Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Name: Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Latin Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound of Fresh Strawberries (divided - see notes); 1 cup of Strawberry Jam, Preserves, or Spread (see notes); 1 teaspoon of Lemon Zest; 2 cups of All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons of Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoon of Salt; 1 cup of Granulated White Sugar; 8 Large Eggs; 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract; One 14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk; One 12 oz can of Evaporated Milk; 1 cup of Whole Milk (see notes); 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream; 2 tablespoons of Powdered Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract; Reserved 3-4 Strawberries: Use fresh fruit for decorating the cake.; 2 tablespoons of Strawberry Jam.

January 27, 2025 by Juyali (ju-ja-lee) 32 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 16 reviews

This Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake recipe is a delicious twist on the Latin American classic. It features a fluffy sponge cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture made with strawberry purée and strawberry jam, then topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This strawberry version brings a rich strawberry flavor that feels like summer any time of the year. A delicious cake perfect for any occasion!

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe in white pan

Tres Leches is a popular Latin American dessert that holds a special place in my heart, bringing back fond memories of growing up in Venezuela. This type of cake, soaked in three kinds of milk, is a treasure celebrated in Latin American countries, from Venezuela and Puerto Rico to Mexico. My Lemon Tres Leches is one of the most popular recipes on my website, and I hope this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake recipe becomes another favorite!

With its no butter cake base, moist texture, and indulgent strawberry twist, it’s one of those types of cakes you’ll want to make again and again. Next time you’re craving something special, a Tres Leches Cake is the perfect choice!

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❤️Why We Love This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe🍓
🍽 Equipment You’ll Need
📝Ingredients and Substitutions for the perfect Strawberry Tres Leches
🥣How to make this Recipe Step-by-Step
🧑‍🍳Recipe Variations
🍲Storage suggestions
❔Tres Leches Cake Frequently Asked Questions
⭐Leave a review!
🍽️Related Recipes
🍴Pairing Suggestions
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️

❤️Why We Love This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe🍓

A TWIST ON THE TRADITIONAL TRES LECHES: This strawberry Tres Leches Cake combines the classic elements of the traditional Latin American dessert with the sweet and summery flavor of fresh strawberries. It's the best Tres Leches Cake for anyone who loves a fruity twist on the original.
GREAT FOR GATHERINGS: This Tres Leches with Strawberries is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for sharing with a large group. It’s a great recipe that easily serves 18-20 people.
PRO TIP FOR BEST RESULTS: Make it a day ahead!
Allowing the cake to chill overnight enhances the flavors, giving you the most indulgent and flavorful dessert experience. This cake truly takes the tradition of Tres leches to the next level!

🍽 Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake:

Electric blender: This is used to make the strawberry purée.
Large bowl, medium bowl, and small bowl: Use these to mix the batter, strawberry mixture, and whipped cream topping.
9x13-inch pan: While you can use other cake pans for this recipe, I recommend a 9x13 because it fits the amount of batter perfectly.
An electric mixer such as a hand mixer or stand mixer.

📝Ingredients and Substitutions for the perfect Strawberry Tres Leches

This Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake recipe uses simple ingredients together beautifully to create a delicious dessert. Below are the ingredients, tips, and substitutions to make the recipe perfect for you.

Ingredients for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities

📝Ingredients Notes

This Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake uses simple ingredients to deliver incredible flavor!

FRESH STRAWBERRIES: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, especially since some will be sliced for topping. Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but fresh is preferred.
STRAWBERRY JAM: Adds sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor. Choose a high-quality jam, preserves, or spread like Bonne Maman.
LEMON ZEST: Adds brightness to the strawberry purée mixture.
ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Simple and effective for this recipe, but Cake Flour can be used for a softer texture.
GRANULATED SUGAR: I use only one cup of sugar in this recipe, which results in a not very sweet cake. The three milks and strawberry mix balance the flavors and add just the right touch of sweetness.
WHOLE EGGS: Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a lighter, fluffier cake.
VANILLA EXTRACT: Adds a warm, rich flavor to the cake and whipped cream topping.
SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK, EVAPORATED MILK, and WHOLE MILK: As with any Tres Leches cake, I use three types of milk for this recipe. This time, I replaced the traditional whipping cream with whole milk, since adding strawberry purée can make the milk mixture too thick to thoroughly soak into the cake. Regular milk keeps the mixture light for better absorption.
HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM: Used for the frosting. Avoid using cool whip for this recipe; stick with fresh whipped cream for the best flavor and texture.
POWDERED SUGAR: Lightly sweetens the whipped cream frosting.
STRAWBERRY JAM AND FRESH STRAWBERRIES FOR GARNISH: These add a glossy finish, enhanced strawberry flavor, sweetness, and a pop of color.

Notes on Substitutions: Some recipes call for a cake mix shortcut, but I recommend you skip it and try this easy recipe. With my step-by-step instructions, you’ll create a perfect homemade cake worth the effort!

