Description
Unlock the secret to the ultimate Butter Pecan Tres Leches Cake with this comprehensive, easy-to-follow recipe. This dessert promises a moist, nutty cake drenched in a luscious three-milk soak, topped with creamy whipped cream and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
- For the Tres Leches Soak:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until just combined. Fold in ½ cup toasted pecans. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Let cool for 30 minutes in the pan.
- Make the Tres Leches Soak: In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional nutmeg until smooth.
- Soak the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke holes all over the top with a fork or skewer. Slowly and evenly pour the entire milk mixture over the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare Topping & Serve: Just before serving, whip the remaining 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled, soaked cake. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup toasted pecans. Slice and serve cold.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins