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| Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe |
If you're looking for a dessert that's both indulgent and fresh, look no further than Strawberry Tres Leches Cake! This twist on the classic Tres Leches cake is packed with the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Soft, fluffy cake layers soaked in a rich combination of three milks, topped with fresh strawberries, and a creamy whipped topping make this dessert an absolute showstopper.
Whether it's a birthday, a celebration, or a simple weekend treat, this strawberry-infused version will surely be a crowd favorite.
🍰 Recipe Preparation Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- 9x13-inch baking dish (for baking the cake)
- Mixing bowls (for both the cake batter and the milk mixture)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (for beating the eggs and cream)
- Whisk (for mixing the milk mixture)
- Spatula (for spreading the cake batter and whipped cream)
- Knife (for cutting the strawberries and the cake)
Having these tools will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable!
🍓 What Do You Need to Prepare Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
For the Tres Leches Soaking Mixture:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
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Fresh strawberries (sliced for topping)
🥄 How to Make Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Step-by-Step?
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Strawberry Tres Leches Cake from scratch:
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| Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe |
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking your cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter, and mix until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, ensuring the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Chopped Strawberries
Gently fold the finely chopped strawberries into the batter. This will give your cake a delicious burst of strawberry flavor in every bite!
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
Step 5: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream until fully combined. Once the cake has cooled, gently poke the surface of the cake with a fork or skewer to create tiny holes.
Step 6: Soak the Cake with the Milk Mixture
Slowly pour the tres leches milk mixture over the cake, ensuring that it soaks evenly. Let the cake absorb the liquid for about 30 minutes to an hour. The cake should be moist but not soggy.
Step 7: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Once the cake has absorbed the milk mixture, spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top the cake with freshly sliced strawberries for a vibrant and fruity touch. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture!
🍓 Variations
While the classic Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is fantastic on its own, there are many ways you can customize this recipe to suit your taste or occasion.
- Add Other Fruits: For a tropical twist, add mangoes, peaches, or blueberries alongside the strawberries. This will give your cake a colorful, fruity touch.
- Chocolate Version: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the whipped cream topping or mix in some cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolate-flavored base.
- Coconut Tres Leches: Replace part of the milk with coconut milk to give the cake a tropical, coconut flavor.
- Alcohol-Infused Version: For a grown-up version, try adding a little rum or Kahlua to the soaking mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
These variations are simple and will make your strawberry tres leches cake even more exciting!
🍰 Cooking Note
It’s essential to let the cake soak in the tres leches milk mixture properly to achieve that signature moist texture. Be sure to poke the cake with a fork or skewer, so the liquid can seep into every crevice. Don’t worry if the cake looks like it’s overly soaked – that’s the beauty of the Tres Leches cake! The key is allowing the milk mixture to absorb slowly and evenly.
Make sure to refrigerate the cake after preparing it to keep it fresh, especially if you're serving it the next day. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and it will be even more delicious when served cold.
🍓 Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is an incredibly versatile dessert, and here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a Party Dessert: This cake is perfect for serving at parties or gatherings due to its large size and crowd-pleasing nature.
- With Coffee: Pair a slice of the cake with a cup of hot coffee or iced coffee for a delicious after-dinner treat.
- Top with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
The sweetness of the cake combined with the coolness of whipped cream and the tangy strawberries will make it a hit at any meal or gathering!
🍰 Helpful Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake turns out perfectly:
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Cooling the cake completely before adding the tres leches milk mixture is crucial. This ensures that the milk mixture soaks in properly without making the cake too soggy.
- Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks: For a fluffy whipped cream topping, be sure to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This helps keep the topping light and airy.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give your cake a sweet and tangy flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, but fresh ones are always best for both flavor and presentation.
- Refrigerate for Better Flavor: Allow the cake to sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This gives the cake time to set and allows the flavors to intensify.
🍓 Tips for the Best Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
- Don’t Overbake the Cake: Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes to avoid overcooking. The cake should be light and airy.
- Poke Holes Gently: Be gentle when poking holes in the cake to avoid breaking the cake apart. Use a fork or skewer lightly.
- Use High-Quality Dairy: Since the milk mixture is such an important part of this recipe, using high-quality evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cream will make a noticeable difference in the flavor.
🕒 Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and soaking time)
🥗 Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350-400 per serving (approx.)
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 15g
❓ FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
🍓 Conclusion
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a beautiful, decadent, and delicious dessert that everyone will love. With its rich texture and fruity flavor, it's perfect for special occasions or just as a treat to enjoy with family and friends. Follow this easy recipe, and you'll have a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy!
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