🥣How to make this Recipe Step-by-Step

Making this Tres Leches Strawberry Cake is easy when broken into simple steps. From creating a flavorful fruit purée to soaking the cake in a rich strawberry milk mixture, and topping it with a creamy whipped cream topping, you’ll have an irresistible dessert!

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Purée and Macerate

chopped strawberries for strawberry tres Leches cake

Step 1: The first step in making this cake is to prepare the fruit purée. Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Dice and blend them in an electric blender with the lemon zest until smooth.

Step 2: Let the purée macerate for 30–60 minutes to infuse the strawberry flavors. This step is essential for creating the perfect fruit topping. After macerating, add the strawberry jam to the purée and blend until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter and Bake

cake Ingredients for Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.

cake instructions for Strawberry Tres Leches cake

Step 2: In a bowl, sift together the flour mixture: flour, baking powder, and salt.

mixing dry ingredients for Tres Leches cake batter

Step 3: Whisk and this ensures a smooth texture in the final cake.

mixing ingredients for Tres Leches cake batter

Step 4: Using the whisk attachment on your stand mixer (or a bowl and the hand mixer), beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 5: In the separate bowl, beat the egg yolks on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until they become pale yellow and fluffy . Add the sugar and 2 teaspoon of the vanilla to the yolks, beating until well combined.

whipped ingredients for Tres Leches cake batter

Step 6: Incorporate the whipped whites into the egg yolk mixture and blend.
Step 7: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in two additions, using low speed or a rubber spatula to fold gently until combined. Avoid overmixing.

cake mix in baking pan for Strawberry Tres Leches cake

Step 8: Transfer batter into the prepared pan and pour batter evenly. Drizzle about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the prepared strawberry purée over the cake batter and swirl gently with a butter knife for a marbled effect.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Finish the Strawberry Milk Mixture and Soak Cake

three milks for milk soak for Strawberry Tres Leches cake

Step 1: Add the three different types of milk (sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk) to the remaining fruit purée in the blender.

Step 2: Blend at the lowest speed until just combined to avoid air bubbles.

baked cake for Strawberry Tres Leches cake

Step 3: Once the cake has finished baking and is still hot, poke holes all over the cake using a fork or wooden skewer. This helps the strawberry mixture penetrate the cake entirely.

baked Strawberry Tres Leches cake in white pan

Step 4: Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it reaches the bottom of the cake. If the mixture soaks unevenly, gently lift the sides of the cake with a butter knife or a spatula to allow better absorption. Continue to poke cake if needed to ensure it becomes a perfectly soaked cake.

Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Topping, Frost, and Decorate the Cake

three milks soaking in strawberry tres leches cake

Step 1: Let the cake rest and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 2: Prepare the cream frosting by beating heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla at medium speed using an electric mixer until soft peaks.
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of cake.

Step 4: In a small bowl, stir the fruit topping by tossing the reserved sliced strawberries with the strawberry jam to lightly coat them. Decorate the cake with the glazed strawberries as a final touch.

Your Tres Leches Strawberry Cake is now ready to serve!
Enjoy this creamy, fruity, and indulgent dessert with family and friends!

This Tres Leches Strawberry Cake recipe is the perfect fruity twist on the classic three milk cake. With its rich and creamy layers, sweet strawberry flavor, and light whipped topping, this Strawberry Tres Leches will become a favorite! Whether celebrating a special event or treating your family, this Tres Leche Cake delivers indulgent flavor in every bite. Don’t forget to make it a day ahead for the best results — your guests will thank you!

🍰Other Indulgent Latin-Inspired Cakes

If you loved this Tres Leches Strawberry Cake Recipe, don’t miss out on these Other Indulgent Latin Inspired Desserts! Each one is packed with delicious flavors and perfect for any occasion:

Try this Lemon Tres Leches Cake for a citrusy twist on the classic Torta Tres Leches Recipe.
Experience layers of tropical flavor with this Decadent Passion Fruit Tiramisu.
Indulge in the ultimate tropical treat with this Coconut and Passion Fruit Curd Layer Cake.
Bake this Apple Streusel Cake topped with a cinnamon crumb and Dulce de Leche for fall flavors.
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a dessert everyone will love.

🧑‍🍳Recipe Variations

Strawberry Coconut Tres Leches Cake: Substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can also top the cake with toasted coconut flakes for flavor and texture.

Strawberry Dulce de Leche Tres Leches Cake: Drizzle Dulce de Leche as a topping for a caramel-infused version. Drizzle extra dulce de leche in the whipped cream topping for a rich and indulgent finish.

🍲Storage suggestions

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to keep the cake fresh. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for 4-5 days.

❔Tres Leches Cake Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Freeze Tres Leches Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Tres Leches Cake. Key points about freezing:

Freeze before adding the whipped cream topping: Soak the cake with the milk mixture before freezing, then add the whipped cream once it has thawed.
Proper wrapping: To prevent freezer burn, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then a double layer of aluminum foil.
Thawing method: Thaw the cake in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before frosting and serving.

⭐Leave a review!

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