Mocha Tres Leches Cake

This dessert was part of our Mexican meal for the Purdy’s.  I do not know why I have not tried this dessert before.  The combination of the mocha cake and the milk make the cake so gooey good.  That’s right, gooey good.  This is a traditional Mexican dessert and it is a shame it has not become more mainstream in American desserts.  The cake is pretty basic but the richness comes from the milk and that is not logical.  Adding the espresso only adds to the richness.  You need to try this recipe soon.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 3/4 cup  milk
• 3/4 cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cups  all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons  baking powder
• 1 teaspoon  salt
• 1 1/2 cups  granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons  vanilla
• 1 – 12 ounce can evaporated milk
• 3 tablespoons  instant espresso coffee powder
• 1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup  whipping cream
• 1 cup  confectioners sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions (adapted from Better Homes & Graden):

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Separate eggs, placing egg whites in a very large bowl and yolks in a small bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan heat the 3/4 cup milk over medium heat until simmering; remove from heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder (mixture will be thick); set aside to cool.

2. In a small bowl combine the flour and baking powder; set aside. Beat the egg whites and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until soft peaks form (tips curl). Slowly add the granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.

3. Add egg yolks to the beaten whites and beat just until combined. Add the flour and cooled chocolate mixture alternately to the egg mixture, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat just until combined.

4. Pour batter into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Transfer cake to a cooling rack and cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour).

5. In a medium saucepan combine the evaporated milk and espresso powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the espresso powder has dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and the 3/4 cup whipping cream.

6. Use the tines of a long fork or a wooden skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the espresso mixture evenly over the top of the cake.

 

7. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth; beat in powdered sugar. Add 1/4 cup of the whipping cream and beat until combined. Add remaining whipping cream and beat until soft peaks form.

8. Refrigerate the cake for 3 to 24 hours, covering cake after topper is set. Add the whip cream prior to serving.  Enjoy!