Rose Leches Cake Recipe
Rose Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic tres leches dessert, infused with fragrant rose water for a floral and lightly sweet flavor. This moist sponge cake is soaked with a luscious three-milk mixture, then topped with fluffy rose-infused whipped cream, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or anytime you crave a refreshing, elegant dessert.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or cake flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 5 eggs, egg whites and yolks separated
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Milk Mixture – Tres Leches
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tsp rose water
- 2 drops food coloring (optional)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp confectioners sugar
- ½ tsp rose water
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350¼°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of rising agents.
- Separate eggs: Carefully separate the 5 eggs into two bowls—one for egg yolks and one for egg whites.
- Beat yolks with sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar on high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture turns pale yellow and becomes creamy.
- Add milk and vanilla: Stir in the ⅓ cup milk and 1½ tsp vanilla extract to the egg yolk mixture, blending gently for a smooth batter.
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture carefully, ensuring you mix gently to keep the batter light.
- Beat egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed for about 5 minutes until they form stiff peaks, which will add airiness to the cake.
- Fold egg whites into batter: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, taking care not to overmix so you retain maximum fluffiness.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smooth the surface evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and poke holes: Allow the cake to cool completely. Then use a fork to poke holes all over the surface, which helps the milk mixture soak in deeply.
- Prepare and soak with milk mixture: In a bowl, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, rose water, and optional food coloring. Pour this fragrant milk mixture evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow full absorption.
- Make whipped cream topping: While the cake chills, beat heavy whipping cream with confectioners sugar and rose water on high speed for about 5 minutes until stiff peaks form. You can use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or a high-speed blender with a whipping setting.
- Decorate and serve: Spread the rose whipped cream evenly over the milk-soaked cake. Garnish with dried rose petals or chopped pistachios for a beautiful finishing touch. Serve chilled and enjoy your delightful Rose Leches Cake.
Notes
- For fluffier cake, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter without overmixing to retain airiness.
- Use whole milk for richer flavor in the milk mixture; you can substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version but flavor may vary.
- The rose water adds a delicate floral note – start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
- Refrigerate the cake for longer than 30 minutes if possible; this enhances flavor and moisture absorption.
- Optional food coloring is only for aesthetic purposes; it does not affect the taste.
- Always ensure your cake is completely cooled before poking holes and pouring the milk mixture to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Garnish alternatives include edible rose petals, crushed pistachios, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for different flavor profiles.
Keywords: Rose Leches Cake, tres leches cake, rose water dessert, floral sponge cake, milk soaked cake, whipped cream topping