Tres Leches cake, a Mexican dessert known for its decadent moistness, gets a vibrant upgrade with the addition of fresh strawberries. This recipe blends the classic richness of three milks with the juicy sweetness of strawberries, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!
What is Tres Leches Cake?
Before diving into the strawberry-infused version, let's understand the foundation: Tres Leches cake translates to "three milks" cake. This iconic dessert is soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream, resulting in a luxuriously moist and creamy texture that's unlike any other cake. The addition of strawberries elevates this classic, adding a burst of fresh, summery flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Three Milks Mixture:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions: Baking the Perfect Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Strawberry Topping: While the cake cools, prepare the strawberry topping. Combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and soften slightly.
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Soak the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, poke holes all over the top using a fork or toothpick. Pour the three milks mixture (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream) evenly over the cake, ensuring it soaks into all the holes. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for extra moistness.
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Top & Serve: Gently spread the strawberry topping over the soaked cake. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired, before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the topping. You might also need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your frozen strawberries.
How long can I store the cake?
This Strawberry Tres Leches cake is best served within 2-3 days of making it. Store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake and prepare the three milks mixture a day ahead. However, it's best to add the strawberry topping and soak the cake just a few hours before serving to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
What kind of strawberries are best?
Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for this recipe. Choose strawberries that are firm but not hard, and have a deep red color.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes. Just adjust the amount of sugar in the topping according to the sweetness of the fruit.
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of moist cake, creamy three milks, and juicy strawberries creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will surely leave a lasting impression. Enjoy!
