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Easy Tres Leches Cupcakes: Your Shortcut to Perfection
Tres Leches cake is a classic favorite because it’s cool, creamy, and rich. Still, there are times when you want those same flavors without spending hours baking, and you want them in a fun, easy-to-carry size.
These Tres Leches Cupcakes solve that problem. Using a good cake mix gives you a reliable texture that soaks up all the “three milk” goodness.
Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters
The Cupcake Base
- Betty Crocker Vanilla Cake Mix: This provides the essential structure. It’s formulated to stay moist, which is crucial when you’re adding liquid later.
- Eggs: Eggs help the cupcakes rise and stay together, even after soaking up the milk mixture.
- Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the cupcakes soft and tender. Since oil stays liquid even when cold, the cupcakes won’t get hard in the fridge.
- Water: Water mixes with the dry ingredients and helps the cupcakes rise well.
The 3 Leches Mixture
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient holds the mixture together, adding thick sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Evaporated Milk: This gives a creamy taste without being too heavy, and helps the milk mixture soak into the cake.
- Whole Milk: This thins the mixture so the cake can absorb it easily, making sure each bite is moist but not soggy.
The Whipped Frosting & Toppings
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped cream is light and airy, which balances out the richness of the cake.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the whipped cream and helps it keep its shape.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm flavor that brings all the milky tastes together.
- Fresh Sliced Strawberries: The fresh fruit adds brightness and balances out the rich dairy flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Base
Preheat your oven as the box says. Mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Line a cupcake tin, fill each liner about two-thirds full, and bake. Let the cupcakes cool completely when done.
2. The “Soak”
Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk together in a bowl or pitcher. You can also use a blender. Poke holes in each cooled cupcake with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour a few tablespoons of the milk mixture over each cupcake, letting it soak in before adding more.
3. Whip the Frosting
Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should be thick enough to pipe or swirl onto the cupcakes.
4. The Grand Finale
Add a big spoonful of whipped cream and a slice of fresh strawberry to each cupcake. Chill them for at least an hour before serving so the flavors come together.
Why This Recipe Wins
Starting with a cake mix is a smart kitchen shortcut. It makes sturdy cupcakes that hold up to the milk soak, so you get a budget-friendly and easy way to serve this classic treat at your next party
What equipment or kitchen supplies do I need?
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment, whisk attachment, or hand mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 6 cup muffin pan
- Blender or whisk
- Reynolds jumbo foil baking cups
Tres Leches Cupcakes
Equipment
Ingredients
Cup Cake Batter
- 1 box Betty Crocker vanilla cake mix
- 3 lg eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
3 Leches Mixture
- 1 can sweet condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cups whole milk
Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipped cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional)
- fresh sliced strawberries
Instructions
Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line your muffin pan with Reynolds jumbo foil baking cups for jumbo cupcakes or regular size foil liner for regular size cupcakes.
- Using stand mixer or large mixing bowl, add cake mix, eggs, water and oil. Prepare according to box instructions listed on the back.1 box Betty Crocker vanilla cake mix, 3 lg eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water
- Pour batter into muffin pan and bake for 16-18 minutes. Fill 2/3 of each muffin cup to avoid overspill. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
3 Leches Mixture
- Using a blender, mix sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Mix for about 1 minute. You can also use a whisk to combine all milks together if you prefer.1 can sweet condensed milk, 1 can evaporated milk, 2 cups whole milk
- Once your cupcakes have cooled down, use a toothpick or fork to poke holes all over the top of each cupcake. Pour milk mixture into each cupcake. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. More time is highly recommended however, I only refrigerated the cupcakes for about 30 minutes since I was serving them within the hours.
Frosting
- In stand mixer, combine heavy whipping cream, sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium high until thickened and stiff peaks form.2 cups heavy whipped cream, ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pipe whipped cream frosting onto each cupcake and top with freshly sliced strawberries. Enjoy!fresh sliced strawberries
Video
@roni.tapia.gonzalez 3 Leches Cupcake Recipe. I've tried many cake mix brands and the Betty Crocker Vanilla Cake Mix takes the win for these delicious 3 leches cupcakes 🧁 For more recipes ⬇️ www.ronigonzalez.com Ingredients •1 Box Vanilla Cake Mix •3 Eggs •1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil •1 Cup Water 3 Leches Syrup •1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk •1 Can Evaporated Milk •2 Cups Whole Milk Frosting •2 Cups heavy Whipped Cream •3/4 Cup Powdered Sugar •1 Tsp Vanilla Extract #3leches #recipesoftiktok #recipevideo #bakingtiktok #foodie #dessert #ronigonzalez #mexicantiktok #nestle #heb #reynolds #bettycrocker #saxykeith🎷🎶🎵🤩 ♬ original sound – SaxyKeith
