Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Mexican dessert. With its light, moist cake soaked in a rich strawberry milk mixture and topped with a fluffy strawberry whipped cream, this dessert is sure to impress at any occasion. Here’s how to make this delicious and decadent treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Milk:
- 2 cups strawberries, diced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Whipped Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup pureed strawberries
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Milk:
- Cook the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Mix the Milks: In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, and heavy cream.
- Combine: Once the strawberry mixture has cooled, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Add the strawberry syrup to the milk mixture and stir well. Set aside.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Soak the Cake:
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface.
- Pour the Strawberry Milk: Slowly pour the prepared strawberry milk mixture over the cake, making sure it is evenly distributed. Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture and soak for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Make the Strawberry Whipped Topping:
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Gradually add the pureed strawberries, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt while continuing to beat the cream until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the Cake: Gently spread the strawberry whipped topping over the soaked cake.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Optional Garnishes: Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the moist, flavorful layers of cake with the creamy strawberry topping.
Tips for Success
Strawberry Preparation:
- Make sure to cook the strawberries until they are soft and the syrup has thickened. This will ensure a rich and flavorful soaking liquid.
Cake Texture:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before soaking. This prevents the cake from becoming too soggy and helps it absorb the milk evenly.
Whipped Topping Consistency:
- Be careful not to overwhip the cream. Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form to avoid a grainy texture.
Flavor Enhancements:
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of lemon zest to the strawberry milk or whipped topping.
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake combines the classic flavors of the traditional Tres Leches with the bright, fresh taste of strawberries. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat for family and friends. With its moist, flavorful cake and creamy, luscious topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every sweet, indulgent bite of this delicious creation!
