
Recipe for Three Milk Cake (Pastel de Tres Leches)
The Yucatecan version of the classic tres leches cake is a celebration of the peninsula's rich culinary heritage. This dessert, with a base of fluffy sponge cake soaked in a delicious mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream, acquires a distinctive touch with local ingredients. Unlike other variations, it's often infused with a hint of rum or a touch of anise liqueur and topped with meringue or whipped cream that evokes the freshness of the tropical air. It's a dessert that not only delights the palate but also tells a story of tradition and adaptation, becoming a sweet icon that represents the very essence of Yucatecan cuisine.
Recipe for Three Milk Cake (Pastel de Tres Leches)
Bread:
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
Beat the eggs, vanilla and sugar and add other dry ingredients little by little. Make this bread a day ahead of time. Bake in oven 180° C for 30 to 45 minutes. Separate in half for bathing and filling.
Bathing:
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 can of media cream
Dip the chilled bread in the milk mixture.
Merengue:
- 3 egg whites
- ¾ cup sugar
- 250 ml Karo corn syrup
- 1 tbs. vanilla
- ½ tsp. salt
Beat egg whites and sugar until the desired consistency.
Preparation:
-
Cut the cake horizontally into 3 equal parts and separate.
-
Add filling to each layer.
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Place the layers back on top of each other to form the cake.
-
Using an ice pick, make small holes all over the surface.
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Gradually pour the tres leches mixture over the cake so it absorbs evenly.
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Decorate with meringue.
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Refrigerate for a couple of hours.
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Serve and enjoy!
Other delicious recipes from Yucatecan Cuisine:
- Recipe for Papadzules
- Recipe for Sopa de Lima
- Recipe for Pollo en Escabeche
- Recipe for Relleno Negro
- Recipe for Cochinita Pibil
- Recipe for Frijol con Puerco
- Recipe for Queso Relleno
- Recipe for Tamales Yucatecos
Yucatecan Dessert Recipes:
- Recipe for Caballeros Pobres
- Recipe for Flan Yucateco
- Recipe for Pastel de Tres Leches
- Recipe for Dulce de Papaya

Author: Yucatán Today
Yucatán Today, the traveler's companion, has been covering Yucatán’s destinations, culture, gastronomy, and things to do for 37 years. Available in English and Spanish, it’s been featured in countless travel guides due to the quality of its content.
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