Imagine a delicate sponge cake, soaked in a decadent blend of three kinds of milk, and crowned with a luscious strawberry topping. Welcome to the world of the Ultimate Healthy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake – a dessert that will transport your taste buds to a tropical oasis. This recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a healthier take on the classic tres leches, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion.
Growing up, tres leches cakes were a staple at family gatherings, their moist, creamy goodness always the highlight of the dessert table. As I’ve grown older, I’ve found myself craving that nostalgic flavor, but with a modern, nutritious twist. After numerous experiments in the kitchen, I’ve finally perfected a recipe that delivers all the rich, creamy goodness of the original, while incorporating wholesome ingredients and a vibrant burst of fresh strawberries.
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a true labor of love, combining the best of both worlds – indulgence and wellness. It’s a dessert that you can feel good about serving to your loved ones, knowing that each bite is packed with nourishing ingredients and a flavor profile that will leave them begging for seconds.
🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is not your average dessert. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. The moist, spongy cake is the perfect canvas for the trio of creamy milks, which soak into the layers, creating a luxurious and decadent experience. But the real star of the show is the fresh strawberry topping, which adds a bright, fruity element that perfectly balances the richness of the cake.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. Instead of relying on heavy cream and sugar, we’ve incorporated almond milk, honey, and Greek yogurt to create a healthier version of the classic. The result is a dessert that is just as indulgent and satisfying as the original, but with a nutritional profile that will make you feel good about indulging.
Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
The key ingredients that make this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake so special are the almond milk, honey, and Greek yogurt. Almond milk adds a creamy, nutty flavor and reduces the overall fat content, while the honey provides natural sweetness without the use of refined sugar. The Greek yogurt not only enhances the creamy texture but also adds a boost of protein and probiotics. These substitutions transform this classic dessert into a healthier, yet equally indulgent, treat.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. This gentle mixing helps to create a light, airy texture in the final cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Cake: Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the top, making sure to evenly distribute it. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milky mixture.
- Top with Strawberries: Just before serving, arrange the fresh sliced strawberries in an even layer over the top of the soaked cake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake into squares and serve chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side, if desired. Enjoy the perfect balance of moist, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite!
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 22-25 minutes
• Chill time: 4-24 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 37-62 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 12 servings.
• Protein: 9 g
• Sodium: 273 mg
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
💡 How to Customize This Recipe ?
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the eggs with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg. Use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk, and substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper over the strawberry topping for a subtle hint of warmth that complements the sweetness.
🍽️ Plating and Presentation Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the cake with fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a beautiful and flavorful finishing touch.
• Beverage Pairing: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a refreshing glass of iced tea, a cold brew coffee, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
⚠️ How to Sidestep Common Cooking Pitfalls ?
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that all the ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature before starting. This will help the cake batter come together more easily and result in a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Properly preheating the oven is crucial for the cake to rise properly and bake evenly. Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature before placing the cake in to ensure the best results.
🥡 Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor
• Freezing: This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: To maintain the cake’s texture, avoid reheating the entire cake. Instead, slice and reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe with other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! The Strawberry Tres Leches Cake can be easily adapted to feature other fresh fruits. Try using sliced mango, diced pineapple, or a mix of berries like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Simply swap out the strawberries for your desired fruit and adjust the amount as needed.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with their plant-based counterparts. Opt for unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. You can also substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond milk yogurt. These simple swaps will transform the tres leches mixture into a delicious dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to ensure the cake absorbs the tres leches mixture evenly?
The key to ensuring even absorption of the tres leches mixture is to poke plenty of holes in the cake using a fork or skewer before pouring it over the top. This allows the liquid to soak down into the cake layers rather than pooling on the surface. Be patient and pour the mixture slowly, making sure to distribute it evenly across the entire cake. Letting the cake chill for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, also gives the flavors time to fully develop.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance to save time on the day of serving. Bake the cake, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the tres leches dessert. When ready to serve, prepare the tres leches mixture and pour it over the chilled cake layers as directed in the recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is done baking, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, the cake is ready. Additionally, the top of the cake should be golden brown and the edges should be pulling away slightly from the pan. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in a dry, crumbly texture.
🥳 Wrapping It Up
Indulging in a slice of this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is like taking a delightful trip to a tropical paradise, where the flavors of ripe, juicy strawberries mingle with the creamy, decadent tres leches soaked sponge cake. This recipe is a true labor of love, blending the best of classic indulgence with a healthier, more mindful approach. Whether you’re serving it at a special celebration or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved dessert, this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your heart.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to dive into a world of mouthwatering, guilt-free bliss. Bon appétit!
The Ultimate Healthy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. This gentle mixing helps to create a light, airy texture in the final cake.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined.
- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the top, making sure to evenly distribute it. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the cake to fully absorb the milky mixture.
- Just before serving, arrange the fresh sliced strawberries in an even layer over the top of the soaked cake.
- Cut the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake into squares and serve chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side, if desired. Enjoy the perfect balance of moist, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite!
