tres leches cake

there is a bakery down the block from my apartment. this bakery was my introduction to the wonderful tres leches (three milk) cake. tres leches cake is a spongy cake that is soaked in three different kinds of milks and is very popular in many parts of latin america. after looking at several recipes online - i have found one that i love and this quickly has become my favorite cake to make.

ingredients

cake:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup milk, 2%
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1-1/2 tsp cream of tartar

milk syrup:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extact

topping:

• whipped cream (home made or store bought)

directions

1. preheat oven to 350 F. butter 13x9-inch baking dish.
2. beat 3/4 cup sugar & the egg yolks until light & fluffy, about 5 minutes. fold in the milk, vanilla, flour, & baking powder. set aside.
3. beat the egg whites to soft peaks, adding the cream of tartar after 20 seconds. gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar & continue beating until the whites are glossy & firm but not dry.
4. gently fold the whites into the yolk mixture.
5. pour batter into the buttered baking dish.
6. bake for about 30-45 minutes, until the cake feels firm & an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
7. let cake cool completely.
8. pierce the cake all over with a toothpick or skewer.
9. in a mixing bowl, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream & vanilla.
10. whisk until well blended.
11. pour syrup over the cake.
12. let sit in the refrigerator until all (or most) of the syrup has been absorbed.
13. top with whipped cream, serve, & enjoy!