
I still remember the first time I tasted strawberry tres leches cake. It was love at first bite. The mix of moist sponge cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream was perfect.
As I explored strawberry tres leches cake, I found its magic. In this article, I’ll share how to make the perfect strawberry tres leches cake. I hope you’ll join me on this tasty journey.

Strawberry tres leches is a dessert that will make you crave more. It’s perfect for those who love traditional tres leches cake or want to try something new with strawberries. Let’s explore what makes strawberry tres leches cake so special.
Key Takeaways
- Learn the secrets to making a moist and fluffy strawberry tres leches cake
- Discover the importance of using high-quality ingredients, including fresh strawberries and real whipped cream
- Understand the role of the three-milk mixture in creating the perfect texture and flavor
- Get tips and tricks for assembling and decorating your strawberry tres leches cake
- Find out how to store and serve your cake to ensure maximum freshness and flavor
- Explore variations of the traditional strawberry tres leches cake recipe to make it your own
Table of Contents
What Makes Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Special
The mix of a moist sponge cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream makes strawberry tres leches cake special. The use of tres leches cake with strawberry filling adds natural sweetness and flavor. This makes the cake stand out.
The exact origin of tres leches cake is unknown, but it’s thought to come from Latin America. Adding strawberries to the traditional recipe boosts the cake’s flavor and texture. To make a strawberry tres leches cake recipe, you’ll need sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy whipping cream.
The Origin of Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake is a favorite in many Latin American countries. It’s made with three milks: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. This mix gives the cake its unique taste and texture.
Why Strawberries Make It Better
Strawberries add a sweet and fruity taste to the cake. They also add color and texture. To make a strawberry tres leches cake, you’ll need fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and whipped cream.

The Science Behind the Three Milks
The three milks in the recipe are key to the cake’s taste and texture. Evaporated milk adds creaminess, while condensed milk brings sweetness. Heavy cream adds a rich flavor. Together, they make a moist and tasty cake, perfect for any event.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
To make a delicious homemade strawberry tres leches cake, you need a few key ingredients. The right mix of ingredients makes the cake moist and flavorful. For a best strawberry tres leches cake, you’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, strawberries, and whipped cream.
The cake requires:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces fresh strawberries
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
You’ll also need evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk for the tres leches mix. These ingredients make the cake moist and creamy. It’s a treat that will wow anyone.

Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups |
Eggs | 4 large |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Fresh strawberries | 12 ounces |
Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
With these ingredients, you can make a moist and delicious best strawberry tres leches cake. It’s perfect for any special event.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make a delicious strawberry tres leches cake, you’ll need the right tools. A 13×9-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. It helps the cake bake evenly and soak up the three-milk mixture well.
You’ll also need an electric mixer and a whisk. These tools ensure the cake batter and three-milk mixture are smooth and creamy. Don’t forget a measuring cup, a rubber spatula, and a wire rack for cooling.
Essential Baking Tools
- 13×9-inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cup
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Optional Equipment for Professional Results
For a more professional cake, consider some optional tools. A stand mixer, like a KitchenAid, is great for mixing. A food processor can puree the strawberries and make strawberry milk. These tools can make your cake look and taste like a bakery’s.
Tool | Description |
---|---|
Stand mixer | Helps mix the cake batter and three-milk mixture |
Food processor | Purees the strawberries and makes the strawberry milk |
Preparing Your Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
To make a real strawberry tres leches cake, follow a simple guide. First, heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, get a 9×13 inches baking dish ready. The cake mix includes flour, sugar, eggs, and milk.
For a true strawberry tres leches cake, use 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 5 eggs, and 1 1/3 cup whole milk. This mix is key.
The three-milk mix is special. It has evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Use 1 (15 oz) can evaporated milk, 1/4 cup condensed milk, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. This mix adds a unique taste to your cake.
Making the Cake Batter
To make the batter, mix dry and wet ingredients separately. Dry ingredients are 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Wet ingredients are 1 cup sugar, 5 eggs, and 1 1/3 cup whole milk.
Handling Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are essential for a real strawberry tres leches cake. Use 2 cups diced strawberries and ⅓ cup pureed strawberries. They add a natural strawberry taste.
You can also decorate your cake with fresh strawberries. This makes it look even better.
By following these steps, you can make a delicious strawberry tres leches cake. Use the best ingredients and follow the recipe closely. This way, your cake will be moist and full of flavor. Your family and friends will love it.
The Art of Soaking and Assembly
To make a moist strawberry tres leches cake, you need to soak and assemble it well. This step requires patience and care. The cake must soak in a mix of evaporated, sweetened condensed, and whole milk. Soaking it overnight is best, but at least 4 hours is needed.
Make holes in the cake to soak it evenly. This ensures the cake absorbs 95% of the milk mixture. The strawberry tres leches cake recipe with strawberries can also be made gluten-free for more people to enjoy.
Here are some tips for soaking and assembling the cake:
- Poke holes all over the sponge cake to allow the milk mixture to permeate
- Soak the cake for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for optimal results
- Use a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated, sweetened condensed, and whole milk
- Assemble the cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a moist and flavorful dessert
The result is a moist strawberry tres leches cake that looks and tastes great. Follow these tips to make a dessert that will wow your guests.
Component | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sponge cake | 1.5 cups (191 grams) of all-purpose flour | Gluten-free variations available |
Milk mixture | 425 g (1¾ cups) of evaporated milk, 305 g (1 cup) of sweetened condensed milk, and 180 g (¾ cup) of heavy cream | Soak the cake for a minimum of 4 hours |
Whipped cream | 225 g (1 cup) of mascarpone cheese and 335 g (1½ cups) of heavy cream | Whip to stiff peaks |
Creating the Perfect Strawberry Topping
To finish our strawberry tres leches cake with whipped cream, we need a tasty strawberry topping. Fresh strawberries are key for this. They make the cake look and taste great.
Adding fresh strawberries on top adds color and flavor. We can arrange them in a pattern or just place them in the center. This makes the cake look good and taste even better.
Fresh Strawberry Decoration
We’ll need 1.5 lbs of strawberries for the decoration. Slice them and arrange them on the cake. Mixing sliced and whole strawberries makes a nice pattern.
Whipped Cream Application
To make the whipped cream, we need 2 cups of heavy cream, 1/3 cup of strawberry puree, and 2/3 cup of powdered sugar. Whip the cream until stiff, then mix in the strawberry puree and sugar. This adds a sweet and fruity flavor to our whipped cream.
By following these steps, we can make a beautiful strawberry topping for our cake. It not only looks good but also tastes amazing.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Strawberries | 1.5 lbs |
Heavy Cream | 2 cups |
Pureed Strawberries | 1/3 cup |
Powdered Sugar | 2/3 cup |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making a strawberry tres leches cake can sometimes lead to common problems. Knowing how to fix these issues is key to a perfect cake. A soggy cake is a common problem. It can be avoided by adjusting the flour to sugar ratio and cooling the cake completely before soaking.
Texture issues can also occur. These can be solved by whipping egg whites until they are glossy and stiff. Storing the cake properly is also important. Keeping it in the fridge for up to 3 days and soaking it for 8-12 hours helps keep it fresh and tasty.
Preventing a Soggy Cake
To avoid a soggy cake, use the right flour to sugar ratio. A ratio of 1.8:1, as in the Hola Jalapeno recipe, helps. Also, make sure the cake is completely cool before soaking to prevent sogginess.
Fixing Texture Problems
Texture issues can be fixed by adjusting egg white whipping time. They should be glossy and stiff for a light cake. Using the right milk types and ratios is also crucial.
Storage Solutions
Proper storage is key to keeping the cake’s texture and flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and soak for 8-12 hours. Use airtight containers to prevent drying out.
By following these tips, you can make a moist and delicious strawberry tres leches cake. Always use the right ingredients, follow the recipe, and store the cake properly for the best results.
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Soggy cake | Adjust flour to sugar ratio, ensure cake is completely cooled before soaking |
Texture problems | Adjust whipping time for egg whites, use right type of milk |
Storage problems | Store cake in fridge for up to 3 days, use airtight containers |
Delicious Variations of Strawberry Tres Leches
Exploring strawberry tres leches cake reveals its versatility. With a few tweaks, this classic dessert can become unique. You can add fruits, nuts, or spices to make it special. This way, you can impress your loved ones with creative ideas.
Try adding orange or lemon zest for a citrus twist. Or, add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. You can also use coconut or almond milk for a non-dairy version. The possibilities are endless, and you can make it your own.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the cake batter for a fruity twist
- Use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, to change the flavor profile
- Incorporate a splash of liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Kahlúa, for a grown-up twist
These ideas will help you create your own unique strawberry tres leches cake. Whether you’re experienced or new to baking, experimenting is key. So, don’t hesitate to try new things and enjoy the process. Your taste buds will love it!
