Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a dreamy twist on the classic Latin American dessert. This ultra-moist sponge cake is soaked in a rich three-milk mixture and topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Every bite is light, creamy, fruity, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, baby showers, or summer gatherings, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

The combination of tender sponge cake, sweet milk soak, and juicy strawberries creates a refreshing dessert that tastes even better after chilling overnight. If you’re looking for a show-stopping cake that’s surprisingly easy to make, this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly moist and creamy
• Fresh strawberry flavor in every bite
• Perfect make-ahead dessert
• Light sponge cake texture
• Beautiful presentation
• Ideal for celebrations and gatherings
• Easy to customize
• Better the next day

Prep Time, Cook Time & Yield

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Chilling Time: 4 hours minimum

Total Time: 5 hours

Servings: 12–15

Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
• ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Tres Leches Mixture

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup strawberry puree

For the Strawberry Topping

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Optional Garnish

• Whole strawberries
• Freeze-dried strawberry crumbs
• Fresh mint leaves

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or skewer

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Yolks

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Mix in:

• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract

Gradually fold in the flour mixture until combined.

Step 4: Beat the Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.

Mix carefully to maintain the airiness of the sponge.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 28–32 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until:

• The cake is golden
• A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
• The top springs back when touched

Step 6: Cool and Poke Holes

Allow the cake to cool for about 20 minutes.

Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the surface.

This helps the milk mixture soak evenly into the cake.

Step 7: Make the Strawberry Tres Leches Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Heavy cream
• Strawberry puree

Mix until smooth.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake.

Pour gradually, allowing the cake to absorb the liquid.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 9: Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 10: Decorate

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.

Arrange sliced strawberries across the top.

Garnish with whole strawberries, freeze-dried strawberry crumbs, or mint if desired.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Use Fresh Strawberries

Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor and natural sweetness.

Chill Overnight

The cake becomes even more flavorful after a full night in the refrigerator.

Don’t Skip the Sponge Cake

A light sponge absorbs the milk mixture much better than a dense butter cake.

Pour Slowly

Adding the milk mixture gradually prevents overflow and ensures even absorption.

Serve Cold

Tres leches cake tastes best thoroughly chilled.

Strawberry Puree Instructions

To make strawberry puree:

1. Blend 1½ cups fresh strawberries until smooth.
2. Strain if desired for a smoother texture.
3. Measure ½ cup puree for the recipe.

Delicious Variations

Strawberry Shortcake Tres Leches

Add layers of sliced strawberries between whipped cream layers.

Chocolate Strawberry Tres Leches

Mix ¼ cup cocoa powder into the cake batter.

Mixed Berry Tres Leches

Use strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Strawberry Coconut Tres Leches

Replace part of the heavy cream with coconut cream.

Strawberry Cheesecake Tres Leches

Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese to the topping.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the soaked cake without whipped topping for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight before decorating.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Based on 15 Servings)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Sugar: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 115mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Tres Leches Mean?

“Tres Leches” translates to “three milks,” referring to the mixture of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream used to soak the cake.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes. In fact, it’s best made a day ahead so the cake can fully absorb the milk mixture.

Why Is My Cake Soggy?

Tres leches cake is intentionally very moist. However, using too much liquid or a dense cake can make it overly wet.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes. Thaw and drain them before making the puree.

How Long Does It Need to Chill?

At least 4 hours, but overnight is highly recommended.