1-1/2 cups all purpose flour ………………….... 1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp Kosher or sea salt……………………...... 6 eggs
1 cup sugar ………………………………………......... 1/4 cup water
4 tsp pure vanilla extract ……………………..… 1 (13 oz) can evaporated milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups heavy whipping cream ……………….....2 TB sugar
Sliced strawberries OR fresh raspberries OR mangoes OR coconut (optional garnish)
***
Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9” spring-form pan with non-stick baking spray (with flour ~ i.e. Joy)
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together and set aside. Put eggs and sugar in bowl of heavy-duty stand mixer and beat on high speed about 5 minutes (or until the volume has doubled.) Reduce speed to low and add 1 tsp each vanilla and water. Mix well. Gently fold flour ingredients into egg mixture (best with rubber scraper).
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-45 minutes in center of oven. (You can tell when it's done when the center is firm and the cake starts to pull away from the sides of the pan ~ dark pans bake faster than light-colored pans)
***
Cool cake on a rack for 15 minutes. Put a plate over the cake and turn upside down; release sides of pan. Put your hand over what’s now the bottom of the cake and turn cake over onto your hand. Gently put the cake right-side-up onto your serving plate (best to use one with a lip, to hold any drips). Cool completely.
When cake is cool, whisk together: evaporated milk, condensed milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 tsp vanilla. Using a long skewer, poke holes all over the cake. (The holes will allow the cake to absorb more of the milk.) Slide strips of waxed paper (or foil) under the sides of the cake; then put torn strips of a paper towel over the waxed paper (to absorb drips). Spoon the milk mixture slowly all over the cake and allow it time to soak in before adding more milk. Refrigerate.
When ready to serve, beat remaining 2 cups heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla and 2 TB sugar on high until stiff peaks. Spread whipped cream generously on the top of cake and garnish with fruit (if desired). Refrigerate leftovers.