Variation | Ingredients | Description |
---|---|---|
Citrus Strawberry Tres Leches | Orange or lemon zest, strawberry cake mix | A refreshing twist on the classic recipe, with a hint of citrus |
Nutty Strawberry Tres Leches | Chopped nuts, strawberry cake mix | A crunchy texture adds depth to this creative variation |
Coconut Strawberry Tres Leches | Coconut milk, strawberry cake mix | A non-dairy version of the cake, perfect for those with dietary restrictions |
Storage and Serving Recommendations
Storing and serving strawberry tres leches cake right is key. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it moist. This way, the cake stays fresh and flavorful. Serve it at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Here are some storage and serving recommendations for strawberry tres leches cake to keep in mind:
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Consider making the cake ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
By following these tips for serving strawberry tres leches cake, you’ll enjoy your homemade cake at its finest. It’s perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat. These tips will help you make the most of your strawberry tres leches cake.
Always handle and store your cake with care to keep it fresh and delicious. With these tips, you can enjoy your strawberry tres leches cake for days.

Mouthwatering Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 13×9-inch baking dish
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Three-Milk Mixture:
- 1 15 oz can evaporated milk
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 12 ounces fresh strawberries diced
- ⅓ cup pureed strawberries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup strawberry puree
For Decoration:
- 1.5 lbs fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and whole milk.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before soaking.
Step 2: Make the Three-Milk Mixture
- In a bowl, mix evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
- Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the three-milk mixture over the cake. Let it soak for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping
- Blend ⅓ cup of fresh strawberries into a puree.
- Toss diced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and strawberry puree until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Spread whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
- Arrange sliced fresh strawberries on top.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This cake is best made 1 day in advance for maximum flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead of dairy.
- Flavor Twists: Add orange zest, cinnamon, or a splash of liqueur for variation.
Nutrition
Conclusion: Mastering Your Homemade Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Making a delicious strawberry tres leches cake is very rewarding. You now have the tools and knowledge to make this dessert at home. The secret is using the right ingredients, following the right steps, and paying close attention to detail.
The cake’s moist and tasty flavor comes from three types of milk. Soaking the cake in this milk mixture is key. Adding fresh strawberries and whipped topping makes it look and taste amazing.
Keep improving your strawberry tres leches cake recipe. Try new things like different berries or gluten-free versions. This dessert is great for everyone, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
The real joy is in making a dessert that excites your senses and brings people together. Enjoy every bite and be proud of your cooking skills. Start your journey to making this classic dessert even better.
FAQ
What is the origin of tres leches cake?
Tres leches cake, or “three milk cake,” comes from Mexico. It’s a sponge cake soaked in three milks: evaporated, condensed, and whole.
Why are strawberries a great addition to tres leches cake?
Strawberries add a sweet and fresh touch to tres leches cake. They balance the cake’s richness, making it a delightful treat.
What are the essential ingredients for making strawberry tres leches cake?
You’ll need a sponge cake, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. Don’t forget fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
What kitchen tools and equipment are needed for making a strawberry tres leches cake?
You’ll need a mixing bowl, hand mixer, cake pan, and baking sheet. For a pro touch, consider a food processor, sifter, and piping bags.
How do I properly soak and assemble the strawberry tres leches cake?
Poke holes in the cake and slowly pour the milk mixture over it. Layer strawberries and whipped cream for a stunning cake.
How can I create a beautiful strawberry topping for my tres leches cake?
Top the cake with strawberry slices, whipped cream, and mint leaves or powdered sugar for a fancy look.
What are some common issues I should watch out for when making strawberry tres leches cake?
Watch for a soggy cake, texture issues, and storage problems. Use the right soaking techniques and store it properly to avoid these.
Can I make variations to the classic strawberry tres leches cake?
Yes! Try adding different fruits, nuts, or spices to make your own version of the cake.
How should I store and serve a strawberry tres leches cake?
Keep the cake in the fridge and serve it chilled. You can also assemble it just before serving for the best taste.
I LOVE IT
I absolutely love Panera Bread’s Chicken Salad! It’s the perfect blend of fresh ingredients and delicious flavors. The chicken is always tender and well-seasoned, and the combination of crisp celery, crunchy pecans, and sweet grapes creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully without being too heavy.
Whether I have it on a sandwich, with a side salad, or just by itself, it never disappoints. It’s a great option for a light yet satisfying meal. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing and tasty chicken salad.
Source Links
- https://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2014/05/tres-leches-cake.html – Tres Leches Cake