If you’re looking for a dessert recipe that’s both delicious and unique, you should definitely try making a strawberry crunch tres leches cake. This cake is a twist on the classic Latin American dessert, incorporating fresh strawberries and a crunchy topping that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What is Tres Leches Cake?
Tres leches cake is a sponge cake that’s soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This creates a moist, rich cake that’s incredibly satisfying. While the origins of tres leches cake are debated, it’s a popular dessert throughout Latin America and can be found in many bakeries and restaurants in the United States as well.
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake
Now that you know what tres leches cake is, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need for this strawberry crunch version. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Steps to Make Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake
Now that you have all of your ingredients, let’s start making the cake! Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream in a medium bowl.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, poke holes all over the cake with a fork.
- Pour the milk mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the cake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- When you’re ready to serve the cake, mix together the crushed graham crackers, sliced almonds, sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the cake, then top with the sliced strawberries.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake
So, why should you try making this cake? Here are just a few reasons:
- It’s a unique twist on the classic tres leches cake, incorporating fresh strawberries and a crunchy topping.
- The cake is incredibly moist and rich, thanks to the combination of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream.
- The recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment.
- It’s a great dessert to make for parties and events, as it serves a crowd.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake
While this recipe is fairly straightforward, here are some tips to help you make the best strawberry crunch tres leches cake possible:
- Make sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a light, tender cake.
- When adding the flour mixture to the batter, be sure to alternate with the milk and stir gently. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before poking holes in it. This will prevent the cake from falling apart.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours (or overnight) before serving. This will allow the milk mixture to soak into the cake and create a moist, delicious dessert.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of tres leches cake or just looking for a delicious dessert recipe to try, this strawberry crunch version is sure to impress. With its moist cake, fresh strawberries, and crunchy topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give it a try?