If you love desserts that melt in your mouth with every bite, then this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is your new favorite indulgence. Combining the magic of light and airy sponge cake with the richness of three types of milk and the fresh sweetness of strawberries, this Latin-inspired treat is a beautiful balance of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a weekend indulgence, this cake is guaranteed to steal the show.
Let’s dive into this heavenly creation and learn exactly how to make it step-by-step.
🛠️ Recipe Preparation Equipment
Before you start baking this luscious cake, make sure you have the following tools ready:
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish or cake pan
- Sifter
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
- Fork or skewer (for poking holes in the cake)
- Blender or food processor (optional, for strawberry purée)
- Refrigerator space to chill the cake
🧾 What You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake ?
Sponge Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided ¾ and ¼)
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Milk Mixture (Tres Leches):
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup strawberry purée or syrup (optional, for added flavor)
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Layer & Garnish:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional strawberries for garnish
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 How to Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Step-by-Step ?
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Separate the eggs. Beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale and thick. Stir in milk and vanilla.
In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
Fold the egg whites gently into the yolk mixture. Then fold in the dry ingredients slowly.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
🧈 Step 2: Let It Cool and Poke
Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then poke holes all over using a fork or skewer. This helps it soak the milk evenly.
🥛 Step 3: Mix the Tres Leches
In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and optional strawberry purée.
Slowly pour this mixture over the entire surface of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best absorption.
🍦 Step 4: Whip the Cream
Beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled, soaked cake.
🍓 Step 5: Add Strawberries and Garnish
Arrange the sliced strawberries over the whipped cream. Add additional fresh berries and mint leaves for a beautiful finish.
🍰 Variations – Customize Your Strawberry Tres Leches
This classic Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is already divine, but here are a few tasty variations to explore:
- Chocolate Strawberry Tres Leches: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the sponge cake mix and drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for a rich twist.
- Berry Medley Tres Leches: Instead of only strawberries, top the cake with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a burst of flavors.
- Almond Infusion: Swap vanilla for almond extract in the sponge and top with toasted almonds for a nutty aroma.
- Coconut Milk Swap: Use coconut milk in place of whole milk in the soaking mixture for a tropical flavor.
- Mini Tres Leches Cups: Make individual servings in jars or cups for parties or gifts.
With each variation, you can enjoy new dimensions of taste while sticking to the same rich and moist tres leches base.
🔥 Cooking Note
The key to this cake’s success lies in the texture of the sponge. It needs to be airy and absorbent to soak up the milk without becoming mushy. That’s why separating the eggs and properly folding the whites is so crucial it creates the lift and lightness. After baking, don’t rush to soak the cake right away. Letting it cool a bit first allows the cake to hold its shape when absorbing the milk.
Also, ensure your milk mixture is well blended and slightly warm (not hot) so it infuses easily. Chill the cake long enough (overnight ideally) so the flavors meld and the cake becomes perfectly moist. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the topping their natural sweetness enhances the milk-infused base beautifully.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve Strawberry Tres Leches Cake chilled for the best flavor and texture. It’s perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with a few additions:
- Add a dollop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream on the side
- Sprinkle a bit of crushed pistachio for crunch
- Drizzle with strawberry syrup or a hint of honey
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee
This dessert is especially popular at birthdays, Mother’s Day brunches, and summer gatherings. Its presentation is stunning, especially with the vibrant red strawberries contrasting against the fluffy white whipped topping.
🧠 Helpful Tips
- Room Temp Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better volume when whipping.
- Don’t Overbake: A dry cake won’t soak up the milk properly, so remove it as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
- Use a Deep Dish: The milk will pool before soaking in, so use a deep pan to avoid spills.
- Cool Before Soaking: A hot cake may break apart when soaked — always let it cool first.
- Whip Cream Fresh: Prepare whipped topping just before serving for best texture.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Frozen ones release too much water and can make the cake soggy.
- Chill Overnight: This gives the cake time to absorb the milks fully and enhances the flavor.
💡 Tips for the Best Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
- Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and whipped cream for a fruity punch.
- For neater slices, wipe your knife with a warm towel between cuts.
- If time allows, make the cake 24 hours in advance it tastes even better the next day!
- Garnish just before serving to keep strawberries fresh.
⏱️ Timing Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
🧮 Nutritional Information (per serving – approx.)
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 120mg
Related Recipes :
- Cherry Cheesecake Fluff
- Homemade McGriddle Muffins
- Easy Homemade Applesauce Muffins
- Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Marinated Eggs Ramen Recipe
❓ FAQs About Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Q: Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes, but homemade sponge absorbs milk much better.
Q: How long does it last?
Up to 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make it without whipped cream?
You can top it with meringue or use cream cheese frosting for variation.
Q: Can I freeze it?
It’s not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the soaked cake.
✅ Conclusion – A Slice of Sweet Bliss
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the moist, milk-soaked sponge to the fluffy whipped topping and juicy strawberries, every bite is a blend of richness and freshness.
Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or just treating yourself this recipe will become your go-to for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Don’t forget to experiment with variations and make it your own!
