Cinco Leche Cake Recipe (Ultra Moist 5 Mild Cake for Celebrations)

This Cinco Leche Cake is a rich twist on classic tres leches, made with five milks for the ultimate moist, creamy dessert. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo and spring celebrations.

A Celebration Cake for Cinco De Mayo

There’s something magical about a cake that drinks.
Not just absorbs, but transforms.

I’ve always loved a classic tres leches cake, the way it turns impossibly light sponge into something lush and almost custard-like. But one spring afternoon, surrounded by bowls of milk, cream, and a carton I hadn’t yet put away, I realized… why stop at three?

Cinco Leche was born right there in my kitchen, an indulgent cake often known as French cooking, and a celebratory twist that leans fully into abundance. Five milks, layered flavor, and a texture so soft it practically melts on the fork.

This is the kind of cake you make when the table is full, the windows are open, and there’s something worth celebrating.

What Is Cinco Leche Cake?

The Nestle company, played a big part in this multi-South American cake.
Cinco Leche Cake is a creative variation of traditional tres leches cake, a beloved Latin American dessert known for its ultra-moist texture.

Being a Swiss company, during war times, times of crisis, and creating convenience for consumers, brought a milk product to South American countries. Homes that may not have had refrigeration, could have plenty of milk products, because of Nestle.

So I am making this amazing cake, for the first time, for Cinco de Mayo, and instead of three milks, this version uses five:

• Evaporated milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Half and half
• Whole milk (in the batter)
• Heavy cream (in the whipped topping)

The result is even richer, creamier, and more decadent, while still keeping that signature light sponge structure.

Why You’ll Love This 5 Milk Cake

This cake strikes the perfect balance between airy and indulgent:

• Ultra-moist without being soggy
• Light sponge that holds structure beautifully
• Creamy soak that infuses every bite
• Fresh strawberries add brightness and contrast
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings

It’s ideal for: Cinco De Mayo celebration, Spring and summer entertaining, Birthdays and brunch tables.

Ingredients for this Moist 5 Cake Recipe

• Eggs (separated) – creates the light, airy sponge structure
• Granulated sugar – sweetness and stability
• All-purpose flour (sifted) – ensures a delicate crumb
• Baking powder – gives lift
• Salt – balances flavor
• Whole milk – adds richness (your fourth milk)
• Bourbon vanilla – deep, warm flavor
• Butter (for pans) – prevents sticking

For the Tres Leche Soak

• Evaporated milk – concentrated, creamy base
• Sweetened condensed milk – sweetness and body
• Half and half – smooth, velvety texture

For the Finishing Icing

• Heavy whipping cream – your fifth milk
• Powdered sugar – stabilizes whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries – bright, juicy contrast

Tools You’ll Need and Why They Matter

Having the right tools makes all the difference when creating a light, airy sponge and ensuring your Cinco Leche Cake soaks evenly without falling apart. Here’s how each one helps:

Baking Pans (Sheet Pan or Two Round Pans)

The type of pan you choose shapes both the presentation and texture of your cake.

• A sheet pan creates a thinner cake that absorbs the milk soak quickly and evenly, perfect for easy slicing and serving a crowd.
• Round cake pans are ideal for layering, giving you that beautiful stacked presentation with whipped cream and strawberries between each layer.

Mixing Bowls (Multiple Sizes)

You’ll need several bowls to keep each component separate and properly prepared:

• One for whipping egg whites to stiff peaks
• One for mixing dry ingredients
• One for the egg yolk batter

Using separate bowls helps maintain structure, especially important for keeping the cake batter light and airy.

Electric Hand Mixer

This is essential for achieving the right texture:

• Whips egg whites to firm peaks, which create the sponge’s lift
• Whips cream to stable peaks for the frosting

While you can whisk by hand, an electric mixer ensures consistency and saves time.

Whisk

A whisk is perfect for gently combining ingredients without overmixing:

• Blends dry ingredients evenly
• Helps incorporate the milk mixture smoothly
• Keeps the batter light before folding in egg whites

It’s especially helpful for maintaining that delicate sponge texture.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is your insurance policy for a clean release:

• Prevents sticking, even with a milk-soaked cake
• Makes lifting the cake out of the pan much easier
• Helps preserve the cake’s structure during assembly

Greasing both the pan and the parchment ensures best results.

Toothpick or Skewer

This simple tool plays a crucial role after baking:

• Used to poke holes throughout the cake
• Allows the milk mixture to soak deeply and evenly

A skewer creates slightly larger holes for faster absorption, while a toothpick offers a more delicate soak.

How To Make Cinco Leche Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan – Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease your pan, line with parchment, then grease again for easy release.

Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter – Whip egg whites until firm peaks form. Set aside.

In another bowl: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl:

• Whip egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick
• Add vanilla
• Alternate adding flour mixture and milk

Gently fold in the egg whites to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 3: Bake – Pour into prepared pans and bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden and springy to the touch.

Step 4: Prepare the Milk Soak – Whisk together:

• Evaporated milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Half and half

Step 5: Soak the Cake – While warm, poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture in stages, allowing it to absorb fully before adding more. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).

Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream – Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Gradually add powdered sugar and continue whipping to firm peaks. Chill until ready to assemble.

Step 7: Assemble – Layer the cake with:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries

Repeat and finish with a generous topping of cream and berries.

