Description
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake puts a fruity twist on the beloved Latin American dessert. A light and airy sponge cake is soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, infused with the natural sweetness of strawberries, and topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices. The result? A creamy, moist, and irresistibly delicious treat that’s perfect for celebrations or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Three-Milk Mixture:
- ½ pound fresh strawberries, pureed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Separate the egg whites and yolks into two bowls.
- Using a mixer, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites on high speed. When soft peaks form, gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture using a rubber spatula.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing gently to keep the batter light and airy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Three-Milk Mixture
- In a blender or food processor, puree ½ pound of fresh strawberries until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until fully combined.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface.
- Slowly pour the strawberry milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to allow the cake to fully absorb the milks.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top as desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cake covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: The cake tastes even better the next day after soaking overnight.
- Customization:
- Swap strawberries for raspberries for a tangy twist.
- Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and whipped cream for extra fruitiness.
- Drizzle with white chocolate or caramel sauce for a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Desserts
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 servings
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Protein: 9g