Mango Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Introduction

Mango Tres Leches is a tropical twist on the classic Latin American dessert, featuring a moist vanilla sponge cake soaked in a rich three-milk mixture. Topped with mango-infused whipped cream and fresh mango chunks, this luscious dessert is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you crave something sweet and refreshing.

The image shows a close-up of a dessert in a rectangular metal pan with one corner missing, revealing three visible layers: a dense, light yellow cake base at the bottom, a thick creamy white middle layer, and a top layer of large, bright orange mango chunks scattered unevenly over a swirled creamy topping that combines white and pale yellow colors. A white bowl filled with more orange mango pieces is blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 5 large eggs (separated, room temperature)
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mango puree (about 1 large mango, plus more for drizzling, optional)
  • Fresh mango (peeled and cut into small chunks)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and grease only the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray, avoiding the sides.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until thick and pale yellow. Stir in the milk.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until combined.
  5. Step 5: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  6. Step 6: Fold half of the beaten egg whites into the batter gently, then fold in the rest just until combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the batter airy.
  7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool.
  8. Step 8: In a measuring cup, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
  9. Step 9: Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the top with a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  10. Step 10: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mango puree.
  11. Step 11: Remove the cake from the fridge and spread the mango whipped cream evenly over the top.
  12. Step 12: Top with fresh mango chunks and drizzle extra mango puree if desired. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

  • Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor in the puree and topping.
  • You can substitute heavy whipping cream in the soaking mixture with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
  • For a lighter dessert, reduce the sugar slightly in the whipped cream topping.
  • If fresh mango is unavailable, thawed frozen mango works well for the puree and chunks.

Storage

Store leftover Mango Tres Leches covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake is best enjoyed chilled, so serve cold or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. The whipped cream topping may soften over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.

How to Serve

The image shows a single slice of a three-layer dessert on a white plate with subtle ridges. The bottom layer is a moist, light yellow cake. The middle layer is creamy and pale yellow, smooth in texture. The top layer is a glossy, bright yellow mango topping with several mango chunks scattered on and around the dessert. A halved red strawberry with visible seeds is placed on top. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with out-of-focus whole mangoes, a red strawberry, and a white bowl of mango chunks in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s recommended to refrigerate the soaked cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.

Can I use canned mango puree instead of fresh?

While fresh mango puree offers the best flavor, canned mango puree can be used as a convenient substitute. Just be sure it is unsweetened or adjust the sugar in the whipped cream accordingly.

Print

Mango Tres Leches Cake Recipe

This Mango Tres Leches is a delightful twist on the classic Latin American dessert, featuring a moist vanilla sponge cake soaked in a rich blend of three milks and topped with a luscious mango whipped cream and fresh mango chunks. Perfect for a refreshing and indulgent treat that balances sweetness with tropical fruit freshness.

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients

Scale

Vanilla Sponge Cake

  • 5 Large eggs, separated (room temperature)
  • 1 cup White granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Tres Leches Soaking Mixture

  • 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
  • 12 oz Evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup Heavy whipping cream

Mango Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup Heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 1/4 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Mango puree (about 1 large mango, plus more for drizzling on top, optional)
  • Fresh mango, peeled and cut into small chunks for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vanilla Sponge Cake: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease only the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray, avoiding the sides. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
  2. Mix Egg Yolk Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla extract using an electric hand mixer until thick and pale yellow. Stir in the whole milk gently.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold the dry flour mixture gently into the egg yolk mixture until just combined to maintain lightness.
  4. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  5. Combine Batter and Egg Whites: Fold half of the beaten egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining egg whites carefully until fully incorporated without deflating the mixture.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
  7. Prepare Soaking Mixture: In a measuring cup, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
  8. Soak the Cake: Once the cake is cool, poke holes throughout the surface using a fork. Slowly pour the tres leches milk mixture evenly over the cake. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  9. Make Mango Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mango puree until fully combined.
  10. Assemble the Dessert: Remove the soaked cake from the refrigerator. Spread the mango whipped cream evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh mango chunks and drizzle additional mango puree over the whipped cream if desired. Slice and enjoy your tropical mango tres leches cake!

Notes

  • Room temperature eggs help to achieve better volume when whipping.
  • Do not spray the sides of the baking dish to allow the cake to cling for rising.
  • Be gentle when folding egg whites to avoid deflating the batter, ensuring a light and airy cake texture.
  • Allowing the cake to soak overnight yields the best flavor and moistness.
  • Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best pureed flavor and fresh garnish.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option but the texture may differ slightly.

Keywords: Mango tres leches, tres leches cake, mango dessert, vanilla sponge cake, tropical dessert, creamy cake, Mexican dessert

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