Tres Leches cake, a beloved Latin American dessert, is known for its incredibly moist and decadent texture. This recipe elevates the classic by incorporating the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this stunning and delicious fusion of flavors.
What is Tres Leches Cake?
Before we dive into the strawberry-infused version, let's briefly understand what makes a traditional Tres Leches cake so special. The name itself, "Tres Leches," translates to "three milks" in Spanish, referring to the mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream that soaks the sponge cake, resulting in its characteristically moist and rich texture. This recipe builds upon that foundation, adding a layer of fresh strawberry deliciousness.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Strawberry Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ 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 Tres Leches Mixture:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Instructions: Baking the Perfect Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
1. Preparing the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Combining 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.
3. Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Baking the Cake: 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. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
5. Making the Strawberry Topping: While the cake cools, prepare the strawberry topping. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
6. Preparing the Tres Leches Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
7. Soaking the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or toothpick. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak completely. This may take a few minutes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture.
8. Assembling the Final Masterpiece: Gently spread the macerated strawberries over the soaked cake. Top with the whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cake to chill thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the topping. This will prevent a watery topping.
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.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake and prepare the tres leches mixture a day ahead of time. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
What if my cake is too dry?
If your cake is too dry, it may be because it was overbaked. Ensure you bake it until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The soaking process is crucial; make sure you poke plenty of holes to allow for maximum milk absorption.
Can I substitute other berries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries would be delicious substitutes for the strawberries.
This decadent Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is sure to become a new favorite dessert. Its moist texture, sweet strawberry topping, and creamy tres leches mixture create a delightful symphony of flavors. Enjoy!
