Tres Leches Cheesecake Recipe

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If you’ve ever found yourself torn between choosing a slice of cheesecake or succumbing to the spongy charm of Tres Leches, then worry no more! This Tres Leches Cheesecake recipe offers the best of both worlds and promises to be a showstopper at any gathering.

From the very first time I experimented with combining these two classics, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The idea came to me during a family birthday celebration where both desserts were served, and the thought of blending them sparked an excitement I just couldn’t shake off. Fast forward to several batches of testing (and tasting!), I’ve perfected what I believe is a seamless blend of flavors and textures that will enchant your taste buds.

How to make Tres Leches Cheesecake

Tres Leches Cheesecake is a delicious fusion dessert that combines the rich, creamy qualities of traditional cheesecake with the moist, milky sweetness of Tres Leches cake. Tres Leches cake is a popular Latin American dessert made by soaking a sponge cake in a mixture of three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.

Tres Leches Cheesecake Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar

For the Cheesecake:

• 3 packages (24 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cinnamon powder or cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming a firm, even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove from oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Making the Cheesecake:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
5. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.

3. Preparing the Tres Leches Mixture:

1. Whisk together heavy cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl.
2. Once the cheesecake has cooled, evenly pour the Tres Leches mixture over the top, allowing it to soak in.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, which is ideal.

4. Adding the Topping:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.
3. Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder for decoration if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your batter.
• Slow Cooling: Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the turned-off oven helps prevent cracks from forming.
• Soak it Up: After adding the Tres Leches mixture, give it ample time to soak into the cheesecake for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill Time: The longer you let the cheesecake chill, the better it sets, making it easier to slice.

What to serve with

Tres Leches Cheesecake is an indulgent dessert that stands out on its own. However, if you’re looking to create a truly memorable dessert experience for your guests or for a special treat, consider pairing it with complementary sides, beverages, and toppings that enhance its rich flavors.

Beverages:

• Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee or a shot of espresso is the perfect companion to the creamy, sweet profile of Tres Leches Cheesecake. The bitterness of the coffee balances the dessert’s sweetness, while its warmth contrasts with the cool creaminess.
• Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine such as Moscato, Riesling, or a dessert sherry can complement the richness of the cheesecake. If you prefer something fizzy, try a glass of Prosecco or champagne to cut through the creaminess.
• Hot Tea: For those who prefer a non-alcoholic pairing, a hot cup of tea can be delightful. A strong black tea, like Earl Grey or an English Breakfast, can be a great palate cleanser, while herbal teas such as chamomile or mint can offer a soothing match.

Toppings:

• Fresh Berries: A simple garnish of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a berry medley can add a tart, fruity element to each creamy bite, not to mention a splash of color for visual appeal.
• Fruit Sauces: Consider drizzling a raspberry or strawberry sauce over your Tres Leches Cheesecake for a bright and tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste experience.
• Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: For those with an extra-sweet tooth, a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce can be the perfect addition, providing a gooey textured contrast.

Sides:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of additional whipped cream on the side can be used to top each slice, adding a light, airy texture contrast to the dense cheesecake.
• Nuts: Offering a side of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch and nuttiness to balance the creamy dessert.
• Shaved Chocolate or Chocolate Curls: For a touch of elegance and extra chocolate flavor, sprinkle shaved chocolate or chocolate curls on top of the cheesecake or at the side.

Ingredients Substitutes

Tres Leches Cheesecake is a delicious twist on the traditional Tres Leches cake, blending the sweetness and moisture of the cake with the rich creaminess of a cheesecake. If you’re missing some ingredients or have special dietary concerns, there are plenty of substitutes that can be used to achieve a similarly delightful result.

For the Cheesecake Base:

• Cream Cheese: If you can’t find regular cream cheese or need a dairy-free option, you can use mascarpone for a richer flavor or a dairy-free cream cheese available in most health food stores.
• Sugar: If you want to reduce the refined sugar, opt for coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might affect the texture, so adjustments to other liquids might be necessary.
• Eggs: To replace eggs, you can use a commercial egg replacer, flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg), or soft tofu blended to creaminess.

For the Crust:

• Graham Crackers: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or for a gluten-free option, gluten-free cookies or almond flour mixed with a little butter and sugar.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil, vegan margarine, or any other plant-based butter substitute.

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

• Condensed Milk: You can use sweetened condensed coconut milk or make your own by simmering your choice of milk with sugar until reduced.
• Evaporated Milk: People often substitute evaporated milk with regular milk or cream. For a dairy-free version, you can evaporate plant-based milks such as almond, soy, or oat milk by simmering them down.
• Heavy Cream: A mixture of milk with a touch of butter can substitute for heavy cream, or use full-fat coconut milk for a vegan alternative.

Additional Flavorings and Toppings:

• Vanilla Extract: Feel free to switch up the flavors using almond extract, orange zest, or even coffee extract to give a different dimension.
• Fruit Toppings: Instead of the traditional berries or fruit sauces, consider tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a refreshing twist.

Final Thoughts

With patience and passion, you’ll make a Tres Leches Cheesecake that not only looks spectacular but also tastes heavenly. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful end to a family dinner, this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around.

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Copycat Aj’s Cheesecake Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Cheesecake Truffles Recipe
• Copycat Popeyes Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
• Copycat Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe