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 Tres Leches 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 Tres Leches 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 a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate 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.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center 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.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the 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.
- 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 become a 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.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Sponge Cake
The base of strawberry tres leches cake is a sponge cake. Baking a good sponge cake is important. This is because this is the base of your tres leches. Therefore, let’s look at some tips for baking the perfect cake.
Using the Correct Ingredients
- Fresh Eggs: Use fresh eggs for the best texture. They are needed for a fluffy cake.
- Good Quality Flour: All-purpose flour works well. Make sure it’s fresh.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh. This will give the cake a good rise.
Mixing Techniques
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Cream the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air.
- Adding Eggs Gradually: Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition.
- Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients: This prevents overmixing and helps create a tender crumb.
- Folding the Batter: Mix gently to retain the air in the batter, so it rises better.
Baking Time and Temperature
- Oven Temperature: A consistent oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Baking Time: Do not overbake. This will prevent it from drying out.
- Testing for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Choosing the Best Strawberries for Your Cake
The quality of the strawberries will affect the overall taste of your strawberry tres leches cake. Therefore, choosing the best ones is crucial. Let’s see how to select the best strawberries.
Selecting Fresh Strawberries
- Look for bright red color: The strawberries should be bright red. They should have a fresh and glossy look.
- Check for green caps: The green cap on the strawberries should look fresh and bright.
- Firmness: The strawberries should be firm to the touch.
- Avoid bruising: Ensure they are free from bruises or soft spots.
Preparing Strawberries for the Cake
- Washing: Gently wash the strawberries before slicing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Slicing: Slice the strawberries just before using them. Additionally, this will help keep their freshness.
- Macerating (optional): You can macerate strawberries with sugar. This will draw out their juices. This works well for adding a layer between cake and cream.
Making the Perfect Tres Leches Mixture
The three milks are what make this cake unique. Therefore, preparing the milk mixture correctly is essential.
The Three Milks
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: It adds sweetness and thickness to the mix.
- Evaporated Milk: It provides a rich milky flavor.
- Heavy Cream: It adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.
Mixing the Milks
- Use the right proportions: The recipe above has the exact proportions needed for the right milk flavor.
- Mix well: Combine the milks together. Make sure they are well combined.
- Do not overmix: Overmixing can lead to unwanted foam on top of your milk mix.
Tips for Assembling the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Assembling the strawberry tres leches cake requires patience. Here are a few tips to guide you:
Poking the Holes
- Use a fork or skewer: Poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
- Don’t be shy: Be generous with the holes. This will help the cake absorb the milk mixture.
Soaking the Cake
- Pour slowly and evenly: Pour the milk mixture slowly over the cake. This allows it to absorb well.
- Soak all areas: Make sure the milk reaches all areas of the cake.
- Let it rest: Allow the cake to soak in the refrigerator for several hours, or ideally overnight.
Whipping the Cream
- Use cold heavy cream: Make sure the heavy cream is well chilled.
- Add powdered sugar: Add powdered sugar to sweeten the cream.
- Whip until stiff peaks: Whip until stiff peaks form, but be careful not to overwhip.
Topping the Cake
- Use a spatula: Spread the whipped cream evenly on top of the soaked cake.
- Arrange strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries decoratively on top.
- Optional garnish: You can add additional garnishes like mint leaves, if desired.
Final Thoughts on This Delicious Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
This strawberry tres leches cake is a satisfying treat. It is perfect for a special occasion. It can also be great for a regular day. With some care, you can easily make a moist, flavorful, and memorable cake. Therefore, by following this guide, you can create a perfect strawberry tres leches cake that everyone will love.
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 the 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.
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