Strawberry Tres Leches Cake: A Luscious Twist on a Classic Favorite
There’s something undeniably magical about a well-made tres leches cake—light, moist, and soaked in a rich milk mixture that melts in your mouth. But when you add strawberries into the mix? You get a dreamy dessert that tastes like spring in every bite. This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake takes the traditional Latin American favorite and gives it a fruity, flavorful upgrade. Think soft sponge cake infused with a blend of creamy milks, layered with strawberry purée, and topped with clouds of whipped cream and juicy strawberry bits.
Why You'll Love It
- Moist and Creamy: The cake soaks up a luscious mix of three milks for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Burst of Berry Flavor: Fresh strawberry purée in the batter and a topping of diced berries bring bright, fresh notes.
- Beautiful & Simple: With minimal decorating, this cake still looks stunning—especially topped with a few elegant strawberry slices.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
For the Tres Leches Mixture:
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup evaporated milk
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
Directions
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Finally, fold in the strawberry purée. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
2. Soak It
While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer. In a bowl, whisk together the tres leches mixture: milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in gradually. Let the cake rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Top It Off
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the cold cake, then sprinkle with diced strawberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Extra Fancy? Add a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a few mint leaves for garnish.
- Make It Ahead: This cake is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Think birthdays, Mother's Day, or anytime strawberries are in season.
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a celebration in itself—creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible. One bite and you’ll understand why this variation is quickly becoming a new favorite. Let it chill, slice it up, and watch it disappear in no time!
