Tres Leches Pancakes: A Sweet Twist on a Mexican Classic 🥞🍮
Tres Leches pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic Tres Leches cake, a beloved Mexican dessert. These pancakes combine the rich, indulgent flavors of the cake with the light, fluffy texture of pancakes, making them perfect for special occasions or a relaxed weekend brunch. Soaked in a creamy three-milk mixture, each bite is delightfully moist and full of flavor. 😋
Topped with whipped cream, dulce de leche, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh strawberries🍓, these pancakes are truly a treat. They’re easy to make, and the sweet milk syrup transforms them into a breakfast dessert you’ll want to enjoy every day. 🍯
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
Tres Leches pancakes are quick to prepare (under 10 minutes) and are a fun, indulgent twist on a regular breakfast. These pancakes are light and fluffy, soaked in a mix of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk, creating a moist, tender texture. Whether you prefer dairy-free options or enjoy adding extra toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries, this recipe is versatile and guaranteed to impress. 🌟
Perfect for family gatherings or a weekend brunch, Tres Leches pancakes are a crowd-pleaser that blends the best of breakfast and dessert. 🍽️
Ingredients for Tres Leches Pancakes 📝
Pancake Ingredients:
- 240g plain flour
- 60g granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 100ml milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 40ml vegetable oil
- 300g plain yogurt
- 50g condensed milk
Milk Mixture:
- 80ml evaporated milk
- 50ml whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1/3 cup half-and-half)
Toppings and Final Touches:
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons dulce de leche (or Nutella for a twist)
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Almond milk or whole milk (for vegan/traditional options)
Customizing Your Tres Leches Pancakes: Endless Flavor Possibilities 🍓🍫
One of the best parts of Tres Leches pancakes is how easily they can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a unique twist or simply want to cater to dietary preferences, this recipe is adaptable to nearly any flavor or topping you can dream up. Here are some ideas to make your Tres Leches pancakes even more special:
- Vegan or Dairy-Free Options: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). For the milk mixture, opt for coconut milk or dairy-free condensed milk. 🥥🌱
- Fruit-Inspired Variations: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating chopped strawberries, blueberries, or peaches into the pancake batter. For extra flavor, top the pancakes with a homemade fruit compote made from your favorite berries or tropical fruits. 🍍🍓
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate ganache over the pancakes or fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, indulgent bite. 🍫
- Nutty Delights: Top your Tres Leches pancakes with crushed nuts like toasted almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans. The crunch adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture. 🌰
- Spiced Variations: For a little warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter, or sprinkle cinnamon and cloves over the pancakes. 🌿
No matter how you choose to customize your Tres Leches pancakes, the base recipe remains the same—delicious, moist, and irresistibly sweet. Get creative and make them your own!
How to Make Tres Leches Pancakes (Step-by-Step) 🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, and baking powder—then add the wet ingredients: milk, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Stir until smooth, but don’t worry if there are a few lumps. The thicker batter will make the pancakes extra fluffy. 🍴
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan or electric griddle to about 300°F. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface. Let the pancakes cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip them over. Cook until both sides are golden brown and the center is soft and fluffy. 🔥
Step 3: Make the Tres Leches Sauce
In a saucepan, gently heat the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove it from the heat. Drizzle the milk mixture generously over your pancakes, allowing them to soak in all the creamy goodness. 💦
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Top your pancakes with whipped cream, a drizzle of dulce de leche, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For an added burst of flavor, add fresh berries or other fun toppings like chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey. 🍯✨
Step 5: Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick, delicious breakfast the next day. 🥄
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Tres Leches Pancakes 🥂🍽️
To elevate your Tres Leches pancakes, pair them with complementary beverages and sides for a complete experience. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Juices: Refresh your palate with freshly squeezed orange, mango, or pineapple juice to balance the sweetness of the pancakes. 🍊🍍
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or espresso is the perfect way to contrast the richness of the pancakes. For a treat, go for a cappuccino or latte. ☕✨
- Herbal Tea: For a lighter option, try chamomile, mint, or ginger tea to complement the sweet and creamy pancakes. 🍃
- Sautéed or Roasted Fruit: Pair your pancakes with sautéed apples or caramelized pears for a warm, comforting touch. 🍏🍐
- Savory Sides: Balance the sweetness with savory options like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or avocado slices. 🥑🍳
Final Thoughts ✨
Tres Leches pancakes are a perfect combination of the comfort of pancakes and the richness of Tres Leches cake. With their moist, tender texture and indulgent toppings, these pancakes are ideal for special occasions or cozy brunches. The simple ingredients and customizable toppings make this recipe a favorite, whether you’re serving them fresh or reheating leftovers. Enjoy a delicious breakfast that’s as easy as it is decadent! 🌟
Tres Leches Pancakes (FAQs)
1. Can I make Tres Leches pancakes dairy-free?
Yes! You can easily make these pancakes dairy-free by using almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk. For the milk mixture, you can substitute coconut milk or use a dairy-free condensed milk to keep the creaminess without any dairy.
2. How long can I store leftover Tres Leches pancakes?
Leftover Tres Leches pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They’re just as delicious the next day!
3. Can I add fruit to the pancake batter?
Absolutely! You can fold in chopped fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches directly into the pancake batter for added freshness and flavor. You can also top your pancakes with a fruit compote for extra sweetness.
4. Can I use a different topping besides dulce de leche?
Yes, you can! While dulce de leche is a popular topping, feel free to experiment with other options like Nutella, chocolate ganache, or even a drizzle of caramel. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon also make great toppings.
5. How do I make Tres Leches pancakes vegan?
To make these pancakes vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk (like almond milk or coconut milk). For the milk mixture, use coconut milk or a dairy-free condensed milk.
Tres Leches pancakes
Ingredients
- For the Pancakes:
- 240 g plain flour
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs or flax egg for vegan option
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 100 ml milk or almond milk for dairy-free
- 40 ml vegetable oil
- 300 g plain yogurt
- 50 g condensed milk
- For the Tres Leches Milk Mixture:
- 80 ml evaporated milk
- 50 ml whole milk or almond milk for dairy-free
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or 1/3 cup half-and-half
- For the Toppings:
- ½ cup whipped cream
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons dulce de leche or Nutella for a twist
- Fresh berries optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: eggs (or flax egg), vanilla extract, milk, vegetable oil, and yogurt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth, leaving a few lumps. The batter should be thick.
- Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle to 300°F (150°C).
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the heated surface for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, then flip.
- Cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Step 3: Make the Tres Leches Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy whipping cream.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: Soak the Pancakes
- Place the pancakes on a serving plate and drizzle the Tres Leches milk mixture generously over them, allowing them to soak in the creamy syrup.
- Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
- Top the pancakes with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of dulce de leche.
Notes
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat pancakes in the microwave or on a griddle for a few minutes until warm.
- Freezing: Pancakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in layers separated by parchment paper, then reheat in the microwave or on a griddle.
