk (manual) |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Kitchen scale |
| Cupcake baking cups (paper or silicone) | Small ramekins |
| Baking tray | Sheet pan |
| Piping bag | Ziplock bag (cut corner) |
| Spoon or spatula | Butter knife |
How to Make Tres Leches Cake Cups
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). Arrange cupcake cups on a baking tray or place them inside a muffin tin for support. Lightly spray them if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Add the vanilla extract and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to remain airy.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Pour the batter into the cupcake cups, filling each about halfway.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Milk Soak
While the cakes cool, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. This will be your soaking liquid.
Step 5: Soak the Cakes
Using a fork or toothpick, poke several holes into each cupcake.
Slowly spoon the milk mixture over the top of each, allowing it to soak in gradually. Repeat until each cake is saturated but not drowning.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream generously over each soaked cupcake.
Step 7: Decorate and Chill
Dust the tops with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few berries. Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavor.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Garnish with a strawberry or cherry on top for a vibrant look.
- Sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra aroma.
- Add edible flowers for a fancy presentation.
Variations to Try
Here are some variation you can try.
Chocolate Tres Leches Cake Cups
Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the flour and prepare as usual. Use a chocolate-flavored whipped topping for a double-chocolate effect.
Coffee Flavored Tres Leches
Replace a portion of the evaporated milk with strong brewed coffee to give a deep, mocha flavor to your cake cups.
Tropical Tres Leches Cups
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream in the soaking mixture and top with shredded coconut and pineapple slices.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the plain sponge cups (before soaking) for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
| Mistake | Problem Caused | How to Fix/Prevent |
| Overbaking | Cakes become too dry | Watch closely and remove when a toothpick comes out clean |
| Not soaking enough | Dry texture | Poke enough holes and soak slowly |
| Too much milk mixture | Cakes get mushy | Add milk mixture a spoonful at a time |
| Weak whipped cream | Poor topping hold | Whip until stiff peaks form |
Mini Tres Leches Cake Jars
Instead of cups, layer the soaked cake and whipped cream into small mason jars for a portable dessert. This method is perfect for gifting.
Flavor Infusions for Tres Leches Cups
- Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
- Berry Blend: Stir berry puree into the soaking milk for fruity notes.
- Nutty: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds on top.
Let’s Make and Enjoy!
Tres Leches Cake Cups offer the irresistible flavor of the traditional cake in a manageable, fun form.
Try this recipe and tell us how it turned out. If you added a twist or a topping, share your creative versions too!
