Dreamy Tres Leches Cupcakes Recipe: Fluffy Sweet Perfection

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up these delectable tres leches cupcakes that blend rich cultural traditions into one irresistible treat.

Soft vanilla sponge cradles a creamy milk-soaked center with surprising delicacy.

Mexican dessert lovers will adore this miniature version of the classic cake.

Condensed and evaporated milk intermingle with heavy cream to create a luxurious moistness that melts on your tongue.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through smooth, sweet layers of pure comfort.

Decadent yet surprisingly light, these cupcakes invite you to savor every single spoonful.

You’ll want to share these magical little desserts with everyone around you.

Tips for Fluffy Cake and Topping

• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Poke tiny holes in cooled cupcakes with a fork before soaking in tres leches mixture to help liquid absorb evenly without making liners too wet.
• Control Milk Absorption: Pour tres leches mixture slowly and in stages, allowing each addition to soak in completely to prevent cupcakes from becoming overly saturated.
• Whip Cream Perfectly: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment before whipping cream to achieve stable, fluffy peaks that hold their shape on top of the cupcakes.
• Make Ahead Wisely: Prepare cupcakes and soak in tres leches mixture up to 24 hours in advance, but add whipped cream topping just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
• Customize Flavors: Experiment with adding a splash of rum, coffee liqueur, or almond extract to the milk mixture for a unique twist on the classic tres leches recipe.

Keep Cupcakes Chilled Without Drying Out

• Store leftover tres leches cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them moist and fresh.
• Wrap each cupcake individually with plastic wrap or place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture.
• Warm cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore their soft consistency.
• Skip freezing these cupcakes, as the milk-soaked texture can become soggy and lose its original creamy quality when thawed.

Perfect Pairings for These Dreamy Treats

• Complement the sweet cupcakes with a bold, dark espresso that cuts through the creamy richness and provides a robust contrast.
• Create a warm, comforting companion that echoes the cupcake's milky sweetness and adds a delightful spicy undertone.
• Elevate the dessert experience by offering a smooth caramel liqueur that enhances the cupcake's deep, sweet profile and adds a sophisticated adult twist.
• Add a side of mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries to introduce a tart, fresh element that balances the cupcake's intense sweetness and provides a colorful, refreshing counterpoint.

Fun Variations with Extra Flavor Layers

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the cupcake's soft texture.
• Vegan Tres Leches: Substitute eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, and use coconut milk and plant-based milk for the three-milk soak, creating a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Utilize stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and reduce the sweetened condensed milk in the soak for a diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Tropical Flavor Transformation: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter and top with fresh mango or passion fruit for a Caribbean-inspired version of the classic recipe.

Cupcake FAQs Answered

• Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 replacement ratio and ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

• What if I don't have a stand mixer?

No problem! A hand mixer or even a whisk can work. Just make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until they become light and fluffy, which helps create a soft, airy cupcake.

• How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cupcakes are done. They should also have a golden color and slightly springy top.

• Can kids help make these cupcakes?

Absolutely! Kids can help measure ingredients, mix dry ingredients, and line the muffin tin. Adult supervision is recommended for oven tasks and using electric mixers.

Tres Leches Cupcakes with Milky Magic

• Reasons to Love Tres Leches Cupcakes
• Prepare these delightful cupcakes in under 45 minutes with basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master confidently.
• Perfect for gatherings, birthdays, and potlucks, these cupcakes offer a sophisticated twist on traditional tres leches cake that everyone from kids to adults will adore.
• The three-milk soaking technique guarantees incredibly soft, rich cupcakes that melt in your mouth, delivering a decadent dessert experience without requiring complex baking skills.
• Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to personalize these cupcakes and make them uniquely yours for any special occasion.

Ingredients for Ultra-Moist Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcake, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps cupcakes rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Creates richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cupcake's golden color.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, classic flavor to the cupcakes.

• Evaporated Milk: Creamy milk that adds depth to the soaking mixture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides extra sweetness and richness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth soaking liquid.

Step-by-Step Guide to Soaking and Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a muffin tin and line it with adorable cupcake wrappers.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 3: Whip Fluffy Base

• Eggs
• Sugar

Beat on high speed until the mixture becomes light and airy, roughly 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Wet Components

• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

Softly fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything combines smoothly.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 6: Soak With Milk Mixture

• Evaporated milk
• Condensed milk
• Heavy cream

Poke small holes in cooled cupcakes and slowly drench with milk mixture.

Step 7: Top With Whipped Cream

Whip fresh cream until soft peaks form. Generously spread over soaked cupcakes. Optional: Sprinkle with ground cinnamon for extra flair.

Tres Leches Cupcakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent tres leches cupcakes bring Mexican dessert magic to your table with creamy sweetness and delicate sponge. Rich milk-soaked layers promise pure bliss for anyone craving a delightful culinary escape.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcake Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cupcake Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk

Tres Leches Mixture:

• ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk

Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh berries
• Chocolate shavings

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and arranging cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip eggs and sugar at high speed until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and pale cream-like consistency.
4. Transition the mixer to low speed, introducing vanilla extract and whole milk into the egg mixture with gentle incorporation.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.
6. Carefully distribute the batter evenly among cupcake liners, ensuring each cup is filled approximately two-thirds full.
7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake.
8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, preparing them for the next stage of preparation.

Notes

• Toast flour briefly before mixing to enhance nutty flavor and prevent raw flour taste.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises perfectly.
• Sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and ensure consistent texture throughout cupcakes.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg