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This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Is Pure Dessert Heaven - Soft, Juicy, and Festive

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the cake: 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • For the milk soak: 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the strawberries: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • For the topping: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment for easy slicing.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
  3. Beat yolks: In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thick, 2–3 minutes. Mix in vanilla and 1/4 cup milk.
  4. Whip whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar; beat to glossy medium-stiff peaks.
  5. Fold the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture. Fold in egg whites in three additions, keeping as much air as possible.
  6. Bake: Spread batter in the pan and bake 22–26 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes.
  7. Macerate strawberries: Toss sliced berries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 15–30 minutes to release juices.
  8. Make the soak: Stir whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  9. Soak the cake: Poke the warm cake all over with a skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly across the surface. Let it absorb; chill at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Whip the topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to soft-medium peaks.
  11. Assemble: Spread whipped cream over the chilled cake. Spoon strawberries (with some juices) over the top right before serving.
  12. Serve: Slice into squares. Add extra berries and juice for a little sauce on the plate.