Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Name: Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 315 min
Ingredients: baking spray; 1 1/2 cups (6 3/8 oz.) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, divided; 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature; 1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered, plus sliced strawberries for garnish; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk; 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; whipped topping

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This dessert combines a soft, fluffy cake with a refreshing strawberry milk infusion. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to make and delivers a burst of fruity flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Whipped topping, to taste
Sliced strawberries for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Lightly spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with baking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed for about 10 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has nearly doubled in volume.
Step 4: Reduce the speed to low and gradually add half of the flour mixture. Once incorporated, slowly pour in the milk, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 20 minutes on a wire rack.
Step 7: While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry milk. In a small bowl, toss the strawberries with sugar and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Transfer the strawberries to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the pulp and seeds.
Step 9: Add 1 cup of the strained strawberry puree to the bowl, then whisk in the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream until fully combined.
Step 10: Using a wooden skewer or fork, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. Pour the strawberry milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Step 11: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours, to let the flavors meld and the cake soak in the strawberry milk.
Step 12: Before serving, top the cake with a generous layer of whipped topping and garnish with sliced strawberries for an extra touch of freshness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 398
Fat: 12g (15% DV)
Saturated Fat: 7g (35% DV)
Cholesterol: 83mg (28% DV)
Sodium: 302mg (13% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 64g (23% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
Total Sugars: 51g
Protein: 10g (19% DV)
Vitamin C: 24mg (27% DV)
Calcium: 288mg (22% DV)
Iron: 1mg (8% DV)
Potassium: 378mg (8% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

The History and Origins of Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches cake, translating to "three milks cake," is a traditional Latin American dessert with roots tracing back to Nicaragua and Mexico. Originally, the cake was a simple sponge soaked in a mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Over time, bakers began experimenting with different flavors and fruits, leading to modern variations like the strawberry tres leches cake. This adaptation combines the classic moist texture of the traditional cake with the fresh, summery flavor of strawberries, giving it a unique twist that has become popular worldwide.

Regional Variations

In Mexico, tres leches cake is often served plain or topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. In Nicaragua, the cake is typically very sweet, sometimes adorned with caramel or meringue. The strawberry version is most common in areas where fresh strawberries are readily available, such as in California, Mexicos central highlands, and other temperate regions. The use of strawberry puree in the milk mixture is a modern addition that adds color and a fruity depth, distinguishing it from the classic milk-only versions.

Distinguishing Features Compared to Similar Desserts

While similar to other soaked cakes like the Italian zuppa inglese or English trifle, strawberry tres leches stands out due to its ultra-moist texture and the combination of three types of milk infused with fruit. Unlike traditional strawberry shortcakes, which rely on biscuit layers and whipped cream, tres leches cake is fully soaked, giving each bite a rich, creamy consistency. Its sponge is lighter and airier than a pound cake, allowing the milk mixture to permeate evenly without becoming heavy or dense.

Typical Serving Occasions

Strawberry tres leches cake is often served during festive occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and family gatherings. In restaurants and cafes, it is typically presented chilled, topped with fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream, making it a visually appealing and refreshing dessert. Its vibrant pink hue from the strawberry infusion makes it especially popular for summer celebrations and themed events.

Interesting Facts

The three milks tradition originally arose as a way to make a simple sponge cake richer and more indulgent without requiring butter-heavy batters.
Strawberry tres leches is a modern adaptation, reflecting the global trend of combining traditional recipes with seasonal fruits.
The cakes texture relies on gently folding eggs and careful soaking; over-soaking can result in a soggy dessert, while under-soaking leaves the sponge dry.
Some chefs experiment with other fruits such as mango, blueberry, or passionfruit, but strawberry remains a favorite due to its color and sweet-tart flavor.
It pairs exceptionally well with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a hint of vanilla, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the delicate milk-soaked sponge.

Strawberry tres leches cake is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of Latin American culinary heritage, creatively adapted to highlight seasonal fruits and modern palates.

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FAQ about Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

You can substitute the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk or almond milk. However, this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.

You can make the cake up to a day ahead. After soaking the cake in the strawberry milk mixture, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Add the whipped topping and sliced strawberries just before serving.

Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping and strawberries. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

If you don't have a 13x9-inch dish, you can use a slightly smaller or larger dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Check the cake for doneness with a toothpick or skewer after 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.

If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, you can increase the amount of strawberry puree in the soaking mixture or add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cake batter.

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in the cake. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh strawberries, however, provide a better flavor and texture for the cake.

A glass baking dish is preferred for this recipe because it ensures even heat distribution. If you use a metal pan, the cooking times may need to be adjusted, as metal pans can cook faster and may result in a slightly different texture.

Comments

Jason Baker

11/23/2024 06:24:46 PM

This recipe is both delicious and easy to follow! Next time, I might increase the amount of strawberry puree to enhance the flavor even more. It's important to note that a glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe, not a metal baking pan. If you use a metal pan, you'll need to adjust the cooking times to avoid overbaking the cake. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, with strawberries being the only additional item needed. My niece and nephew absolutely adored it - they're currently on a berry craze!

Matthew Gonzalez

05/17/2025 11:40:32 AM

This dessert was mediocre. It disappointingly lacked the prominent strawberry taste I had anticipated from the fresh strawberries. Despite being a tres leches cake, the only indication of it being a strawberry cake was a faint pink hue in the milk mixture. I doubt I would choose to prepare this dish again.