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Easy Tres Leches Cake with Box Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 131 reviews

This Easy Tres Leches Cake recipe uses a simple vanilla box cake mix combined with a rich three-milk soak for an incredibly moist and creamy dessert. Perfect for parties or any occasion, this shortcut version saves time without compromising on the authentic, milk-soaked texture and flavor of a traditional tres leches cake. Topped with whipped topping and fresh berries, it’s a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 pkg vanilla cake mix (e.g., Duncan Hines, 15.25 oz)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 eggs (room temperature)

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

  • 16 oz evaporated milk
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

For the Topping:

  • 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip, thawed)
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside the prepared pan for baking.
  2. Mix and Bake the Cake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vanilla extract, melted butter, milk, and eggs. Mix with a handheld mixer or by hand until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
  3. Prepare and Apply the Milk Mixture: While the cake cools, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk in a bowl until smooth. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke holes evenly spaced about half an inch apart all over the cooled cake surface. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake in 3-4 batches, allowing about 5 minutes absorption time between each pour to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to fully absorb the mixture and enhance flavor melding.
  4. Top and Serve the Cake: After refrigeration, spread the whipped topping evenly over the soaked cake. Garnish with fresh raspberries or berries of your choice. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated for up to 4 days for best freshness.

Notes

  • Use a traditional vanilla or white cake mix without pudding included to avoid overly soggy texture.
  • Ensure cake is fully cooled before pouring milk mixture for better absorption and structure.
  • Pour the milk soak slowly in batches to avoid dense, soggy cake.
  • Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor and moisture.
  • Whipped topping can be substituted with homemade whipped cream using 2 cups heavy cream and 1/4 cup sugar.
  • Fresh berries can be swapped with strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or omitted for a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
  • Avoid freezing the cake as milk mixture may separate on thawing.
  • Store the cake tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness up to 4 days.
  • Pair well with hot coffee or vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience.

Keywords: Tres Leches Cake, Easy Tres Leches, Box Cake Mix, Milk-Soaked Cake, Creamy Cake, Party Dessert, Shortcut Cake, Vanilla Cake, Latin Dessert

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/easy-tres-leches-cake-with-box-cake-recipe/