Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Sweet, creamy, and absolutely irresistible—Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes after the first bite. It’s a dreamy combination of light sponge cake soaked in a blend of three milks, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a vibrant strawberry topping. Every forkful delivers a moist, luscious bite with a fruity finish that feels like summer on a plate.

This twist on the classic Latin American dessert takes things up a notch with the addition of fresh strawberries. The fruit brings a natural sweetness and just the right amount of tang to balance out the richness of the milk-soaked cake. Whether you’re planning a celebration, a brunch, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this cake is sure to leave an impression.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

• Ultra-moist and airy texture that melts in your mouth
• Fresh strawberries add a sweet, fruity twist
• Perfect make-ahead dessert that gets better overnight
• Great for parties, potlucks, and family dinners
• Easy to customize with other berries or flavored milk

What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?

Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this cake. Look for berries that are deep red, firm, and fragrant. While fresh is best for the topping and garnish, you can also use frozen strawberries for the syrup layer—just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Organic strawberries are ideal since they tend to have a more intense flavor, but any good-quality berries will do the trick.

---

Ingredients for the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Each ingredient in this cake plays a vital role in creating its iconic texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the sponge cake and gives it a soft structure.
• Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor.
• Eggs – Provide volume and stability to the cake. Separating yolks and whites is key for the fluffiest sponge.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the egg whites hold their shape.
• Whole milk – Used in the batter for richness and softness.
• Vanilla extract – Boosts the cake’s flavor with warmth and depth.
• Evaporated milk – One of the “tres leches” that gives the cake its signature soaked texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Adds richness and a sweet, creamy layer.
• Heavy cream – Both part of the milk mixture and used to whip for the topping.
• Fresh strawberries – Layered on top for a fruity finish and beautiful presentation.
• Strawberry preserves or jam – Mixed with chopped strawberries for a juicy topping.
• Whipped cream – Light and airy topping that balances the moist cake beneath.

How To Make the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish. Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Beat egg whites separately to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the batter for that ultra-light texture.

Step 2: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your pan and bake until golden and springy to the touch. Let the cake cool completely in the pan—this ensures it will soak up the milk mixture properly.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork or skewer, then slowly pour the milk mixture evenly across the surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cake to absorb the liquid.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping

Chop fresh strawberries and mix them with strawberry preserves. Let the mixture sit to develop a syrupy texture.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Spread whipped cream over the soaked cake. Spoon the strawberry topping over the whipped layer and garnish with extra berries. Chill until ready to serve.

---

How to Serve and Store This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Cut it into squares and use a spatula to serve — the soaked cake is delicate, so lift carefully.

It serves about 12 generous slices, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or festive occasions.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become mushy once thawed.

What to Serve With Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?

Fresh Mint Tea

A warm cup of fresh mint tea cuts through the richness of the cake and refreshes the palate.

Espresso or Coffee

A bold shot of espresso or a cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy layers.

Light Rosé Wine

For a more elevated dessert experience, serve with a chilled glass of rosé — the fruity notes complement the strawberries beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For those who love extra indulgence, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds an even creamier bite.

Mixed Berry Salad

Balance the sweetness of the cake with a tangy berry salad made with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

Whipped Cream with Lime Zest

A dollop of extra whipped cream infused with a hint of lime zest adds a citrus twist that pops against the sweetness.

Toasted Coconut Flakes

Sprinkle toasted coconut on top or on the side for a nutty contrast in texture and flavor.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, it tastes better when made a day in advance. This gives the sponge enough time to absorb all the milk mixture, resulting in an even more flavorful and moist texture.

Can I use boxed cake mix instead of making the sponge from scratch?
You can use a vanilla or white cake mix as a shortcut, but the homemade sponge offers a lighter, more absorbent texture that’s ideal for soaking up the tres leches mixture.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?
Make sure not to oversaturate the cake and evenly distribute the milk mixture. Also, allow proper chilling time so it absorbs without pooling excessively.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely. This cake works beautifully with raspberries, blueberries, mangoes, or a mixed berry medley. Adjust sweetness levels accordingly depending on the fruit.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra strawberries or maybe tried a berry blend?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter!

👉 Find more sweet and easy-to-make recipes on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a delightful blend of rich, creamy, and fruity flavors that make it stand out from your average dessert. With its tender sponge base, luscious milk soak, and a vibrant strawberry topping, it’s an all-season crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a potluck, or just a cozy weekend at home, this dessert never fails to impress.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?