Tres Leches Pancakes
There’s something magical about pancakes, but when you add a twist like in Tres Leches Pancakes, it becomes an unforgettable experience. The first time I made these pancakes, I was hosting a brunch for friends. I wanted to impress them with something that felt both indulgent and comforting. These pancakes were just the ticket! Soaked in three types of milk, they bring together the sweetness of condensed milk, the creaminess of evaporated milk, and the richness of heavy cream. Each bite is a slice of dessert heaven! As they cooked on the griddle, the aroma filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in. The laughter, the conversations, and the joy of sharing something truly special made the experience unforgettable. You need to try Tres Leches Pancakes yourself to understand the joy they bring to any gathering. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert!
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
15 mins
15 mins
Medium
380 kcal
8 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Skillet, Frying Pan, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl
Why We Love This Tres Leches Pancakes
It’s All About the Creaminess
What sets Tres Leches Pancakes apart from your average pancake? It’s the soaking process! The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream means every pancake is incredibly moist and flavorful, making them feel more like a dessert than breakfast. Each bite melts in your mouth, giving you that rich creaminess you crave.
A Sweet Twist on Tradition
These pancakes are inspired by the traditional tres leches cake. If you love that dessert, you’re in for a treat! Tres Leches Pancakes allows you to enjoy the same flavors in a new form. It’s a creative twist that surprises your palate and invites you to savor each bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual Sunday morning or a special occasion, Tres Leches Pancakes are always a hit. They add a festive atmosphere to any gathering, making them ideal for birthdays, brunches, or even just a treat-yourself day. The fun toppings you can add, from whipped cream to fresh berries, only increase their festive nature!
Easy to Make
Don’t worry if you’re not a pancake pro; Tres Leches Pancakes are surprisingly easy to whip up. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create something truly impressive. It’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. The only challenge? Not eating them all at once!
Customization Galore
You can get creative with Tres Leches Pancakes. Want to add a touch of cinnamon? Go for it! Fancy some chocolate chips? Why not! These pancakes are versatile and open to interpretation, allowing you to personalize them to suit your taste.
Perfect Balance of Sweetness
The sweetness of the pancake batter perfectly balances the rich flavors of the milks, making Tres Leches Pancakes a delightful treat without being overwhelmingly sugary. Each bite offers a delightful flavor journey, ensuring that you want just one more.
Tres Leches Pancakes Shopping List
When making Tres Leches Pancakes, the ingredients are essential for achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in creating the delicious richness that makes these pancakes stand out. From the creamy milks to the fluffy batter, every ingredient is vital to success in this recipe.
- 1 cup whole milk: This is the base for your batter, contributing moisture and richness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The main structure of your pancakes, providing the necessary backbone.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the pancakes.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the batter and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder: Adds a warm spice that complements the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a delightful aroma and flavor into the pancakes.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips: A fun addition that melts into the pancakes.
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk: The star of the show, adding sweetness and creaminess.
- 12 oz can evaporated milk: Contributes to the creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: For a rich and decadent topping.
- Dulce de leche or caramel drizzle: A sweet finishing touch.
- Ground cinnamon: For sprinkling on top.
- Whipped cream: For the ultimate topping.
- Fresh berries: Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pancakes.
Putting Together Tres Leches Pancakes
Making Tres Leches Pancakes is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final product! Follow these steps, and you’ll soon have a delicious stack of fluffy pancakes ready to soak up all the creamy goodness. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
- In one bowl, using a hand or electric mixer, mix whole milk, egg, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly frothy.
- In another bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt. This dry mix will give your pancakes structure.
- Little by little, add the flour mixture to the milk mixture, stirring well after each addition to prevent clumps. You want a smooth batter that is not too thick.
- Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow it to get hot, but not smoking. This will ensure the pancakes cook evenly.
- Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet. You should hear a gentle sizzle, indicating the pancake is cooking.
- When air bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake, it’s time to flip! Carefully turn it over and cook until the other side is golden brown. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter, being sure to stir the batter occasionally to avoid the chocolate chips sinking to the bottom.
- Now, in a medium saucepan, add all the syrup ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy whipping cream. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. This helps to thicken the sauce. Boil for about 2 to 3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t scorch.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Drizzle the creamy sauce over your pancakes, allowing it to soak in as you top them with your desired toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Things Worth Knowing
- Always check that your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking to improve texture.
- Use a nonstick skillet for easy flipping of pancakes.
- For a deeper flavor, let the milk soak into the pancakes for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes about Tres Leches Pancakes
To ensure that your Tres Leches Pancakes are a hit every time, consider these tips. They can help you create the best results and enjoy the process along the way.
- Storage: Cool leftover pancakes completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last about three days.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these pancakes! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated easily.
- Pairing: These pancakes are fantastic when served with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or a refreshing fruit smoothie.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings! Add nuts, different types of berries, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Serving tip: Drizzle additional dulce de leche or caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.
How to Serve Tres Leches Pancakes
When it comes to serving Tres Leches Pancakes, there are so many delightful possibilities! Here are some ideas to make your pancake experience truly memorable:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these pancakes as a show-stopping centerpiece for your brunch table with fresh flowers and colorful fruits.
- Special Occasions: They are perfect for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, where you want to make a lasting impression.
- Seasonal Toppings: Consider using seasonal fruits, like strawberries in spring or apples in the fall, to enhance the flavor of your pancakes.
- Gourmet Touch: Add gourmet toppings like chocolate shavings or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
- Family Gatherings: These pancakes can be a fun family project! Let everyone choose their favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
FAQ
Conclusion
What makes Tres Leches Pancakes truly special is their incredible moistness and depth of flavor that sets them apart from traditional pancakes. I encourage you to try making these delightful pancakes for your next brunch or special occasion. They not only taste amazing, but they also bring joy to any gathering and create wonderful memories with friends and family.
Tres Leches Pancakes
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 3 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch Salt
- 1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
- 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 12 oz can Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- To taste Dulce de Leche or Caramel Drizzle
- To taste Ground Cinnamon
- To taste Whipped Cream
- To taste Fresh Berries
Instructions
- In one bowl, using a hand or electric mixer, mix whole milk, egg, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly frothy.
- In another bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt. This dry mix will give your pancakes structure.
- Little by little, add the flour mixture to the milk mixture, stirring well after each addition to prevent clumps. You want a smooth batter that is not too thick.
- Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow it to get hot, but not smoking. This will ensure the pancakes cook evenly.
- Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet. You should hear a gentle sizzle, indicating the pancake is cooking.
- When air bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake, it’s time to flip! Carefully turn it over and cook until the other side is golden brown. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter, being sure to stir the batter occasionally to avoid the chocolate chips sinking to the bottom.
- Now, in a medium saucepan, add all the syrup ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy whipping cream. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. This helps to thicken the sauce. Boil for about 2 to 3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t scorch.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Drizzle the creamy sauce over your pancakes, allowing it to soak in as you top them with your desired toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
- Storage: Cool leftover pancakes completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last about three days.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these pancakes! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated easily.
- Pairing: These pancakes are fantastic when served with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or a refreshing fruit smoothie.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings! Add nuts, different types of berries, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Serving tip: Drizzle additional dulce de leche or caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.
