Description
This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake is a delightful fusion dessert combining the traditional Latin American tres leches cake with the earthy flavors of matcha green tea and fresh strawberries. Featuring a light sponge soaked in a creamy milk mixture infused with matcha, topped with whipped cream and macerated strawberries, this cake offers a refreshing, creamy, and subtly sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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			Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
 - 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
 
Wet Ingredients for Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
 - 1 cup granulated sugar
 - 4 large eggs
 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 - 1/2 cup whole milk
 
Milk Mixture
- 1 cup evaporated milk
 - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
 - 1 tablespoon matcha powder (optional, for stronger matcha flavor)
 
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
 - 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for macerating the strawberries)
 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
 
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
 - Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha powder thoroughly. Set aside.
 - Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cake.
 - Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
 - Combine Flour and Milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
 - Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
 - Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish to prepare for soaking.
 - Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and optional matcha powder until the matcha is fully dissolved with no lumps.
 - Soak the Cake: Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cooled cake surface. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in fully. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for several hours to absorb fully.
 - Prepare Strawberry Topping: In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, if using, to macerate. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to enhance their natural juices and flavor.
 - Make Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.
 - Assemble the Cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake surface, then decorate with the macerated strawberries. Drizzle some of the strawberry syrup over the whipped cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.
 - Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into servings and serve chilled for a creamy, fruity dessert that beautifully marries the flavors of matcha and strawberries.
 
Notes
- For a stronger matcha flavor throughout, add the optional tablespoon of matcha powder to the milk mixture.
 - Macerating the strawberries by tossing them with sugar and lemon juice enhances their sweetness and releases natural juices, improving flavor.
 - Ensure the cake is fully cooled before soaking with the milk mixture to prevent it from becoming mushy.
 - Chilling the bowl and beaters for whipping cream helps achieve stiffer peaks faster.
 - This cake is best served chilled and stored in the refrigerator to maintain its moist texture.
 
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 - Cook Time: 30 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: Fusion - Latin American and Japanese