Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Latin American dessert, combining the moist, rich flavors of a traditional tres leches cake with the bright, fruity taste of fresh strawberries. This cake is soaked in three types of milk, giving it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and is topped with a layer of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a refreshing finish. Perfect for any celebration or gathering, this strawberry-infused version adds a burst of flavor that is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

1. Unique Flavor Combination

This cake brings together the creamy richness of a classic tres leches cake with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. The combination creates a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing, offering a unique twist on a beloved favorite.

2. Super Moist and Tender

Thanks to the three types of milk used in the soaking process—evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream—this cake is incredibly moist and tender. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a memorable dessert that guests will love.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a versatile dessert that works well for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. It’s especially great for spring and summer gatherings when fresh strawberries are in season.

Ingredients for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

To make this delicious cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
• Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Eggs: 5 large, separated
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, divided
• Whole Milk: 1/3 cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Milk Mixture:

• Evaporated Milk: 1 cup
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Strawberry Puree: 1/2 cup (made from fresh strawberries)

Topping:

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Powdered Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, hulled and sliced

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the cake batter, milk mixture, and whipped cream.
• Electric Mixer: For beating the eggs and whipping the cream.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: Ideal for baking the cake.
• Spatula: For folding and spreading ingredients.
• Toothpick: For testing the cake’s doneness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Follow these steps to create a delicious strawberry tres leches cake from scratch:

1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

1. Make the Puree: In a blender or food processor, puree 1 cup of fresh strawberries until smooth. Measure out 1/2 cup of puree for the milk mixture and set aside. You can save any extra puree for drizzling over the finished cake or for another use.

2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

3: Make the Cake Batter

1. Separate the Eggs: Separate the egg whites and yolks into two large mixing bowls.
2. Beat the Egg Yolks: Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to the bowl with the egg yolks. Use an electric mixer to beat the yolks and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and thick, about 2 minutes. Add the whole milk and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Beat the Egg Whites: In the second bowl with the egg whites, use clean beaters to beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold in the Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in three additions. Use a spatula to fold in the egg whites, being careful not to deflate the batter.

4: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
3. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork or toothpick. This will help the milk mixture soak into the cake.

5: Make the Milk Mixture

1. Combine the Milks: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of strawberry puree until well combined.
2. Soak the Cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top of the cake, allowing it to soak in. Be sure to cover the entire surface so the cake absorbs the milk mixture evenly. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to become fully soaked.

6: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the Whipped Cream: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the soaked cake using a spatula.

7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle any remaining strawberry puree over the strawberries.
2. Serve: Slice the cake and serve it chilled. Enjoy this refreshing and indulgent dessert with family and friends!

Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. Their natural sweetness and bright flavor will shine through in the puree and as a topping. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries for the puree, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before blending.

2. Be Gentle with the Egg Whites

When folding the beaten egg whites into the batter, be gentle to avoid deflating them. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy cake texture.

3. Allow the Cake to Soak

For the best results, allow the cake to soak in the milk mixture for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This gives the cake time to fully absorb the liquid and develop its signature moist and tender texture.

4. Serve Chilled

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled. Be sure to refrigerate the cake after adding the whipped cream topping, and keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Variations on Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

1. Chocolate Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Add a chocolate twist to this recipe by substituting 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder in the cake batter. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream topping for an extra indulgent touch.

2. Strawberry Coconut Tres Leches Cake

For a tropical variation, replace the evaporated milk in the milk mixture with coconut milk. Top the cake with toasted coconut flakes along with the fresh strawberries for a deliciously different flavor.

3. Berry Medley Tres Leches Cake

Mix things up by adding a variety of berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, to the cake. Fold them into the batter or use them as a topping along with the strawberries.

4. Strawberry Lemon Tres Leches Cake

Add a citrusy twist by incorporating lemon zest into the cake batter and lemon juice into the milk mixture. The bright, tangy flavor of lemon complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.

5. Gluten-Free Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Storing Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Storing:

• In the Refrigerator: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The cake will continue to absorb the milk mixture, becoming even more moist and flavorful.

Freezing:

• To Freeze: While tres leches cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap the cooled, unsoaked cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator, soak it with the milk mixture, and add the whipped cream topping before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a delicious and refreshing twist on a classic dessert. With its moist, tender crumb and fresh strawberry flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. This cake is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor combination and beautiful presentation. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of this delightful dessert!