Traditional Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Strawberry tres leches cake recipe is a rich and creamy dessert that features a soft, spongy cake soaked in a strawberry-flavored milk mixture.

The taste is sweet, fruity, and smooth, with a light texture that absorbs the strawberry milk beautifully. Creating this strawberry tres leches cake recipe and exploring new ways to enhance its flavor has become my true passion.

The specialty of this strawberry tres leches cake recipe lies in the soaked sponge that holds the milk mixture, making each slice moist and flavorful. Additions like fresh strawberries and strawberry puree bring color, freshness, and natural sweetness.

This dessert is inspired by the traditional Latin American tres leches cake, reimagined with strawberries. I will now show the step-by-step process to prepare this cake.

About This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

This strstrawberry tres leches cake recipe delivers a rich, creamy sweetness that melts gently in the mouth, balanced by the bright, fresh flavor of ripe strawberries.

The sponge cake absorbs the milk mixture fully, creating a soft, moist texture that feels luxurious with every bite. Traditionally, tres leches cake comes from Latin America, where it has been enjoyed as a festive dessert for generations.

The classic version features a simple milk soak and whipped topping, while the strawberry variation adds a fruity freshness, a vibrant color, and a slightly tangy contrast to the creamy sweetness.

How to Prepare Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe?

To make this strawberry tres leches cake recipe perfectly, we’ll go through each step carefully. Clear instructions and helpful tips make the process easy to follow.

I’ve included suggestions for tools that make baking simpler, but even with basic equipment, you can create a moist, flavorful, and beautiful strawberry cake everyone will enjoy.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Latin American

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (small and large)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Blender or food processor
• Spatula
• Saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Tres Leches Sponge Cake

• 5 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Strawberry Milk Soak

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• ½ pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Strawberry Whipped Topping

• 1/3 cup pureed strawberries
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or oil and lightly sprinkle it with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Sponge Cake

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Once the dry ingredients are combined, gently fold in the softened butter until the batter is smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Milk

Place the strawberries and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, evaporated milk, and whole milk. Warm the mixture over low heat, then stir in the strawberry puree. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Soak the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, poke small holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the strawberry milk mixture over the cake, letting it absorb completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Whipped Topping

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and pureed strawberries with an electric mixer. Continue until soft peaks form.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve the Cake

Spread the strawberry whipped topping evenly over the soaked cake. Decorate with fresh strawberries. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	400 kcal
Carbohydrates	50 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	15 g
Sugar	35 g

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This strawberry tres leches cake recipe is a must-try because it transforms a classic Latin American dessert into a vibrant, fruity experience.

The sponge cake absorbs the creamy strawberry milk, creating a texture that is both soft and indulgent. The fresh strawberry puree in the whipped topping adds natural sweetness and color, making the dessert visually appealing as well as delicious.

This strawberry tres leches cake recipe allows exploration of flavors and techniques, offering a chance to create something unique while honoring tradition. It is a dessert that delights the palate and impresses anyone who tastes it.

Why My Recipe Works

This strawberry tres leches cake recipe works because the sponge cake is carefully prepared to be light and airy, allowing it to absorb the strawberry milk fully without becoming soggy.

The strawberry milk is balanced in sweetness and creaminess, enhancing the flavor of the cake while keeping it moist. The whipped strawberry topping adds a soft, creamy layer that complements the soaked cake.

Proper mixing, baking, and soaking techniques ensure consistent texture and taste. Each element supports the others, creating a harmonious dessert that holds its shape, stays flavorful, and delivers the intended rich yet refreshing experience.

How To Decorate And Serve This Recipe

To decorate and serve strawberry tres leches cake recipe, start by spreading the strawberry whipped topping evenly over the soaked cake, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Add fresh sliced strawberries or small strawberry halves on top for color and texture.

For extra flair, lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a little strawberry syrup. You can also add a few mint leaves for a touch of freshness.

Cut the cake into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between slices for clean edges. Serve chilled in individual plates for a refreshing, visually appealing dessert.

My Tips For Success!

1. Softened butter and eggs mix more easily into the batter, helping the sponge rise evenly and stay light rather than dense. Cold ingredients can make the cake heavy.

2. Whipping them until thick, pale, and fluffy traps air in the batter. This is what gives the sponge its soft, airy texture.

3. Pour the flour in small portions and fold carefully with a spatula. Over mixing can deflate the batter, making the cake dense instead of soft.

4. A warm cake will cause the milk mixture to slide off unevenly. Cooling allows the cake to absorb the strawberry milk fully for uniform flavor and moisture.

5. Blending the strawberries for both the milk soak and whipped topping ensures consistent sweetness and a vibrant pink color without chunks that might affect texture.

6. Refrigerating for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld, and the milk soak to fully penetrate the sponge, making every slice moist and flavorful.

7. Whipping until stiff peaks form ensures the topping holds its shape and doesn’t collapse. Folding in the strawberry puree carefully keeps the cream airy while adding color and flavor.

Additions For Make More Delicious

➤ Fresh strawberry slices: Adding slices between layers or on top of the whipped cream creates bursts of natural sweetness and juiciness in every bite. The vibrant red color also makes the cake visually stunning, giving it a fresh, summery look.

➤ Toasted coconut flakes: Lightly toasting coconut flakes adds a subtle crunch and a nutty, tropical flavor. Sprinkling them over the whipped cream topping adds texture contrast to the soft, creamy cake.

➤ White chocolate shavings: Shaving white chocolate over the cake adds a delicate sweetness that blends beautifully with the strawberry flavor. It also creates an elegant finish and enhances the richness of the dessert.

➤ Strawberry syrup drizzle: Drizzling a homemade or store-bought strawberry syrup over the cake intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a glossy, appetizing look. It also makes each slice extra moist and flavorful.

➤ Citrus zest (lemon or orange): Adding finely grated zest to the sponge or whipped cream gives a bright, refreshing note. The subtle citrus flavor balances the sweetness of the milk and strawberries, making the dessert taste lively and more complex.

Cake Storage

Strawberry tres leches cake recipe should be stored in the refrigerator because it contains milk and fresh strawberries. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors.

The cake stays fresh for 3–4 days. The milk soak keeps it moist, but the whipped strawberry topping is best eaten within a day or two for the best texture and flavor.

Avoid freezing the strawberry tres leches cake recipe, as the whipped cream and fresh strawberries can lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs For A Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This strawberry tres leches cake recipe is a dessert that everyone enjoys, bringing smiles and satisfaction to every table. Making it is always a joyful experience, from preparing the light sponge to soaking it in rich, strawberry-infused milk and finishing with creamy whipped topping.

I make this strawberry tres leches cake recipe for special gatherings and serving time, and every time I bake it, I enjoy the process and the delicious results.

Sharing this strawberry tres leches cake recipe has inspired others to try it, and I hope it encourages you to create and savor this delightful dessert in your own kitchen.