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Butter Pecan Tres Leches Cake

Butter Pecan Tres Leches Cake

Butter Pecan Tres Leches Cake is a delightful dessert that takes the classic tres leches cake to a whole new level. This rich, moist cake is infused with buttery toasted pecans and soaked in a creamy three-milk mixture, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and adorned with more crunchy pecans, this cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a memorable treat for any gathering or celebration. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence at home, this cake promises to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional toasted pecans for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale. Stir in whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Gradually fold in dry ingredients.
  4. In another clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture and stir in chopped pecans.
  6. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until set. Allow to cool.
  7. Whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and melted butter in a separate bowl.
  8. Poke holes in cooled cake using a fork; pour the milk mixture evenly over it and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
  9. For topping, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form; spread over the cake.
  10. Garnish with additional toasted pecans before serving chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for best results. Toasting your pecans enhances their flavor; watch them closely to avoid burning. For variations, try adding different nuts or flavored extracts to customize your cake.