Cinco de Mayo Tres Leches

Featured in: Oven & Pan Creations

These moist and fluffy cupcakes are infused with a sweet soak made from three types of milk, offering a unique texture and rich flavor. After baking, they are pierced to absorb the milk mixture thoroughly, creating a tender crumb. Topped with freshly whipped cream and garnished with cinnamon, berries, or lime zest, they present an ideal festive dessert. The preparation involves careful mixing and baking, followed by soaking and chilling, resulting in a refreshing, creamy, and indulgent treat perfect for celebratory moments.

Updated on Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:02:01 GMT
Cinco de Mayo Tres Leches Cupcakes with whipped cream and cinnamon topping, a festive Mexican dessert treat. Save
Cinco de Mayo Tres Leches Cupcakes with whipped cream and cinnamon topping, a festive Mexican dessert treat. | asiremnotch.com

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these delightful Tres Leches Cupcakes, a moist and fluffy treat soaked in a luscious blend of three milks and topped with light, creamy whipped cream. This classic Mexican-inspired dessert perfectly balances sweetness and texture to bring festive joy to your celebrations.

Cinco de Mayo Tres Leches Cupcakes with whipped cream and cinnamon topping, a festive Mexican dessert treat. Save
Cinco de Mayo Tres Leches Cupcakes with whipped cream and cinnamon topping, a festive Mexican dessert treat. | asiremnotch.com

These cupcakes combine simple pantry ingredients with a special soak that makes them irresistibly tender and flavorful. The balance of sweetness and creaminess makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

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  • For the Cupcakes
    • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
    • 3 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • For the Tres Leches Soak
    • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
    • 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
    • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • For the Whipped Cream Topping
    • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
    • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional Garnish
    • Ground cinnamon
    • Fresh berries or maraschino cherries
    • Lime zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
5. Add half the flour mixture, then the milk, then the remaining flour mixture, mixing gently just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among liners (about 2/3 full).
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Meanwhile, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk in a small bowl.
9. Once cupcakes are cool (but still slightly warm), poke several holes in each with a skewer or fork.
10. Spoon or slowly pour 2–3 tablespoons of the milk mixture over each cupcake. Let soak for 30 minutes.
11. For the topping, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
12. Pipe or spread whipped cream onto each cupcake. Garnish with cinnamon, berries, or lime zest as desired. Serve chilled.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Um den Geschmack noch weiter zu intensivieren, kann ein Spritzer Rum oder Kaffeelikör zur Milchmischung hinzugefügt werden. Die Cupcakes sollten am besten innerhalb von 2 Tagen verzehrt und gekühlt gelagert werden.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Probieren Sie als Topping auch geschnittene Erdbeeren, Mango oder geröstete Kokosnuss für interessante Varianten und individuelle Geschmackserlebnisse.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Tres Leches Cupcakes sind ideal für festliche Anlässe wie Cinco de Mayo, serviert gekühlt mit einem Hauch Zimt und frischen Beeren oder einer Limettenschale zur Erfrischung.

Soft, moist cupcakes soaked in three milks, topped with fluffy whipped cream for a creamy dessert delight. Save
Soft, moist cupcakes soaked in three milks, topped with fluffy whipped cream for a creamy dessert delight. | asiremnotch.com

Mit einfachen Zutaten und ein wenig Zeit erhalten Sie ein eindrucksvolles Dessert, das Ihre Gäste begeistern wird. Die Kombination aus saftigen Cupcakes, süßer Milchmischung und samtiger Sahne macht diese Tres Leches Cupcakes zu einem unvergesslichen Genuss.

Questions & Answers

How do I ensure the cupcakes absorb the milk soak evenly?

After baking and cooling, pierce the cupcakes with a skewer or fork multiple times to allow the milk soak to penetrate deeply, then pour the soak slowly over each cupcake.

Can I make the whipped cream topping in advance?

For best texture, whip the cream fresh before serving or shortly before assembly; however, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled.

What are good garnish options to complement the flavors?

Ground cinnamon, fresh berries, lime zest, or maraschino cherries add color and enhance the flavor profile beautifully.

Is it necessary to refrigerate these after soaking?

Yes, refrigerate the cupcakes after soaking and assembling to maintain freshness and proper texture, ideally consuming within two days.

Can I adjust the soak for a non-dairy option?

You can experiment with plant-based milks like almond or coconut milk, but expect some changes in taste and texture.

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Cinco de Mayo Tres Leches

Fluffy cupcakes soaked in three milk blend, topped with whipped cream and a hint of cinnamon and berries.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Fiona Sawyer


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Mexican

Portion Output 12 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Cupcake Batter

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 1 cup granulated sugar
06 3 large eggs, room temperature
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 1/2 cup whole milk

Tres Leches Soak

01 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
02 1/2 cup evaporated milk
03 1/2 cup whole milk

Whipped Cream Topping

01 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
02 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

01 Ground cinnamon
02 Fresh berries or maraschino cherries
03 Lime zest

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare baking station: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate eggs and flavoring: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Alternate dry and wet ingredients: Add half the flour mixture to the egg mixture, then add milk, then the remaining flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined without overmixing.

Step 06

Fill muffin liners: Divide batter evenly among prepared liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.

Step 07

Bake cupcakes: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 08

Prepare milk soak: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 09

Pierce cooled cupcakes: Once cupcakes are cool but still slightly warm, poke several holes in each using a skewer or fork to allow milk absorption.

Step 10

Apply tres leches soak: Spoon or slowly pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk mixture over each cupcake. Allow to soak for 30 minutes.

Step 11

Prepare whipped cream topping: Whip cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Step 12

Finish and serve: Pipe or spread whipped cream onto each cupcake. Garnish with ground cinnamon, fresh berries, or lime zest as desired. Serve chilled.

What You Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Skewer or fork
  • Piping bag (optional)

Allergy Info

Go through every item for allergens. If unsure, it's best to check with your health provider.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy milk and dairy products
  • Contains wheat gluten

Nutrition Details (each portion)

This information guides you but isn't a substitute for professional medical input.
  • Caloric Value: 310
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 6 g

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