So What Is It – Cinco Milks Or Tres Milks – 5 Or 3?

Well, let’s flush this confusion out just a bit. In the sponge of the cake, goes a little whole milk in the batter, with lots of eggs, which I whip separately to create an airy batter. 

Then, in the preparation of the milk, that gets poured on top of the baked cake to soak in overnight, is sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and half and half. It is here, I believe, in the creation of this ‘soaking’ milk, that the name was given to the cake. 

Once all that soaking takes place overnight, whipped cream with a dusting of sugar in the cream, becomes the clouds that finish the cake. Sometimes, folks will whisk together an Italian meringue for the top of the cake, but the whipped cream is a totally decadent finish. Besides… let’s not bring the Italians into this cake too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cinco Leche different from tres leches?
Cinco Leche uses five dairy components instead of three, adding richness and depth of flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is even better the next day after fully soaking overnight.

Will the cake be soggy?
No, the sponge structure holds the milk beautifully if poured gradually.

Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely, raspberries, mango, or peaches work beautifully.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, covered.

More Moist Celebration Cakes To Try

Whether we are celebrating the harvest season of grapes, the arrival of hummingbirds for the season, or a unique individual cake for afternoon tea with friends, a great cake recipe is always one to share!

• Tea Cakes with Toast Ice Cream – a whimsical creation of a bergamot tea cake with hot toddy icing, toast ice cream and toast dust. Tea time anyone!
• Hummingbird Cakes with Edible Flowers – a twist on the original hummingbird cake, with tropical fruits, a splash of rum and the edible flowers the birds so love.
• Sweet Potato Crepe Cake – Paper-thin sweet potato crepes stacked with a creamy passion fruit filling for a unique cake recipe prepared in half the time of a regular cake.
• New Year Vasilopita Greek Good Luck Cake – rich with crushed almonds, yogurt and a secret Greek flavoring, is loved as the ancient lucky cake!
• Grape Harvest Celebration Cake – this cake showcases a harvest of red grapes, hints of citrus, enriched with olive oil and glazed with honey and Grappa.

Cinco Leche Cake For Cinco De Mayo

The ultimate milk sponge cake, with whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, half and half, and whipping cream.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Cake

Cuisine: South American

Keyword: Cinco Leches Cake

Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

1 day day

Total Time: 1 day day 1 hour hour

Servings: 10 servings

Equipment

• Baking pans
• 4 Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Toothpick
• Electric mixer

Ingredients

• Cake Batter
• 1 tbs Butter for the pans
• 6 Eggs separated, room temperature
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 2 cups Flour sifted
• 1 tbsp Baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup Whole milk
• 1 tsp Bourbon vanilla
• Tres Leche Soak
• 2/3 cup Evaporated milk
• 2/3 cup Sweetened condensed milk
• 2/3 cup Half and half
• Finishing Icing
• 3 cups Heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup Powdered sugar
• 2 cups Strawberries sliced thin

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350
• Lightly grease the baking pan, whether one sheet pan or two pans. Then line the pan/pans with parchment paper. Then grease the parchment paper, for good measure. 
• For the Batter

  Whip the egg whites in a medium size mixing bowl, with an electric or hand mixer, until firm peaks form. Set aside
• Combine  the sifted flour, salt and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside. 
• Whip the egg yolks and sugar in a separate large mixing bowl. Pour in the vanilla while whisking and slowly sprinkle in a little of the flour mixture, alternating with the milk until both are incorporated in. 

  Fold in the whipped egg whites. Transfer the batter to the prepares baking pans. 
• Bake until the top of the cake forms the appearance of cooked bubbles, and is firm to the touch, about 15-minutes. 
• For the Tres Leche Soak

  Combine Milks while the cake is baking; evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and half and half. Whisk until creamy and set aside. 
• Poke wholes in the cake as soon as you pull it out of the oven, with a toothpick or skewer. Slowly pour the 3-milk mixture over the top of the baked cakes. Pour and wait, and then pour a small amount at a time, lightly brushing the milk into the small holes of the cake/cakes. Place the cakes in the fridge for at least 3-hours or overnight. 
• For the Finishing Icing

  Whip heavy cream until it begins to thicken and gradually add the powdered sugar, whipping until firm peaks form. Cover and place in the fridge along with the cakes, overnight. 
• Assemble the cakes by gently lifting one at a time, from the pan and onto the serving plate. Spread the whipped cream on the first layer, followed by slices of strawberry, or other fruits of your choice. Gently place the second layer on top and repeat with the whipped cream and placement of strawberries, or other fruit. 
• Store this cake in the fridge until ready to serve and then quickly return the cake to the fridge to keep freshly chilled. 

If you make this Cinco Leche Cake, I’d love to see your version!
Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest—especially if you try different fruits or serve it for a celebration.

And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next gathering—this is one people will ask you for again and again.

• Author
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Robin

I am all about the gratification of the senses, and so I have become passionate about capturing the stimuli for my senses through videography and photography. Food provides some of the most alluring subject matter to capture on film, and videography does what a still shot can not do: capture sound. When you hear something sizzling, or pouring, your taste buds and sense of smell are already engaged.

I believe the table... that place that draws people to gather, is the most powerful symbol of togetherness. All that happens before the table is set, the planning, the gathering, the preparing, are all an intricate part of the dance that create the mood of celebration to share with friends and loved ones.

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