Vonda's Pastel de Tres Leches

This is an incredibly moist and rich cake that will make your tastebuds water. Vonda told me that it was really an easy cake to make. She decorated the top of the cake with chocolate covered coffee beans, which is optional. This cake was so good, there was none left after the party. So go on and impress your friends and family and give this cake a try.

INGREDIENTS

CAKE:

• 1 cup sugar 5 large eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

MILK SYRUP:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp light rum

MERINGUE:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 3 egg whites

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

1. CAKE: Beat 3/4 cup sugar and the egg yolks until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Fold in the milk, vanilla, flour and baking powder.
2. Beat the egg whites to soft peaks, adding the cream of tartar after 20 seconds. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until the whites are glossy and firm, but not dry. Gently fold the whites into the yolk mixture. Pour this batter into the buttered baking dish.
3. Bake the cake until it feels firm and an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 40 to 50 minutes. Let the cake cool completely. Pierce the cake all over with a fork or toothpick, taking care to not tear it up.

• MILK SYRUP: Combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream, vanilla and rum in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended. Pour the syrup over the cake until it is all absorbed.

1. MERINGUE: Place 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the sugar in a heavy saucepan with 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook over high heat for 2 minutes. Uncover pan and cook the sugar to the soft ball stage, 239 F on a candy thermometer, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile beat the egg whites to soft peaks with the cream of tartar. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the sugar and continue beating to stiff peaks. Pour the boiling sugar syrup in a thin stream into the stiff egg whites and continue beating until the mixture is cool to the touch. The hot syrup "cooks" the egg whites.
3. Using a wet spatula, spread the top of the cake with a thick layer of the meringue. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.