Are you dreaming of a moist, decadent cake that melts in your mouth? Then look no further! This Tres Leches Cake recipe with strawberries is the perfect combination of rich, creamy indulgence and fresh, vibrant fruit. It’s easier to make than you might think, making it a fantastic option for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a delicious, impressive dessert. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a special weeknight treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and flavorful homemade creation!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Tres Leches Mixture:
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 pint (approximately 16 ounces) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Make the Cake:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is a crucial step to ensure even leavening.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Using an electric mixer makes this step much quicker.
- 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 buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
- 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.
Prepare the Tres Leches:
- While the cake is baking, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a medium bowl until well combined. This creates the signature creamy, milky soak for the cake.
Assemble the Dessert:
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the warm cake using a fork or toothpick. This allows the Tres Leches mixture to soak into the cake evenly.
- Slowly pour the Tres Leches mixture over the cake, ensuring it's evenly distributed. It may seem like a lot of liquid, but the cake will absorb most of it.
- Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture and become deliciously moist.
Add the Strawberries:
- Before serving, top the cake with the sliced strawberries. If desired, gently toss the strawberries with powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of buttermilk.
- Feel free to experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of or in addition to the strawberries.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries is a showstopper dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing treat – it's perfect for any occasion!