Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a luscious dessert that marries the rich creaminess of the traditional Latin tres leches cake with the sweet and slightly tart essence of fresh strawberries. This heavenly dessert features a soft and airy sponge cake that’s soaked in a trio of milks evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream and then topped with a fluffy layer of whipped cream and juicy strawberries.
What makes this version stand out is the vibrant strawberry flavor that seeps into every layer, giving the dessert a fruity freshness that balances the milky richness.
Whether you’re making this for a special occasion, family dinner, or summer get-together, Strawberry Tres Leches Cake will always be a show-stopper. The cake stays incredibly moist without being soggy, and the fruity topping makes every bite refreshing and satisfying.
With Latin roots and a berry twist, this dessert is perfect for lovers of creamy textures and bold flavors.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Fruity twist on a classic: Adds a fresh and bright flavor to the traditional tres leches.
- Extra moist and tender: Thanks to the soaking mixture of three types of milk.
- Visually stunning: The strawberries on top create an irresistible presentation.
- Perfect for parties: Make-ahead friendly and easy to slice into squares.
- Light and refreshing: Despite being rich, it feels light due to the whipped topping and fresh berries.
- Versatile: Can be adjusted to use other berries or added flavorings like vanilla or almond extract.
🧺 What Do You Need to Prepare Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Milk Soak:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1 tsp strawberry extract (optional for extra flavor)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- Extra whole or halved strawberries for garnish
🍰 How to Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake – Step-by-Step ?
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Beat the Egg Yolks
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in batches. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Milk Soak
While the cake is baking, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, strawberry puree, and strawberry extract (if using). Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 8: Cool and Soak
Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in evenly. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 9: Whip the Cream Topping
Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the chilled, soaked cake.
Step 10: Add the Strawberries
Top the whipped cream with sliced strawberries. Decorate with whole or halved berries for a beautiful finish.
🌀 Variations
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is endlessly customizable. Instead of just strawberries, you can add a medley of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version. You might also incorporate a thin layer of strawberry jam or compote between the cake and whipped topping for extra fruitiness.
For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache over the whipped cream layer adds decadence. To elevate the flavor even more, infuse the soaking milk with rose water or orange blossom essence. Gluten-free flour can be substituted for a gluten-free version without sacrificing the spongy texture. For an adult twist, a splash of strawberry liqueur or rum in the milk mixture brings a boozy element perfect for grown-up parties.
🔥 Cooking Notes
The key to a successful Strawberry Tres Leches Cake lies in the sponge. Make sure to properly beat the egg yolks and whites separately, as this creates the airy texture that will absorb the milk mixture evenly without becoming soggy.
Don’t skip sifting the flour this ensures a smooth batter and helps with lightness. Also, be patient when pouring the milk mixture; doing it too quickly will cause the cake to become overly saturated on top without letting the bottom layers soak.
For best results, use room temperature eggs and milk, and allow the cake to chill overnight. This resting period enhances flavor and texture. Lastly, ensure your whipped cream is stiff before spreading; this creates a nice contrast to the moist cake underneath.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled with a fresh strawberry garnish. For added elegance, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or top with mint leaves for color contrast. It pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a hot espresso.
If serving for a special occasion, slice the cake into squares and serve on white dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry syrup on the side. This dessert also makes a delightful addition to summer picnics, brunches, or Latin-themed dinner nights. Complement it with a light main course, like grilled chicken or a salad, to let the dessert shine.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Let the cake cool slightly before soaking to avoid sogginess.
- Use a wide skewer or fork to poke holes all the way through the cake to help it absorb the milk evenly.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and structure—it gets better with time.
- Don’t overbeat the egg whites; stiff peaks are good, but dry peaks can make folding difficult.
- Strawberries should be fresh and dry—wet berries can water down the whipped topping.
- Whipped cream must be stiff enough to hold shape, especially if you’re garnishing with fruit.
- Use a serrated knife to slice clean pieces of cake once chilled.
- Make it ahead: This cake stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🌟 Tips for the Best Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the fullest flavor.
- Fold the whipped egg whites gently to keep the batter airy and spongy.
- Chill the milk mixture before pouring for better absorption and flavor.
- Always refrigerate after soaking and before adding the whipped topping.
- For clean presentation, wipe the knife between each cut when serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 5 hours minimum (including chilling)
🧾 Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before pureeing or topping.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking.
Q: How long does this cake last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the whipped topping, but the soaked cake without topping can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: What if I don’t have strawberry extract?
You can skip it or use a splash of vanilla for extra aroma.
🏁 Conclusion
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate fusion of comfort and elegance. With its spongy base, luscious milk soak, and fresh berry topping, it delivers on both flavor and presentation. This dessert is perfect for any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether for birthdays, holidays, or summer picnics, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser. By following the detailed steps and tips above, you’ll be able to recreate a bakery-style dessert right in your kitchen.
Moist, fruity, and irresistibly creamy this cake is a slice of sweet perfection.
