A Luscious – Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Strawberry tres leches cake recipe is a decadent dessert made by soaking a light, fluffy sponge cake in a mixture of three types of milk evaporated, condensed, and whole milk then topping it with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

The result is a rich, moist cake with a burst of sweetness from the strawberries, perfectly balanced by the creamy milk infusion. My third time Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe making it was just as amazing as the first!

The cake was soft, and the strawberries added a refreshing tang that paired beautifully with the sweetness of the milks. It’s the best choice for any occasion because it’s both indulgent and refreshing.

I decided to try making Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe after loving it at a family gathering. My first time baking it was in my kitchen last summer, and it was an instant hit. Now, it’s my go-to dessert for special events!

Why Is Tres Leches Cake So Good?

Tres leches cake is incredible for a few reasons. First, the light and fluffy cake gets soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.

Then there’s the taste! The sweetness from the milks combines perfectly with the vanilla cake for a delightful flavor.

Finally, the topping possibilities are endless! Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a simple dusting of cinnamon all take this cake to the next level.  In my opinion, it’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes!

How to Prepare Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe?

Recipe Specs:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: Serves 12

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (2)
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Toothpick or fork
• Strainer
• Spatula
• Serving platter

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract *⅓ cup milk

For the Tres Leches Soak:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13 inch baking pan.

2. Whip Up the Cake Batter:

● In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

● In another bowl, using your electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract.

● Gradually add the milk to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined.

● With clean beaters, whip the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the batter.

● Finally, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix!

3. Bake to Golden Perfection:

● Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

● Let the cake cool completely in the pan before drenching it in the tres leches soak.

4. Craft the Decadent Milk Soak:

● In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

5. Transform the Cake with Tres Leches:

● Using a toothpick or fork, poke holes all over the cooled cake, making sure to reach all corners. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in evenly.

● Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor and moisture.

6. Prepare the Refreshing Topping:

● In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with powdered sugar and lime juice (if using). Let them sit for 10 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out the juices.

7. Assemble and Indulge!

● Carefully remove the cake from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Top with the glistening strawberries and their sweet syrup. If desired, dollop on some whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

● Slice, serve, and savor the delightful symphony of flavors!

Nutrition Facts Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	350
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	40g
Sugar	30g
Protein	5g

How To Decorate

To decorate a strawberry tres leches cake recipe, start by spreading a layer of whipped cream evenly over the top.

Then, arrange fresh strawberry slices in a pattern, either in a circle around the edges or in a decorative design in the center.

For an extra touch, you can drizzle some strawberry syrup or sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top. Adding a few mint leaves for color or even some crushed graham crackers for texture can make it even more visually appealing.

How Long Do Tres Leches Need To Soak Before?

Tres leches cake should ideally soak for at least 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator to absorb the milk mixture and achieve the perfect texture. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to let the cake soak overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to become extra moist. Just ensure it’s covered well so it stays fresh and doesn’t dry out.

Why Is My Tres Leches Cake Soggy?

If your tres leches cake is too soggy, it could be due to one of a few reasons. You may have added too much of the milk mixture, causing it to become overly soaked.

Alternatively, the cake might not have been porous enough to absorb the liquid evenly. To prevent this, ensure you’re using a light, fluffy sponge cake that can soak up the milk without becoming overly saturated.

Also, allow it to absorb the liquid gradually, and refrigerate for a few hours to help the cake firm up a bit.

What Is Special About Tres Leches Cake?

What makes tres leches cake special is its incredibly moist texture, achieved by soaking a light, airy sponge cake in a mixture of three types of milk evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.

This creates a rich, creamy flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the cake’s softness. Often topped with whipped cream and fruit, it’s a decadent yet refreshing dessert that’s loved for its unique blend of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any celebration.

How To Storing Your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?

This luscious strawberry tres leches cake recipe is best enjoyed chilled, but how you store it plays a crucial role in maintaining its perfect texture and flavor.

Here’s how to keep your cake fresh:

1. Refrigerate: Tres leches cake thrives in the cold. After assembling the cake with the tres leches soak, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

This prevents the cake from drying out and absorbing fridge odors. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

2. Freezing: Got leftovers? No problem! You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Decorate and enjoy!

Conclusion

Strawberry tres leches cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering the perfect combination of sweetness, creaminess, and freshness.

My third experience making it reinforced why it’s the best choice for any celebration it’s indulgent yet refreshing and always a crowd favorite.

The soft, milk-soaked cake paired with fresh strawberries and whipped cream makes for a memorable treat.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, it’s a dessert worth trying. I can confidently say strawberry tres leches cake recipe now my go-to dessert for special occasions!