Introduction to Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups

Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as delightful as it is easy to make, let me introduce you to Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups. This recipe is a game-changer, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Imagine layers of moist strawberry cake soaked in a creamy milk mixture, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a crunchy strawberry topping. It’s like a party in a cup! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to whip them up for every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups

These Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures! They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of moist cake, creamy milk soak, and crunchy topping creates a delightful experience in every bite. Plus, they’re served in individual cups, so they’re easy to share and enjoy without the mess. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups. Here’s what you’ll need:

Strawberry cake mix: This is the base of our dessert. You can use a box mix for convenience or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Evaporated milk: This adds a rich creaminess to the milk soak, making each bite luscious and satisfying.
Sweetened condensed milk: A key player in the tres leches mixture, it brings sweetness and a velvety texture.
Whole milk or heavy cream: This rounds out the milk soak, ensuring it’s perfectly creamy. Heavy cream will give you a richer flavor.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it even more irresistible.
Heavy whipping cream: This is for the fluffy whipped topping. Make sure it’s chilled for the best results!
Powdered sugar: This sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape.
Golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookies: These create the crunchy topping. They add a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin powder: These give the crunch topping a fruity kick. You can choose based on what you have on hand.
Melted butter: This binds the crunch topping together, making it easy to sprinkle over the layers.
Fresh strawberries: For garnish, they add a pop of color and freshness to your cups.
Extra whipped cream: Because who doesn’t love a little more whipped cream on top?

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to dessert heaven.

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Cake

Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Then, prepare the strawberry cake mix as directed. This usually involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a sheet pan or large tray for easy cutting later. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Once it’s baked, let it cool completely before cutting it into small cubes. Trust me, this makes layering a breeze!

Step 2: Make the Tres Leches Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. This creamy mixture is what makes the Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups so indulgent. Make sure everything is well combined, and set it aside. You’ll want this ready to soak into that delicious cake!

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Grab a chilled bowl and pour in the heavy whipping cream. Add the powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape. It’s like fluffy clouds of sweetness! Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag for easy layering later.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

In a food processor, crush the golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry gelatin powder) until they’re crumbly. Then, drizzle in the melted butter and pulse a few more times until everything is combined. This crunchy topping adds a delightful texture to your cups, so don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Assemble the Cups

Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by placing a layer of strawberry cake cubes at the bottom of each dessert cup. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the tres leches mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Next, add a layer of whipped cream, followed by a sprinkle of the strawberry crunch topping. Repeat these layers if your cups are deep enough. Finish with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crunch, and a fresh strawberry on top for that perfect touch!

Tips for Success

Make sure your heavy cream is super cold for the best whipped cream results.
Let the cake cubes soak in the tres leches mixture for at least 10 minutes for maximum flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of strawberry crunch topping to suit your taste.
Use a piping bag for the whipped cream to create beautiful layers.
Chill the assembled cups for a bit before serving for a refreshing treat!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes will help you mix and combine ingredients easily.
Electric mixer: This is essential for whipping cream. A whisk works too, but it’ll take longer!
Sheet pan: Perfect for baking the cake. A regular baking dish can work in a pinch.
Food processor: Great for crushing cookies. A zip-top bag and rolling pin can do the trick too.
Piping bag: Ideal for neat whipped cream layers. A resealable plastic bag can substitute.

Variations

Chocolate Crunch: Swap the strawberry cake mix for chocolate cake mix and use chocolate sandwich cookies for the crunch topping.
Fruit Medley: Mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist. You can layer them with the cake for added flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the dairy products for a delicious dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts like almonds or pecans to the strawberry crunch topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a delightful contrast.
Serve alongside fresh fruit skewers for a colorful and healthy side.
For an elegant touch, present the cups on a decorative platter with mint leaves for garnish.
Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat!

FAQs about Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups

Can I make Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cups can be assembled a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making them even more delicious!

What can I use instead of golden Oreos for the crunch topping?

If you don’t have golden Oreos, any vanilla sandwich cookies will work just fine. You can even use graham crackers for a different flavor profile!

How long do the Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups last in the fridge?

These delightful cups can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

Yes, you can! Fresh strawberries will add a lovely flavor, but they won’t provide the same crunch. If you want that texture, consider mixing in some crushed cookies with the fresh strawberries.

Is it possible to make a larger batch of Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups?

Definitely! You can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure you have enough cups to hold all that deliciousness!

Final Thoughts

Creating these Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups is more than just baking; it’s about sharing joy and sweetness with those you love. Each layer tells a story, from the moist strawberry cake to the creamy milk soak and the delightful crunch on top. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cups bring smiles and satisfaction. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients and let the magic happen—your taste buds will thank you, and so will your friends and family!

Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cups are a must-try dessert!

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Author: HearthMuse
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on the classic tres leches cake, served in individual cups with layers of moist strawberry cake, creamy milk soak, whipped cream, and strawberry crunch topping. Perfect for parties, picnics, or an elegant dessert table!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
20 golden Oreos (or vanilla sandwich cookies)
2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry gelatin powder)
3 tbsp melted butter
Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Extra whipped cream (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare strawberry cake mix according to box directions. Bake in a sheet pan or large tray for easy cutting. Once baked and cooled, cut into small cubes to fit dessert cups.
In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla. Set aside.
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag for neat layering.
Crush Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries (or gelatin powder) in a food processor. Add melted butter and pulse until crumbly. Set aside.
Place a layer of strawberry cake cubes at the bottom of each dessert cup. Spoon 2–3 tbsp of the tres leches mixture over the cake. Let it soak. Add a layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle with strawberry crunch topping. Repeat layers if your cups are deep. Finish with whipped cream swirls, a sprinkle of crunch, and fresh strawberries on top.

Notes

For a homemade strawberry sponge, use your favorite recipe instead of the box mix.
Ensure the heavy cream is well-chilled for best whipping results.
Adjust the amount of strawberry crunch topping based on personal preference.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and Assembling
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg