Introduction
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a classic dessert, perfect for parties, celebrations, or family gatherings. This moist, creamy cake, soaked in a sweet three-milk mixture and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, delivers a delightful balance of rich and fruity flavors in every bite. Presented on a white ceramic cake stand or platter, garnished with fresh strawberries and whipped cream swirls, this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake recipe offers a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a traditional version with a strawberry twist, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings festive, indulgent charm to any table.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Serving:
- Optional: Fresh strawberries, whipped cream swirls
- Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh fruit salad, coffee
- Suggested Pairings: Sparkling wine (e.g., Prosecco), herbal tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic cake stand or platter
- Suggested Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, electric mixer, whisk, spatula, blender, measuring cups/spoons, fork
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and creamy. Add milk and vanilla; mix well. Fold in dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, and beat to stiff peaks. Gently fold egg whites into the batter.
- Bake Cake: Pour batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely in the dish.
- Prepare Milk Mixture: Blend strawberries to make 1/2 cup puree. In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and strawberry puree. Taste the milk mixture and adjust with a splash of milk if too sweet or a teaspoon of sugar if too tart.
- Soak Cake: Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make Whipped Topping: Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over the soaked cake. Top with sliced strawberries.
- Serve: Slice and serve on a white ceramic cake stand or platter, garnished with fresh strawberries and whipped cream swirls. Pair with fresh fruit salad, coffee, sparkling wine, or herbal tea.
Tips for Better Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before soaking to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Taste the milk mixture before soaking to balance sweet and fruity flavors; adjust cautiously.
- Poke sufficient holes to allow even absorption of the milk mixture.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the puree and topping for the best flavor.
- Present on a white ceramic cake stand or platter to highlight the creamy topping and vibrant strawberries.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake and soak it with the milk mixture up to 1 day in advance; store in the fridge, and add the topping before serving.
- For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream swirls on a white ceramic platter for a festive, indulgent look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Strawberry Tres Leches Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cake.
- Dairy-Free Strawberry Tres Leches Cake: Replace dairy milks with coconut condensed milk, coconut milk, and coconut cream; use dairy-free whipped topping.
- Low-Sugar Strawberry Tres Leches Cake: Use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk and reduce granulated sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Mixed Berry Tres Leches Cake: Replace strawberry puree with mixed berry puree (raspberries, blueberries).
- Chocolate Strawberry Tres Leches Cake: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cake batter and drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.
- Spiced Strawberry Tres Leches Cake: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm flavor.
- Mini Strawberry Tres Leches Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings; adjust baking time to 15–20 minutes.
- Tropical Tres Leches Cake: Replace strawberry puree with mango puree and top with mango slices.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the cake will remain moist but may soften further.
- Freeze an un-topped, soaked cake for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh whipped topping before serving.
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Use as a dessert for festive or casual occasions.
- Pair with sparkling wine or herbal tea to complement the sweet, fruity flavor.
- Present on a white ceramic cake stand or platter with garnishes for an appetizing, elegant charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings:
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 20% Daily Value
- Calcium: 15% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce sugars to ~20g). High in sugars; enjoy in moderation with fruit for balance.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake recipe delivers a creamy, fruity dessert perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a festive classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The moist cake, sweet milk soak, and fresh strawberry topping delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing appeal.
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe: Creamy and Fruity
Classic Strawberry Tres Leches Cake with creamy, fruity flavor.
Ingredients
- Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 5 large eggs separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Milk Mixture:
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- Topping:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- Optional: Fresh strawberries whipped cream swirls
- Suggested Pairings: Sparkling wine fresh fruit salad
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; grease 9x13-inch dish.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat yolks with 3/4 cup sugar, milk, vanilla; fold in dry ingredients; beat whites with 1/4 cup sugar, fold into batter.
- Bake 25–30 min; cool completely.
- Blend strawberry puree; mix with milk, cream; taste and adjust.
- Poke holes in cake; pour milk mixture over; chill 4 hours.
- Whip cream, sugar, vanilla; spread over cake; top with strawberries.
- Serve on a white ceramic stand with strawberries, wine, and fruit salad.
Notes
- Cool the cake fully before soaking.
- Store in fridge for 3 days or freeze un-topped for 1 month.
- Try gluten-free or mixed berry variation.
- Pair with coffee.
