Name: Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 boxed strawberry cake mix (follow amount as per box instructions); Eggs (use amount specified on box); Oil (use amount specified on box); Milk (use in place of water amount on box, equal quantity); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk; 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup strawberry milk (or whole milk blended with 3-4 strawberries + 1 tbsp sugar); 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s both delightfully indulgent and refreshingly fruity, the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious cake is the perfect harmony of moist strawberry sponge soaked in a dreamy trio of milks, topped with fluffy whipped cream and crowned with fresh strawberry slices. Every bite melds rich creaminess with juicy berry brightness, making it a spectacular centerpiece for any celebration or simply a treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top center, there are two brown eggs in a clear glass bowl. Next to it, on the right, is a clear glass pitcher with a light yellow liquid. Below these, slightly to the right, is a clear measuring cup with white milk showing brown spots on the inside. In the bottom right corner, there is a larger clear glass pitcher with thick cream. On the bottom left, a small clear bowl holds dark brown vanilla extract. To the left center, a white bowl is filled with fresh red strawberries with green tops. In the center, a partially opened white bag of flour lies flat. Next to the flour are two cans, one lying down showing a blue label and the other upright with a mostly white coloring and red text. Below the cans is a small white bowl with a crumbly white ingredient. To the right of these ingredients is a tall clear pitcher filled with a pink liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and color. These simple elements combine to turn ordinary cake into a dreamy strawberry tres leches sensation.

Boxed strawberry cake mix: The quick and flavorful base that infuses the cake with sweet strawberry notes and a tender crumb.
Eggs: Essential for structure and adding richness to the batter.
Oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, ensuring it soaks up the milks beautifully.
Milk: Used instead of water to enhance the cake’s subtle creaminess.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth to the cake batter and whipped cream.
Evaporated milk: Gives the soaking mixture a creamy, lightly caramelized flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to that rich, sweet milk punch that makes this cake unforgettable.
Strawberry milk: Either store-bought or homemade by blending fresh strawberries and sugar into milk; it amplifies the fruity essence.
Cold heavy whipping cream: Whipped into a heavenly topping that’s light yet luxuriously creamy.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for a perfect finish.
Fresh strawberries: The jewel on top providing vibrant color, texture, and fresh flavor in every bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare the boxed strawberry cake mix according to the instructions, but swap the water for milk to enrich the flavor. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter to deepen the aroma. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. The result should be a tender, fragrant strawberry sponge that’s ready to soak up all the milky goodness.

Step 2: Poke and Soak

Once the cake has cooled for about 15 minutes, grab a fork or a skewer and poke holes all over the surface. This step is essential for the milk mixture to seep into every nook and cranny and make the cake incredibly moist. Whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and strawberry milk until perfectly smooth. Pour this heavenly liquid slowly over the cake, allowing it to absorb evenly.

Step 3: Chill Thoroughly

Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or even overnight. This resting period lets the flavors meld and the cake become wonderfully saturated, turning it into the perfect cool, creamy dessert that’s hard to resist.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This luscious whipped topping adds lightness and balance to the sweet, soaked cake. Spread it evenly over the chilled cake for a beautiful and fluffy finish.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Strawberries

Top the cake with sliced fresh strawberries. You can either halve the berries or cut them into smaller pieces depending on your preference. Their fresh juiciness and vibrant red contrast beautifully against the creamy white topping and invite everyone to dig in.

How to Serve Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

A clear glass rectangular dish filled with a smooth, thick white cream layer, topped with whole fresh red strawberries with green leaves, evenly spaced in three rows of four, placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth to the left and a clear bowl of extra strawberries to the upper right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the sliced strawberries, consider dusting the top lightly with powdered sugar or adding a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of strawberry syrup can bring extra sweetness and an eye-catching shine.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh mixed berries. A cup of lightly brewed coffee or fruity herbal tea can help balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, try serving individual slices in clear glass dessert dishes to showcase the layers and milk-soaked texture. Layer mini trifle glasses with cubes of the cake, whipped cream, and strawberries for a delightful deconstructed twist on the classic Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the magic of the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe for several meals after the initial serving.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the delicate whipped cream topping may not hold up well. If you must freeze, remove any fresh strawberries first, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh strawberries before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring the cake to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften the whipped topping slightly, ensuring every bite is perfectly luscious.

FAQs

Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade strawberry sponge will add a personal touch and can be just as delicious. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the milk mixture but still tender enough to soak up the flavors.

What if I don’t have strawberry milk?

No worries! You can easily make your own by blending whole milk with fresh strawberries and a tablespoon of sugar. This homemade strawberry milk adds fresh fruit flavor and natural sweetness to the cake.

Can I substitute the milks for dairy-free options?

Yes, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will change. Coconut milk-based evaporated milk and condensed milk alternatives can work, but experiment to find your preferred blend for a creamy and balanced result.

How long should the cake soak in the milk mixture?

It’s best to refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, though overnight soaking is ideal. This time allows the cake to fully absorb the milk mixture, resulting in a moist and tender dessert.

Can I make this cake in advance for a party?

Definitely! This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe actually tastes better after it rests overnight. Just be sure to add the whipped cream and fresh strawberries on the day you plan to serve to keep everything fresh and visually appealing.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper—rich, fruity, and blissfully moist. It’s a dessert that invites smiles and second helpings every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the beautiful balance of cream and strawberry in every bite. Your family and friends will be asking you to make it again and again!

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need