Discover how to make a delicious strawberry tres leches cake. This recipe combines a classic cake with fresh strawberries. It’s perfect for any celebration.
The Best Strawberry Cake Recipe
This strawberry tres leches cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. We’ll guide you through making a moist and flavorful cake. The addition of strawberries makes it extra special. Let’s explore this amazing strawberry tres leches cake recipe.
Key Ingredients for Your Strawberry Cake
Good ingredients make all the difference in a strawberry tres leches cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups | For the cake base |
Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Helps the cake rise |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor |
Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup | Adds richness and moisture |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens the cake |
Eggs | 3 | Binds the cake together |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds flavor |
Whole milk | 1/2 cup | Adds moisture to the cake |
Sweetened condensed milk | 1 (14 ounce) can | One of the three milks for soaking |
Evaporated milk | 1 (12 ounce) can | Another of the three milks for soaking |
Heavy cream | 1/2 cup plus 1 cup for whipping | The third milk for soaking and for the topping |
Fresh strawberries, sliced | 2 cups | For the filling and topping |
Powdered sugar | 2 tablespoons | For dusting the whipped cream |
Step-by-Step Directions for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Follow these steps to make your strawberry tres leches cake. The process is simple, and the result is amazing. Let’s begin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In your bowl, whisk all together flour, baking your powder and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, just one at a time, after that stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour your batter into the prepared your pan and bake it for 20 or 25 min, or until a toothpick inserted into the center and comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- While the cake cools, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- Once cooled, poke holes all over the cake using a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- When ready to serve, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the cake with the whipped cream.
- In the end arrange the sliced for your strawberries on top of your cake.
Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Making the perfect strawberry tres leches cake is achievable with these tips. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Therefore, consider these points to improve your cake.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can make the cake dry. Specifically, bake until it’s just cooked through.
- Poke Enough Holes: Be generous with holes. This allows the milk mixture to soak evenly.
- Soak Well: Let the cake soak for several hours or overnight. This ensures a moist and delicious cake.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before topping with whipped cream and strawberries. Additionally, chilling makes it easier to handle.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor. Also, consider using them for both the filling and topping.
Making Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Ahead
This strawberry tres leches cake is perfect for making ahead. It allows the flavors to blend. Accordingly, you can make it a day or two in advance.try it with The Ultimate Berry Crumble
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake and let it cool. Then, poke the holes.
- Soak the Cake: Soak the cake with the milk mixture. Then, store it in the fridge.
- Add Toppings Later: Add the whipped cream and strawberries just before serving. This will keep everything fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Strawberry tres leches cake is a delightful dessert. It pairs well with several beverages and other items. Here are a few ideas:
- Coffee or Tea: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea. This will compliment the sweetness.
- Light Wine: A light, sweet wine such as Moscato can also be a great pairing.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with other fresh fruits for a colorful and refreshing dessert platter.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also enhance the experience.
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe Variations
There are many ways to customize this strawberry tres leches cake. Feel free to experiment. This helps create a cake that fits your taste.
- Strawberry Jam Filling: Add a layer of strawberry jam. Place it on top of the soaked cake before frosting.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cake batter for a citrus touch.
- Coconut Flavor: Add coconut extract to the milk mixture for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate: Include chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This enhances the dessert’s visual and taste.
- Different Fruits: You can use other fruits such as raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries.
Understanding Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional information helps you make informed choices. These values are estimates. They can vary based on the ingredients used.
Measurement | Values |
Prep Time | 30 minutes |
Cooking Time | 20 – 25 minutes |
Total Time | 2 hours 30 minutes (plus chilling) |
Calories | approximately 400 kcal per serving |
- Carbohydrates: The cake is high in carbohydrates from flour and sugar.
- Fats: The butter and cream make it a source of fat.
- Moderate Proteins: Eggs add some protein.
- Serving Size: Keep in mind the nutritional information changes with the size of your servings.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Properly storing your strawberry tres leches cake keeps it fresh. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended because the texture may change. The milk mixture can make the cake soggy.
- Serving: Slice and serve chilled to enjoy the best flavor.
The History and Origin of Tres Leches Cake
The tres leches cake has a rich history. It has becoming a very beloved dessert around the world. Understanding its origins makes it even more special.
The Traditional Tres Leches Cake
The classic tres leches cake is known for its moist texture and rich milky flavor. It is soaked in three types of milk. This gives it its name and unique taste. Therefore, let’s explore more about this cake.
- Latin American Origins: Tres leches cake is thought to have originated in Mexico. However, it has spread across Latin America.
- Adaptations: Each country has its variations of the cake. Nevertheless, they all share the same concept of a sponge cake soaked in milk.
- Celebration Cake: It’s often served at celebrations. This can include birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions.
The Evolution to Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
The addition of strawberries is a modern twist on the classic tres leches cake. It adds freshness and flavor. Therefore, many people now enjoy strawberry tres leches cake.
- Seasonal Delight: Strawberries add a seasonal element to the cake. This is especially true when strawberries are at their peak.
- Flavor Enhancement: The tartness of strawberries compliments the sweetness of the cake. Comparatively, this creates a balanced flavor.
- Visual Appeal: Strawberries provide a pop of color. Additionally, this enhances the cake’s overall appearance.
Making the Perfect Tres Leches Mixture
The three milks are what make this cake unique. Therefore, preparing the milk mixture correctly is essential.
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I let tres leches soak? Ideally, let the tres leches cake soak for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Why are tres leches not soggy? A tres leches cake shouldn’t be soggy because the cake base is made to absorb your milk mixture. Also, the soaking time has to be controlled.
- Is tres leches cake Spanish or Mexican? Tres leches cake is believed to have originated in Mexico. However, variations can be found throughout Latin America.
- What’s the difference between tres leches and dulce de leche? Tres leches is a cake soaked in three types of milk. Dulce de leche is a type of caramel made from sweetened milk.