The Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the traditional Latin American tres leches cake with the vibrant flavors of an Indian mango lassi. This moist and flavorful cake is soaked in a mango-infused milk mixture, resulting in a rich and creamy texture. Topped with a luscious mango whipped cream and garnished with fresh mango cubes, it’s a perfect treat for summer gatherings or any special occasion.
Whether you’re a fan of classic tres leches cake or looking to try something new, this mango-infused version offers a refreshing twist that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of tropical mango and the creamy milk soak creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing, making it a standout choice for dessert tables and celebrations alike.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
Biscuit Sponge Cake:
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4 large eggs (room temperature), separated
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¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ cup whole milk
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Mango Lassi:
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1½ cups chopped fresh or frozen mango
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½ cup plain yogurt
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¾ cup whole milk
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2–4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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Pinch of ground cardamom
Mango Lassi Three Milk Mixture:
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6 oz (½ can) sweetened condensed milk
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6 oz evaporated milk
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½ cup whole milk
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Half of the prepared mango lassi
Mango Whipped Cream:
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1½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
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Remaining half of the mango lassi
Directions:
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Prepare the Biscuit Sponge Cake:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, ½ cup sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add the milk and mix well.
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Sift in the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gently fold until combined, being careful not to overmix.
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In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold the meringue into the egg yolk mixture in three additions, ensuring a light and airy batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
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Prepare the Mango Lassi:
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In a blender, combine chopped mango, yogurt, milk, sugar, and ground cardamom. Blend until smooth. If desired, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
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Prepare the Mango Lassi Three Milk Mixture:
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In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and half of the prepared mango lassi until well combined. The mixture should be pourable; if too thick, add more milk to reach desired consistency.
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Soak the Cake:
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Once the cake has cooled, use a skewer or fork to poke holes evenly across the surface.
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Slowly pour the mango lassi three milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually. Wait for the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare the Mango Whipped Cream:
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In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
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Gradually add the remaining mango lassi and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
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Assemble the Cake:
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Spread a generous layer of mango whipped cream over the soaked cake. Decorate with additional whipped cream rosettes and fresh mango cubes.
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Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice into squares and enjoy!
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Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Servings: 12 servings
The Story Behind the Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake
The Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake is a beautiful union of two beloved desserts from different cultures—Latin America’s indulgent tres leches cake and South Asia’s refreshing mango lassi. The fusion is not only creative but genuinely delicious, capturing the spirit of culinary innovation and global flavors. Tres leches cake, which translates to “three milks,” is a sponge cake soaked in a rich milk mixture, known for its moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mango lassi, on the other hand, is a traditional Indian and Pakistani drink made from mangoes, yogurt, and milk, often seasoned with cardamom. When these two are brought together, the result is a tropical, creamy, and luxurious dessert that stands out both in flavor and presentation.
This cake has become especially popular in the warmer months, as it’s chilled and incredibly refreshing, yet indulgent enough to serve at celebrations and dinner parties. It’s a dessert that feels familiar and exotic all at once—bridging cultures in a way that only food can.
Fusion Desserts: A Celebration of Cultural Crossovers
Fusion cuisine is all about marrying flavors and techniques from different culinary traditions. In this cake, the pairing of mango lassi with tres leches is a perfect example of how fusion can enhance and reimagine traditional dishes. The tres leches base brings structure and richness, while the mango lassi element injects vibrancy and a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
As the world becomes more connected, these cross-cultural innovations are becoming more common in home kitchens and professional bakeries alike. The Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake exemplifies this trend, offering something that’s not only delicious but also deeply meaningful for those who identify with either or both of its cultural origins.
Why This Cake Works
The key to the success of this dessert lies in the balance of flavors and textures. A classic tres leches cake is known for its light and airy sponge, which can absorb a large amount of liquid without becoming soggy. The mango lassi-infused milk soak—made from sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and mango lassi—penetrates the sponge to create a custardy interior that remains firm enough to slice.
The whipped cream topping is another crucial element. By incorporating mango lassi into the whipped cream, you get a topping that not only complements the flavor of the cake but also enhances its tropical profile. The final garnish of fresh mango chunks or puree adds a burst of freshness and color, making it visually appealing as well as flavorful.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor profile of the Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake is a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, tangy, and sweet. The mango brings a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the dairy. Cardamom, often used in mango lassi, adds an earthy warmth and depth that elevates the overall flavor.
In terms of texture, the cake is both soft and dense due to the milk soak. It’s spongy enough to hold together, yet moist enough to feel almost like pudding. The whipped cream on top provides a light, airy contrast to the dense cake below. This balance of creamy and spongy, rich and fruity, is what keeps people coming back for seconds.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
This dessert is best served cold, making it ideal for spring and summer occasions like barbecues, Eid gatherings, birthdays, bridal showers, or any festive event where you want to offer a show-stopping dessert. It’s elegant enough for formal occasions but easy enough to make at home without any specialized equipment.
You can serve it as-is, or dress it up with a drizzle of mango puree, edible flowers, or chopped pistachios for extra flair. Some people also like to dust a little extra cardamom or cinnamon on top, enhancing the spiced notes of the mango lassi.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it tastes better after resting for several hours or overnight in the fridge, as this allows the milk mixture to fully soak into the sponge and the flavors to meld beautifully.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. The whipped cream topping holds up well, especially if stabilized slightly with powdered sugar or a bit of gelatin.
If you’re planning to serve it for an event, you can prepare the cake and soak it the day before, then frost it with the mango whipped cream on the day of serving for optimal texture and appearance.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is highly adaptable, which is another reason for its growing popularity. If you don’t have access to fresh mangoes, canned mango pulp or frozen mango chunks work just as well. For a more intense mango flavor, consider swirling mango puree between the cake and the whipped cream.
You can also experiment with different flavorings. Swap cardamom for a hint of saffron, add rosewater to the milk soak, or include chopped nuts in the topping for added crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, turn it into a layered cake or cupcakes for individual servings.
The yogurt in the mango lassi also adds a subtle tang, but you can increase or reduce this based on personal preference. Use Greek yogurt for a thicker texture or switch to coconut yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.
The Appeal of Nostalgia and Comfort
For many people, this cake taps into a sense of nostalgia. It reminds South Asians of sipping mango lassi on hot afternoons and celebrating holidays with sweets. At the same time, it appeals to fans of Latin American desserts with its familiar tres leches structure. It’s a conversation starter—a way to share stories, memories, and flavors from different parts of the world.
In an increasingly multicultural world, such dishes become more than food—they’re a celebration of identity, heritage, and creativity.
Conclusion
The Mango Lassi Tres Leches Cake is more than just a fusion dessert—it’s a cultural celebration wrapped in luscious mango, creamy milk, and soft sponge. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet familiar, innovative yet comforting. Perfect for summer and special occasions, this cake brings together the best of two beloved treats in a way that’s seamless and delightful.
Its balanced flavor, moist texture, and stunning presentation make it a standout recipe for anyone looking to impress guests or indulge in a little tropical escape at home. Whether you’re a baker exploring new flavors or someone with roots in South Asian or Latin American cuisine, this dessert offers a sweet, satisfying homage to both worlds.
Let it chill, let the flavors bloom, and take a bite into something truly special.