Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

The Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Tres Leches cake, combining the richness of condensed milk with the fruity tang of strawberries. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because—this cake is sure to steal the show.

If you’re a fan of indulgent, flavorful desserts, you’ll love exploring these delicious breakfast options like the King Cake Recipe, Best Sourdough Pancakes, and Cake Pop Recipe. For those who enjoy rich and moist treats, the Funnel Cake Recipe offers a fun twist. And if you’re craving something even more decadent, try the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake—a perfect addition to any breakfast spread with its irresistible creaminess and sweetness.

Ingredients for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Base Cake Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs (separated)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tres Leches Mixture Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought)

Strawberry Topping and Decoration Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon strawberry syrup (optional)

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick or skewer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Mixing Dry Ingredients

At first, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and ensures a light, fluffy cake.

Whisking Wet Ingredients

Next, separate the egg whites and yolks. Beat the yolks with half the sugar until pale and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Afterward, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth consistency.

Baking the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Preheating the Oven

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking dish.

Pouring the Batter and Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Preparing the Tres Leches Mixture

Combining the Milks

In a large bowl, mix whole milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk until fully blended.

Adding the Strawberry Flavor

Then, stir in the strawberry puree for a fruity twist that complements the milky richness.

Soaking the Cake

Poking Holes in the Cake

Using a toothpick or skewer, poke small holes all over the cooled cake. This allows the Tres Leches mixture to seep into every bite.

Pouring the Tres Leches Mixture Over the Cake

Carefully pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Let it soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.

Making the Strawberry Topping

Preparing Fresh Strawberry Puree

Blend fresh strawberries into a smooth puree. Strain to remove seeds if desired.

Creating Strawberry Syrup

Simmer the puree with sugar over low heat until thickened slightly. Let it cool before using.

Decorating the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Spreading Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread generously over the soaked cake.

Adding Strawberry Slices

Arrange fresh strawberry slices on top in a beautiful pattern.

Drizzling Strawberry Syrup

Finally, drizzle the strawberry syrup over the cake for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

• Using Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the Cake Before Serving: A chilled cake tastes better and holds its shape better.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch. It’s perfect for festive occasions or a casual family dinner.

Storing Your Cake

Refrigeration Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing the Cake

Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Why are Tres Leches Cakes not soggy?

At first, you might wonder why the cake doesn’t turn into a soggy mess after soaking. Basically, the sponge cake is designed to absorb liquid without breaking apart because it uses whipped egg whites, creating a sturdy structure. Then, the balance between the cake and the tres leches mixture is carefully calculated. Finally, the chilling process allows the liquid to fully absorb and distribute evenly, resulting in a moist but firm texture.

What’s the difference between Tres Leches and Dulce de Leche?

At first glance, the names may sound similar, but they are entirely different. Tres Leches refers to the three types of milk used to soak the cake: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk or cream. Dulce de Leche, on the other hand, is a caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk. During the preparation of your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe, you might use dulce de leche as an additional topping, but it’s not part of the base recipe.

What culture is Tres Leches Cake?

At first, Tres Leches Cake is closely associated with Latin American cultures, especially Mexico, Nicaragua, and Cuba. During its spread throughout the region, each country added its twist, creating unique versions. For example, the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe gives the classic Mexican dessert a fruity upgrade while staying true to its origins.

How long should Tres Leches soak?

Before serving, you should let the cake soak for at least 4 hours. Afterward, if you have time, chilling it overnight makes the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe even better because the flavors meld together perfectly. During the soaking period, the cake transforms into a luscious and moist treat.

Why is Tres Leches Cake so good?

Basically, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The light sponge cake contrasts with the rich, creamy milk mixture, while the whipped cream and strawberries add freshness. Also, the versatility of this dessert makes it suitable for all occasions. Another reason is the nostalgic feel it often evokes because of its Latin American roots.

Why did my Tres Leches Cake sink in the middle?

At first, your cake may seem fine, but it can sink if you open the oven door too soon or don’t beat the eggs properly. Another common issue is underbaking, which leaves the center too weak to hold its structure. Finally, ensure you’re using the correct pan size during your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe preparation because the wrong size can affect baking time and results.

Is Tres Leches French or Spanish?

Basically, Tres Leches is a Spanish dessert originating from Latin American countries. Even though the technique of soaking cakes has some similarities to French pastries, this recipe is distinctly Spanish in its flavors and cultural significance. During celebrations, the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe often replaces traditional cakes in Spanish-speaking households.

What’s the difference between condensed milk and evaporated milk?

At first, both are made by removing water from milk. However, condensed milk is sweetened, making it thick and rich. Evaporated milk, on the other hand, is unsweetened and lighter. During the preparation of the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe, these two types of milk play different roles, with condensed milk adding sweetness and evaporated milk balancing the creaminess.

What do Mexican Tres Leches taste like?

Basically, they are rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of vanilla. When made with fresh ingredients, the cake absorbs the milk mixture perfectly, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. During the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe, the addition of strawberries enhances the flavor, creating a fruity and refreshing taste.

Can Tres Leches Cake be left out?

At first, it might seem fine to leave it out for a short time, but because of its milk content, it should be refrigerated. During warm weather, leaving it out for over 2 hours can lead to spoilage. Accordingly, always store your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe in the fridge to maintain freshness and safety. Afterward, you can bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Why doesn’t Tres Leches get soggy?

So, the reason Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe doesn’t get soggy is due to the sponge cake base. At first, sponge cakes are designed to absorb liquids without losing their structure. The fluffy, airy texture of the cake allows the milk mixture to soak in, creating a moist yet firm consistency. Finally, this perfect balance of liquid absorption prevents sogginess.

What’s the difference between Tres Leches and Dulce de Leche?

Then, the main difference between Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe and Dulce de Leche is that Tres Leches refers to the three types of milk used for soaking the cake—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk or cream. On the other hand, Dulce de Leche is a sweet caramel-like sauce made from sweetened condensed milk that is slowly cooked to achieve its rich, thick texture. Basically, Tres Leches is a cake, and Dulce de Leche is often used as a topping or filling.

Why is my Tres Leches milk not soaking?

If you find that the milk is not soaking into your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe, there are a few possible reasons. First, you might not have pricked the cake enough with a fork to allow the milk mixture to penetrate deeply. Also, if the cake is too dense, the liquid may not be absorbed properly. Afterward, ensure that you allow the cake enough time to soak, ideally at least 4 hours.

Can Tres Leches sit overnight?

After that, yes, Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe can sit overnight. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator is highly recommended. This gives the cake enough time to absorb all the milk mixture, resulting in a rich and moist cake with a perfect texture. The flavors also have a chance to meld and intensify when allowed to sit overnight.

Why did my Tres Leches Cake sink in the middle?

Another common issue is when your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe sinks in the middle. This could happen if the cake wasn’t fully baked or if the batter was overmixed, which can cause it to lose the necessary air needed for structure. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early because the drop in temperature can cause the cake to collapse. So, make sure your cake is baked through and avoid any disruptions during baking.

How do you replace evaporated milk in Tres Leches?

Before making your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe, you may wonder how to replace evaporated milk if you don’t have it. You can use a combination of whole milk and cream for a richer texture. Also, powdered milk mixed with water can serve as a good alternative. Basically, these substitutions provide a similar consistency, although the flavor may vary slightly.

Why is Tres Leches Cake so good?

During the preparation of Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe, one of the key reasons it’s so good is because it combines a light, airy sponge cake with a rich and creamy milk mixture. The cake soaks in the flavors and becomes incredibly moist, while the whipped topping adds a delicious lightness. Also, because it’s so versatile, you can easily add fruits like strawberries to enhance the flavor, making it even more irresistible.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe combines creamy decadence with fruity sweetness to create a dessert that’s irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees delicious results. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs About Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

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