This recipe has a significant importance because it represents my culture. Since childhood, this is the cake that has been served at birthdays, weddings, or simply when family gets together.

As an adult, it brings me joy to make it for the people I care about and being able to share my culture. I've recently had the opportunity to make this recipe for some Young Adult events and have been reminded how this recipe brings people from all walks of life together.

Ingredients: 

Cake mixture:

• 1 box of Betty Crocker French Vanilla cake mix

  • 3 eggs

  • Replace 1 cup of water with 1 cup of milk

  • Replace ¼ of vegetable oil with 1 cup of applesauce

Tres leches mixture:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 can evaporated milk

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream mixture:

• 1 ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• ¼-1  cup powdered sugar (all based on sweetness preference)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Follow directions on the cake mix box with the replacements mentioned above.

2. Allow the cake to cool.

3. Once the cake is completely cool, poke small holes throughout the entire cake. This can be done with a toothpick or a fork.

4. To assemble the tres leches mixture, add all ingredients to a blender on low speed. Blend until well combined. 

5. Pour the tres leches mixture on the cake. When doing so, make sure to distribute the mixture evenly throughout the cake. Let the cake sit in the fridge while preparing the whipped cream.

6. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture begins to slightly thicken. Stop the mixer to then add the vanilla extract and the powdered sugar. Continue mixing on higher speed until the cream holds its shape when beaters are removed.

7. Spread the whipped cream topping evenly on top of the cake. 

8. Optional Slice fresh strawberries as a topping for the cake.