Hibiscus Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Latin American dessert, combining the rich, moist texture of tres leches cake with the vibrant, floral notes of hibiscus. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a sweet treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. With its beautiful pink hue and unique flavor, Hibiscus Tres Leches Cake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup brewed hibiscus tea, cooled
- Fresh hibiscus flowers or edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and brewed hibiscus tea until well combined.
Step 5: Soak the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the top with a fork. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, whip some additional heavy cream until soft peaks form and spread it over the top of the cake. Garnish with fresh hibiscus flowers or edible flowers if desired. Slice and enjoy your Hibiscus Tres Leches Cake!
FAQs
Can I use dried hibiscus flowers instead of brewed tea?
Yes, you can steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water to create a concentrated hibiscus tea for this recipe.
How long can I store Hibiscus Tres Leches Cake?
This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it to keep it fresh.
Is there a vegan version of Hibiscus Tres Leches Cake?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use plant-based milks and creams to create a vegan version of this cake.
What can I serve with Hibiscus Tres Leches Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.