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Moist Tres Leches Cupcakes Recipe with Strawberry Milk Soak and Dulce de Leche

moist tres leches cupcakes - featured image

These moist tres leches cupcakes feature a strawberry-infused milk soak and a luscious dulce de leche drizzle, creating a tender, flavorful dessert perfect for celebrations or casual treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup whole milk (80ml)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml) for soak
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, roughly chopped (frozen thawed works too)
  • 1/2 cup dulce de leche (130g)
  • About 1 cup whipped cream (optional)
  • Fresh sliced strawberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with 1/3 cup whole milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into muffin tin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
  8. Puree 1/2 cup chopped strawberries until smooth. In a small saucepan, gently warm 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream on low heat (do not boil). Stir in strawberry puree and remove from heat; let cool slightly.
  9. Poke holes all over each cupcake with a skewer or fork. Slowly spoon or brush the strawberry milk soak evenly over each cupcake, allowing it to absorb fully (about 15-20 minutes).
  10. Spread about 1 tablespoon dulce de leche over each cupcake. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
  11. Refrigerate cupcakes for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and texture set.

Notes

Do not skip poking holes before soaking to ensure the milk mixture absorbs well. Warm the milk soak gently without boiling to preserve texture. Strain strawberry puree for a smoother soak. Soften dulce de leche slightly before spreading for easier application. Chill cupcakes after assembly for best flavor and texture. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cupcakes, strawberry milk soak, dulce de leche, moist cupcakes, dessert, easy cupcakes, strawberry dessert, caramel topping