How to Make a Dos Leches Cake (for Cheaters)

Okay, so we’ve all heard of the delectable Tres Leches cake. Well, one day my friend and I wanted to make this cake but we didn’t have all the ingredients, so we took matters into our own hands. Following are instructions for how to make a delicious Dos Leches version without using all the ingredients or time that the Tres Leches cake requires. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect dessert for any dinner party, social, or celebration! This easy recipe is sure to be a success for even the most inexperienced of bakers.

Time required: 9 hours

Materials needed: ingredients (see step 1), oven, mixing bowls, and a 9x13 pan

To make this cake, you will need:

1 yellow Cake mix (and accompanying ingredients)*

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

1 can of evaporated milk

1 small bag of shredded coconut

Optional: 1 tub of whipped cream

* Make sure you have all the ingredients your cake mix requires.

This could vary depending on the type of cake you get, but typically you will want to set your oven to 350 degrees. Be sure to follow the temperature and time guidelines of whatever cake mix you choose to use.

Again, this could vary depending on the type of cake you want, but for most yellow cake mixes, you will need:

1 cup water

½ cup vegetable oil

3 eggs

It may seem counter intuitive, but you should poke holes throughout the whole cake (see pictures above). Don’t worry; you won’t be able to see the holes on the finished product. This is a crucial step in creating a moist Dos (or Tres) Leches Cake.

Caution: Remember that the cake will be hot! Be sure to wear oven mitts when you remove it from the oven, and if you need to stabilize the cake with one hand while you puncture the holes, make sure that hand is protected.

Mix the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk together in a large mixing bowl. It should not take more than a minute or two before you have an even, cream-colored mixture. This is how you know it is mixed well enough.

Spread the mixture evenly across the cake. After a few minutes, all of the mixture should be absorbed into the cake and it should look like the second picture above. The holes allow the mixture to seep into the cake and create the perfect Dos Leches cake.

You should cover the cake completely with the coconut shavings, avoiding unevenness and clumps.

Note: If you want a more traditional Tres Leches style cake, cover the cake with whipped cream before sprinkling the coconut shavings on.

Make sure the pan is cooled off before you place it in the refrigerator. You don't want a hot pan to damage your refrigerator or affect the internal temperature of it.

You’re almost there! It will be so worth the wait—promise! If you dig into the cake earlier, the liquid mixture will not be completely absorbed into the cake yet. It's best if you wait.

Congratulations! You successfully made a Dos Leches Cake! This is one of my favorite recipes and I hope you enjoyed your experience making it. Feel free to share this recipe with your friends because everyone should know about such an easy and delicious cake!