Strawberry Tres Leches

This tres leches recipe features a perfectly moist, soft, and delicately sweetened cake covered in that classic combination of three types of milk. With only a handful of simple ingredients required and about 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, this fresh summertime dessert can be ready and on the table!

 

What is Tres Leches Cake?

 

Tres leches cake is traditionally a Mexican dessert cake, though it is popular all across Latin America and Central America. Simply put, it’s a sweet sponge cake that is baked, then covered in a combination of “tres leches,” or three kinds of milk: whole milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk.

 

Over time, this milk mixture absorbs into the cake and makes it wonderfully moist and full of delicate creamy flavor. In this recipe, the addition of strawberry puree is incorporated into the tres leches mixture, making for an even more refreshing summertime treat.

Ingredients for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

 The ingredient list for this tres leches cake made with strawberries is incredibly simple. In fact, you likely already have all of the ingredients you’ll need at home already.

 

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

 

• 4 grams of eggs
• 130 grams of sugar
• 150 grams of flour
• 5 grams of vanilla
• 45 grams of butter

 

And here’s what you’ll need to make the mixture:

 

• 250 grams of milk
• 300 grams of condensed milk
• 250 grams of evaporated milk
• 250 grams of milk cream
• 250 grams of Jungle Pulp Strawberry Puree

Directions

 

In addition to being made with simple ingredients, this recipe is also a breeze to whip together. It’s as simple as baking a cake- literally! Then, once the cake is baked, it’s covered in your creamy tres leches mixture.

 

Moving on, let’s dive into the recipe!

 

Step One: Prep Work

 

First, begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a cake pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step Two: Make the Cake Batter

 

Next, in a blender with a balloon whisk attached, mix together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Start slowly, then increase the speed to high until the cake mixture has lifted and begins to create a foam. Then, add the flour, working in batches, until it has been fully mixed into the cake batter.

 

If necessary, stop halfway through to scrape down the sides of the bowl before continuing to mix.

Step Three: Bake the Cake

 

Once the cake batter is fully mixed, transfer it to your prepared cake pan and bake the cake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step Four: Make the Tres Leches Mixture

 

While the cake is baking, set a saucepot to medium heat and add the leches mixture to the saucepot. Continue to heat, constantly stirring to prevent burning the milk, until all of the ingredients dissolve.

 

Once the milk mixture has fully dissolved, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool before pouring it over top of your cake.

 

Step Five: Assemble the Cake

 

Once the tres leches mixture is finished, pour it over the freshly baked cake and allow it to moisten. Then, allow the cake to cool briefly before decorating it with your preferred toppings. Tres leches cake should be served cold or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Tres Leches Cake

 

• It is important to accurately measure the dry ingredients, as measuring by cups can often be misleading and create a dense cake.
• Avoid overmixing the cake batter, as it can lead to too much gluten forming and make for a chewy cake. Mix just until the ingredients are fully combined.
• This cake is perfect exactly as is, but you can decorate it with fresh whipped cream, buttercream frosting, Chantilly, and or fresh strawberries.
• To store your leftover tres leches cake, transfer it to an airtight container (or cover the cake pan) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

 

FAQs

 

How long does tres leches cake last?

 

Tres leches cake will keep for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it an easy make-ahead dessert that can be prepared the day before you plan to serve.

 

Is tres leches supposed to be soggy?

 

Tres leches are supposed to be very moist, but the cake we are making is a sponge cake, which should nicely absorb the added liquid without becoming soggy.

 

Can you freeze tres leches cake?

 

Yes! Tres leches cake can be frozen if covered completely (or transferred to an airtight container) and left in your freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your tres leches cake again, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. There is no need to reheat your tres leches cake.