Looking to elevate your dessert game with a treat that combines luscious flavors, delightful textures, and a burst of fruity freshness? Look no further than the irresistible Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake. This indulgent dessert takes the classic tres leches cake to new heights by adding a layer of crunchy goodness and juicy strawberries, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
A Symphony of Flavors:
At the heart of this delectable dessert is the classic tres leches cake, a beloved Latin American treat soaked in three types of milk – sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. This rich and moist cake serves as the perfect canvas for the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and the satisfying crunch of buttery cookie crumble.
Ingredients Needed :
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (and required ingredients listed on the box, such as eggs, water, and oil)
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups crushed strawberry-flavored cookies or wafer crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Whipped topping or whipped cream, for garnish
How To Make Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake :
- Start by preparing and baking the strawberry cake according to the instructions on the box in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely, then use a fork to poke holes all over the surface.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly pour this luscious tres leches mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake and let it soak for an hour.
- While the cake is soaking, mix the crushed strawberry cookies or wafer crumbs with the melted butter to create a delightful crumble topping. Spread this mixture onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until lightly browned. Once cooled, the crumble will add the perfect texture to your cake.
- After the cookie crumble has cooled, take the cake out of the fridge and sprinkle the crumble over the top, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries for a burst of freshness.
- Finish off your masterpiece by generously topping it with whipped topping or whipped cream. Chill the cake for another hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Variations & Tips:
- Storage Suggestions: To keep your Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days, although it’s so delicious, it may not last that long!
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, simply use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensure that the cookies or wafer crumbs you use are also gluten-free.
- Add a Boozy Twist: For an adult-friendly version, add a splash of rum or strawberry liqueur to the tres leches mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or drizzling melted chocolate over the whipped cream for a decadent touch.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, the Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence, this dessert is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, indulge your senses and savor every delightful bite of this heavenly creation!
