Tres Leches Cake with Fresh Strawberries

If there’s one dessert that can satisfy a sweet tooth while also offering a light, airy texture, it’s Tres Leches Cake. This traditional Latin American cake gets its name from the three types of milk that's used in it. Evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. The milk soaks into it like a sponge, giving it a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s the perfect combination of richness and fluffiness in every bite. To add a fresh, fruity twist, we’ll top it off sweet summer time strawberries!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milk Mixture:

• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of the sugar on high speed until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
3. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and continue beating until the whites form stiff peaks.
5. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cool, place it back into the baking dish.
2. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
3. Poke small holes all over the surface of the cake using a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure it’s evenly soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the cake to absorb the milk mixture fully.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the soaked cake.

Step 5: Add Strawberries

1. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream layer. You can create a beautiful pattern or simply scatter them across the cake for a casual look.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Cut the Tres Leches Cake into squares and serve chilled. The sweet, creamy texture of the cake combined with the fresh strawberries makes for a delicious and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Pairs perfectly with a nice glass of Moscato as well. 

Contributed by Ray Ibanez, E-Commerce Manager for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.