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Creamy Butter Pecan Tres Leches Cake

A luscious twist on the classic dessert Tres Leches, featuring a moist sponge soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with a creamy whipped layer and nutty pecans.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup chopped pecans Toast before adding for enhanced flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For toasting the pecans.
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided Use half for the egg yolks, half for other preparations.
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Milk Mixture
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
For the Topping
  • 2 tablespoons caramel sauce For drizzling.
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream For the whipped topping.
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • To taste toasted pecans for garnish
  • To taste caramel drizzle for garnish
  • Optional butter pecan crumbs for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and toast chopped pecans until golden and fragrant.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks with half the sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla, then fold in dry ingredients and the pecans.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold into the batter.
  6. Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Soaking and Topping
  1. Mix evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a bowl.
  2. Once the cake cools, poke holes in it and pour the milk mixture over, allowing it to soak.
  3. Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over the soaked cake.
  4. Garnish with toasted pecans, caramel sauce, and optional butter pecan crumbs.
Serving
  1. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Cut into generous slices and serve chilled, with caramel drizzle and toasted pecans.

Notes

For best results, make the day before serving. Quality ingredients enhance flavor, and variations exist for custom flavors.