Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

This is no mere daydream—it’s a delightful reality you can create in your kitchen with our special take on the Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake recipe.

How to make Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a seasonal dessert offered by Crumbl Cookies. It is known for its rich and fruity twist on the classic Latin American tres leches cake.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
4. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming large, thick circles. You should have enough for about 8-10 cookies.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
2. Once the cookies have cooled, use a fork to poke holes over the top of each one. Then, spoon the Tres Leches mixture over each cookie, allowing it to soak in.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

1. Mix the diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate.

Prepare the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Generously spread or pipe the frosting over each tres leches-soaked cookie.
2. Top with the macerated strawberries.

Tips for Success

• Soaking Time: Let the cookies soak in the Tres Leches mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure they’re wonderfully moist. If you prefer a wetter consistency, you can even do this step in a deeper dish.
• Chill the Frosting: For easier piping and a more stable structure, chill your frosting in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before applying it to the cookies.
• Serving: These cookies are best served the day they are made but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Note that the longer they sit, the softer they will become.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding a touch of cinnamon to the tres leches mixture or using different berries for the topping.

What to serve with

Serving something as delightful as the Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake means crafting a full experience around its indulgent flavors.

Beverage Pairings

1. Coffee:

• Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, deep flavors of coffee balance the sweetness of the Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake beautifully. Try a medium roast to emphasize the dessert’s creamy texture.
• Cappuccino: A foamy cappuccino with a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a warm, spicy contrast to the creamy and fruity notes of the cake.

2. Tea:

• Chamomile Tea: Known for its mild and calming notes, chamomile tea pairs wonderfully with the light, creamy texture of the cake, accentuating its delicate flavors without overpowering them.
• Green Tea: If you’re looking for something refreshing that cleanses the palate, a delicate green tea can be just perfect.

3. Cold Beverages:

• Sparkling Water: A glass of chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon is not only refreshing but also helps cleanse the palate between bites of this rich cake.
• Berry Smoothie: Blend a mix of berries with some yogurt or milk to create a smoothie that complements the strawberry in your tres leches cake, enhancing the overall berry experience.

Additional Dessert Options

For those looking to create a more diversified dessert table, consider these options:

1. Fruit Platter: A simple platter of sliced fruits such as kiwi, oranges, pineapple, and additional strawberries complements the themes of freshness and simplicity, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.

2. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake can elevate the dessert experience. The cool, soft ice cream texture combined with the moist cake creates a delightful mouthfeel.

3. Light Pastries: Offer a variety of pastries such as croissants or fruit tarts. These not only lend variety but also cater to guests who might prefer less sweet, non-creamy dessert options.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake allows for various substitutions if specific ingredients are unavailable or if dietary restrictions necessitate alternatives.

For the Cake Base:

1. Flour – If all-purpose flour is not available or you’re avoiding gluten:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that typically includes a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum.
• Almond Flour: A low-carb, gluten-free option, though it may alter the texture and will need adjustments to the recipe, as it doesn’t bind as well as wheat flour.

2. Sugar – If you need an alternative to white granulated sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: Can replace white sugar in a 1:1 ratio for a more caramel-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the amount and reduce other liquids in the recipe to maintain the correct batter consistency.

3. Eggs – For those with egg allergies or a vegan diet:

• Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas can mimic the binding quality of eggs.
• Applesauce: ¼ cup of applesauce can replace one egg; this also adds moisture.

For the Tres Leches Mixture:

1. Whole Milk – If substituting due to lactose intolerance or personal preference:

• Lactose-Free Milk: A direct 1:1 substitute.
• Nut or Soy Milk: Almond, cashew, or soy milk can substitute for whole milk, but they may impart a distinct taste.

2. Condensed Milk – For a lighter or dairy-free version:

• Evaporated Milk with Sugar: You can create your mixture by combining evaporated milk with sugar.
• Dairy-Free Condensed Milk: There are commercially available or homemade versions using nut milk and sugar.

3. Heavy Cream – If looking for a lower-fat alternative or dairy-free option:

• Evaporated Milk: You can use evaporated milk as a reduced-fat option, though it won’t be as rich.
• Coconut Cream: A good vegan alternative is coconut cream; this will add a tropical flavor profile.

For the Strawberry Sauce and Topping:

1. Fresh Strawberries – When strawberries aren’t in season:

• Frozen Strawberries: Let them thaw before using them in sauces or purees as fresh substitutes.

2. Strawberry Jam – If you are looking to make your own or need an alternative:

• Other Berry Jams: Raspberry or mixed berry jam could work, though the flavor profile will change.

Final Thoughts

By thoughtfully pairing these beverages, additional desserts, or savory items, you can create a well-rounded, palate-pleasing experience that highlights your homemade Crumbl Strawberry Tres Leches Cake. 

More Cake Recipes:

• Copycat Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake Recipe
• Copycat Kourtney’s Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe