Tres Leches Pie
If you’re looking for a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshingly light, look no further than Tres Leches Pie. This delightful twist on the classic Tres Leches Cake offers all the rich, milky flavors you love, but with the added convenience of a pie. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust filled with a creamy mixture of three kinds of milk, topped with clouds of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This pie is perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to a festive celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tres Leches Pie is a showstopper that combines the beloved flavors of a traditional Tres Leches Cake with the ease of a pie. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream creates a moist, flavorful filling that soaks into the crust, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredient Notes
- Refrigerated roll out pie crust or homemade: If you’re short on time, a store-bought crust works perfectly. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, a homemade crust adds a personal touch.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for the filling’s structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the filling rise slightly, giving it a light texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering it.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor; softened for easy mixing.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling together and provide a light custard-like texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with warmth and depth.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The star of the show, providing sweetness and creaminess.
- Evaporated milk: Adds a creamy texture without being overly sweet.
- Heavy cream: Used for both the filling and the whipped topping, ensuring a rich flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- Cold heavy cream: For whipping into a fluffy topping.
- Granulated sugar (for whipped cream): Sweetens the whipped topping just enough.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- 9-inch pie dish: To hold your beautiful Tres Leches Pie.
- Mixing bowls: For mixing your filling and whipped cream.
- Whisk: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer: Makes whipping the cream a breeze.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precision in your ingredients.
- Spatula: For folding in the whipped cream gently.
Build Tres Leches Pie Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a refrigerated pie crust, roll it out and fit it into your pie dish, crimping the edges as desired. If making a homemade crust, roll out the dough and place it into the dish. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Add the Milks
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Gradually pour this mixture into the batter, stirring until well incorporated. Finally, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and mix gently.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Topping
In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy topping for your pie.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once the pie is chilled, spread the whipped cream over the top evenly. You can garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or even some fresh fruit like strawberries or mango for a pop of color. Slice and serve to your delighted guests!
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Dairy-free option: Substitute all dairy ingredients with coconut cream and plant-based milk alternatives.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Less sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or whipped cream to suit your taste.
- Flavor variations: Add a hint of coconut extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip the chilling time! Allowing the pie to cool fully lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Avoid overbaking the pie; it should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Don’t rush the whipped cream; beating it too quickly can lead to a grainy texture.
- Never use sweetened condensed milk that has been opened for an extended time; freshness is key!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
Once your Tres Leches Pie is assembled, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover pie, be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. While it’s not ideal to freeze the pie due to the whipped cream topping, the filling can be frozen for up to a month if prepared without the whipped cream. Just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tres Leches Pie Q&A
Can I make Tres Leches Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made up to a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
You can use a homemade version by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens, or you can try a plant-based sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
How do I get my whipped cream to hold its shape?
Be sure to use cold heavy cream and whip it until stiff peaks form. Adding a bit of powdered sugar or cornstarch can also help stabilize the whipped cream.
Can I add fruit to my Tres Leches Pie?
Yes! Fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or mango can be added on top of the whipped cream for extra flavor and decoration.
Make It Tonight
With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Tres Leches Pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert lineup. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a sweet treat after dinner, each bite is a reminder of how delightful and comforting dessert can be. So gather your ingredients, roll out that pie crust, and get ready to indulge in a slice of this heavenly pie. Enjoy!
Tres Leches Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the refrigerated pie crust and fit it into your pie dish, crimping the edges as desired. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
- Step 2: Make the Filling - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.
- Step 3: Add the Milks - In a separate bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Gradually pour this mixture into the batter, stirring until well incorporated. Finally, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and mix gently.
- Step 4: Bake the Pie - Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Let cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Topping - In a mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Step 6: Assemble and Serve - Once chilled, spread the whipped cream over the top and garnish with ground cinnamon or fresh fruit. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Chill the pie fully for the best flavor.
- Avoid overbaking to keep a slightly jiggly center.
- Use cold cream for a stable whipped topping.
