Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet and creamy flavors with Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries. This beloved dessert, soaked in a decadent blend of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, offers a taste of pure indulgence. Topped with freshly whipped cream and luscious sliced strawberries, this cake is a perfect treat for the spring season.
Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, Tres Leches Cake, also known as “three milks cake,” is a moist and tender sponge cake drenched in a trio of milks, creating a uniquely satisfying texture. Popular at Cinco de Mayo celebrations and Mexican eateries, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a sweet finale to your meal, this recipe promises a delightful experience for up to 15 guests.
Savor the simplicity and deliciousness of this Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries recipe, a perfect blend of tradition and freshness that will elevate any occasion.
Ingredients
Creating a delightful Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries involves assembling a variety of key elements. Get ready to blend these essential components to craft a delectable treat.
Cake Base
- 5 Egg yolks
- 25g Granulated sugar (2 tbsp)
- 60g Vegetable oil (¼ cup)
- 125g Strawberry puree (just less than 1 cup)
- 110g All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
- 5 Egg whites
- 65g Granulated sugar II (⅓ cup)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Tres Leches Mixture
- 120ml Condensed milk (½ cup)
- 120ml Evaporated milk (½ cup)
- 120ml Fresh whole milk (½ cup)
- 50g Strawberry puree (¼ cup)
- 1 tbsp Strawberry Nesquick powder
Strawberry Compote
- 50g Strawberry puree (¼ cup)
- 1 tbsp Strawberry Nesquick powder
- 480ml Heavy cream (2 cups)
- 65g Granulated sugar (⅓ cup)
- 50g Strawberry puree (¼ cup)
- 1 tbsp Strawberry Nesquick powder
- Pink food coloring
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with these exquisite ingredients, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries.
Equipment Needed
For this delightful Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries recipe, you will need some essential equipment to ensure the preparation goes smoothly. Here is a list of the equipment you will require:
Baking Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or handheld mixer)
- Whisk
- Spatula
Cake Preparation:
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick or skewer for poking holes in the cake
- Cake server or spatula
Tres Leches Mixture:
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk attachment for the mixer
- Piping bag and decorating tips (optional)
Preparation
Before diving into making this mouthwatering Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries, it’s important to prepare your workspace and ingredients correctly for a seamless baking experience.
Preparing the Cake Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter and lightly dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients measured out.
- Organize your eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, strawberries, and any optional food coloring neatly on your countertop.
- Have your utensils like a mixer, spatula, measuring cups, and spoons ready for use.
Directions
Making the Cake Base
In a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, prepare a 13 x 9 baking pan by spraying it with floured cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix the cake ingredients – cake mix, water, oil, vanilla extract, almond extract, coconut extract, and eggs. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then increase to medium and beat for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and set. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Preparing the Tres Leches Mixture
In a separate medium bowl, combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined. Once the cake has cooled for 5 minutes, poke holes all over the cake using a fork or skewer. Pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, ensuring it spreads evenly. Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to allow it to absorb the milky goodness.
Making the Strawberry Compote
While the cake is chilling, prepare the strawberry compote. Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then slice them in half. Combine the strawberries with a tablespoon of strawberry Nesquik powder to enhance the flavor. Set the strawberry compote aside to use as a delicious topping for the cake.
Whipping the Cream
For the final touch, whip heavy cream in a chilled bowl until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract as you continue to mix until the cream is thick but still soft. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake, covering it entirely. Refrigerate the cake until you’re ready to serve, ensuring the whipped cream sets perfectly over the tres leches cake.
Assembly
Assembling the Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries is a delightful process that brings together all the delicious components into a harmonious dessert.
Soaking the Cake
To begin, once the sponge cake has been baked and cooled, place it in a baking dish. Using a fork or toothpick, poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This step is crucial as it allows the Tres Leches mixture to penetrate and flavor the cake thoroughly.
Next, carefully pour the prepared Tres Leches mixture over the cake. Ensure that the mixture seeps into the holes, covering the cake evenly. Let the cake sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid before refrigerating it to chill and set.
Layering the Compote
While the cake is chilling, prepare the strawberry compote by macerating thinly sliced strawberries with sugar. This process will release the natural juices of the strawberries, creating a flavorful topping for the cake.
Once the cake is chilled and set, layer the macerated strawberries over the top. The combination of sweet strawberries and moist cake adds a burst of fruity freshness to each bite.
Adding Whipped Cream
Before serving, whip the heavy cream with sugar and a hint of vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread this luscious whipped cream over the strawberry-topped cake just before serving. The creamy texture of the whipped cream complements the rich Tres Leches cake and adds a light finish to the dessert.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation and flavor of your Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries, consider the following serving suggestions:
- Garnish with Fresh Mint: A sprig of fresh mint not only adds a pop of color to your dessert but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cake.
- Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce: Enhance the strawberry flavor by drizzling a homemade strawberry sauce over each slice before serving. This simple addition will intensify the fruity notes in every bite.
- Serve Chilled: For a delightful dessert on a hot day, serve the Tres Leches Cake cold. Chilled slices offer a refreshing and light indulgence that is perfect for summer gatherings.
- Accompany with Coffee: Pair your Tres Leches Cake with a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful combination of flavors. The rich coffee undertones complement the creamy sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Top with Shredded Coconut: Add a tropical twist to your Tres Leches Cake by sprinkling shredded coconut on top. The hint of coconut enhances the overall experience, transporting your taste buds to a paradise of flavors.
- Enjoy with Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve your Tres Leches Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a delightful sensation with every spoonful.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can enhance the Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries experience, impressing your guests with both taste and presentation.
Storage Tips
After indulging in this delicious Strawberry Tres Leches Cake, you may find yourself with leftovers that you want to preserve for later enjoyment. Here are some helpful storage tips to keep your cake fresh and flavorful:
Refrigeration:
- Once the cake has been served, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.
- The Strawberry Tres Leches Cake can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days while still maintaining its taste and texture. Beyond this timeframe, the cake may start to lose its freshness.
Freezing:
- If you plan to store the cake for longer periods, freezing is a great option to extend its shelf life.
- To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- When properly stored in the freezer, the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake can last for up to 2-3 months without sacrificing its quality.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. This gradual thawing process helps retain the moisture and flavor of the cake.
- Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight for best results. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake remains delicious and satisfying for longer periods, allowing you to savor the delightful flavors of this delectable dessert whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
Creating a Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a delightful culinary experience that combines the richness of Tres Leches with the freshness of strawberries. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily whip up this decadent dessert to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Remember to store any leftovers properly to preserve the cake’s flavors and textures. Whether refrigerated or frozen, the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake can be enjoyed at any time, ensuring a delectable treat whenever you desire. Experiment with different toppings and serving styles to personalize this classic dessert and make it your own. Enjoy the process of baking and relish every bite of this luscious creation.
