Cinco de Mayo Tres Leches Cupcakes (Printable Version)

Fluffy cupcakes soaked in sweet milks and whipped cream, ideal for celebrating with a Mexican-inspired treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cupcake Base

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

09 - 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
10 - 1/2 cup evaporated milk
11 - 1/2 cup whole milk

→ Whipped Cream Topping

12 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
13 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Garnish

15 - Ground cinnamon
16 - Fresh berries or maraschino cherries
17 - Lime zest

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - Cream butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Add half the dry mixture to the bowl, followed by the milk, then finish with remaining flour mixture; mix gently until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
07 - While cupcakes cool, whisk sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk together in a small bowl.
08 - Poke several holes in each cupcake using a skewer or fork. Spoon or slowly pour 2 to 3 tablespoons milk mixture over each cupcake. Allow 30 minutes for absorption.
09 - Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread whipped cream atop each cupcake.
10 - Garnish with cinnamon, berries, or lime zest as desired. Serve chilled.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Each cupcake is drenched in three milks, creating a blissfully tender bite that feels like a party in your mouth.
  • The whipped cream topping and colorful garnishes add a festive flair that makes them irresistible at any gathering.
02 -
  • Once, I rushed the soaking step and the cupcakes ended up dry and disappointing—patience is key for that moist bite.
  • Using chilled cream and bowl makes the whipped topping fluffier and more stable, so don’t skip that trick.
03 -
  • Don’t overmix the batter—just until combined—or cupcakes will be dense.
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon on top right before serving makes them taste and smell festive.
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