Indulge in Strawberry Tres Leches Cake – A Creamy Delight

Name: Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 5 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup whole milk; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; 1 cup heavy cream (for topping); 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced); 2 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

January 4, 2026

Updated:

January 4, 2026

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The moment you sink your fork into a slice of strawberry tres leches cake, a burst of sweet, creamy goodness envelops your senses. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience that combines the lightness of cake with the lusciousness of three milks and the freshness of ripe strawberries, making it a fiesta for your taste buds. Imagine fluffy cake soaked in a dreamy blend of milks and topped with whipped cream and juicy strawberries. Trust me; your taste buds will dance like nobody is watching.

Reflecting on my own adventures in baking, I recall a summer gathering where I decided to surprise my friends with this delightful creation. As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in disbelief at how heavenly it tasted. Strawberry tres leches cake quickly became the star of the show, and I felt like a baking superhero—cape optional but highly recommended.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The strawberry tres leches cake is incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring even novice bakers can impress their friends

With its refreshing flavor profile, it’s perfect for any occasion from birthdays to casual get-togethers
Visually appealing with its layers of cream and strawberries, this cake will steal the spotlight on any dessert table

Its versatility means you can enjoy it year-round or adapt it for seasonal festivities

One time, I brought this cake to a family barbecue, and my cousin declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” It was quite the compliment coming from someone who usually only eats chips.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a more natural taste that pairs beautifully with the milks.

Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for that fluffy texture we all love.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help create a lighter cake batter.

Whole Milk: Provides richness; don’t skimp on quality here for that luxurious taste.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and moisture—essential for our tres leches magic.
Evaporated Milk: Brings creaminess without being overly heavy; it’s part of the ‘three milks’ secret sauce!

Heavy Cream: Whipped to perfection for topping; nothing beats freshly whipped cream!
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and visual appeal; they really make this dessert pop.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors beautifully; homemade is even better if you have some!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Oven and Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rectangular baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together until well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients Together: In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add milk and vanilla extract while mixing until fully incorporated.

Combine Mixtures Carefully: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are some lumps!

Bake Until Golden Brown : Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.

Create Your Tres Leches Sauce : While the cake cools, combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk in a bowl. Mix thoroughly for that creamy goodness!

Poke Holes in Cake & Soak : Once cooled slightly, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cake’s surface. Slowly pour the tres leches sauce over the top so it seeps in nicely.

Chill & Prepare Topping : Refrigerate for at least two hours (or overnight if you can wait). When ready to serve, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Top with freshly sliced strawberries before diving in!

Enjoying this strawberry tres leches cake will have you wondering how something so simple can taste so divine! Whether you’re celebrating or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert promises joy in every bite!

You Must Know

Strawberry tres leches cake is a delightful twist on the classic
The combination of milk and strawberries makes each bite like a sweet summer day
Remember to let it chill so the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dessert that will leave your guests in awe

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the cake, then prepare the tres leches mixture while it cools. Once cooled, soak the cake thoroughly before adding strawberries and whipped cream for a dreamy finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Adding vanilla extract or a splash of rum can elevate the flavor profile further.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature for maximum flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To prevent sogginess, don’t soak the cake too long; just enough to absorb moisture
Use fresh strawberries for better flavor and presentation
Chill the cake well before serving for optimal texture and taste

Strawberry tres leches cake always reminds me of my aunt’s birthday parties, where each slice disappeared faster than you could say “tres leches.” It became my family’s favorite dessert, and I love sharing it with friends.

FAQs

FAQ

How long should I let the cake soak?

Let the cake soak for about 30 minutes to achieve perfect moisture without being overly soggy.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries provide better texture and flavor in your strawberry tres leches cake.

Is tres leches cake gluten-free?

Traditional recipes are not gluten-free; however, you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends as needed.

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