Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
2. 2
   Sift together flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thick. Mix in milk, vanilla, and (optional) espresso powder.
4. 4
   In another clean bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup sugar and beat to stiff but glossy peaks.
5. 5
   Gently fold dry ingredients into yolk mixture until just combined. Fold in one-third of the beaten whites to lighten, then carefully fold in remaining whites until batter is smooth.
6. 6
   Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until tester comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork. Cool completely.
7. 7
   For the soak, whisk condensed milk, evaporated milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, vanilla, and optional chocolate syrup until smooth.
8. 8
   Slowly pour chocolate milk mixture over cooled cake, letting it soak in. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
9. 9
   To serve, whip 2 cups heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. Spread over cake. Garnish as desired.