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–+ servings

Moist Gluten Free Tres Leches Cake Recipe

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Indulge in this moist, creamy gluten free tres leches cake recipe. A decadent Latin American favorite that's perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 268
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

FOR THE CAKE
  • 5 whole eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup neutral oil such as avocado or canola oil.
  • 1 ¼ cup high quality gluten free flour I used King Arthur Measure for Measure, stirred, scooped, and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
FOR THE MILK MIXTURE
  • 1 can 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can 12 ounce evaporated milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon rum extract optional
FROSTING
  • 1 ¼ cup heavy whipping
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
GARNISH (optional)
  • Cinnamon for dusting or fresh fruit like berries, kiwi, or mango. If using fruit to decorate, add just before serving.

Method
 

  1. Spray a 13 x 9-inch cake pan with gluten-free cooking spray or line the bottom with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
Make the cake:
  1. Measure the gluten-free flour into a medium-large bowl using the stir, scoop, and level method, then stir in the baking powder and salt and set aside.
  2. Measure the gluten-free flour into a medium-large bowl using the stir, scoop, and level method, then stir in the baking powder and salt and set aside.
  3. Beat one egg in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 15 seconds, then add the remaining eggs one at a time, beating for 15 to 30 seconds after each addition.
  4. Gradually add the sugar over 30 seconds while mixing until the mixture is fully incorporated, fluffy, and light yellow.
  5. Reduce the mixer speed and gradually add the oil and vanilla while continuing to mix.
  6. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula until well combined, taking care not to overmix.
Bake the cake:
  1. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
  2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cake is light golden or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Remove the cake from the oven and cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, or leave it in the pan if serving from there.
Soak the cake:
  1. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and rum (if using) and set aside.
  2. Transfer the cooled cake to a platter or rimmed baking sheet and poke holes across the entire surface with a fork.
  3. Pour the milk mixture over the cake, adding extra around the edges to ensure they are soft.
  4. Allow the cake to soak up the milk mixture for 5 to 10 minutes.
Frost and serve:
  1. Combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until soft peaks form.
  2. Spread the whipped cream over the cake or dollop it onto individual slices.
  3. Top the cake with fresh berries, kiwi, mango, or a light dusting of cinnamon just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 105mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25g

Notes

PRO TIP: Beating the eggs for an extended period of time is crucial, so don't rush this step! Whipping air into the eggs add to the rise and texture of this cake.
PRO TIP: Wheat-based tres leches tastes better the longer it sits, but gluten free cake soaks up moisture much quicker. We found that gluten free tres leches has the best texture when you pour the liquid over the cake 5-10 minutes before serving.
PRO TIP: cool the bowl and beater(s) in the freezer for a few hours before making your whipped cream to help with the texture.
Gluten Free Flour: I used King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten free flour blend in this recipe, and recommend it. You can also try Bob's Red Mill 1:1 or Cup4Cup.