If you’re looking for a dessert that beautifully blends sweetness, creaminess, and a burst of fresh fruit flavor, this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a fluffy strawberry cake soaked in a luscious milk mixture, creating a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly complemented by airy whipped cream and vibrant crushed freeze-dried strawberries topping it all off. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances delicate strawberry notes and rich, milky goodness for a dessert experience that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Whether for a celebration or simply to treat yourself, this recipe brings a slice of joy to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create its signature flavors and textures. Each component plays a unique role, from building the strawberry base to crafting the creamy tres leches soak and the fluffy topping that unites everything.
- 1 box strawberry cake mix: The foundation of flavor and structure, making the cake moist and bursting with strawberry essence.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Provides the rich sweetness and creamy density for the soaking liquid.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz can): Adds a velvety texture without extra sweetness, balancing the milky soak.
- Half-and-half (1 cup): Lightens the milk mix for a perfect soak that keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): For making the luscious whipped topping that crowns the cake.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream subtly without graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor, adding warmth and depth to the whipped cream.
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries: Adds a concentrated strawberry crunch and a beautiful finish as garnish.
How to Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Strawberry Cake
Begin by preparing the strawberry cake mix exactly as directed on the box for best results. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick, then bake according to the package instructions until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The strawberry cake base is what sets the tone for this dessert so getting a perfectly tender cake is crucial.
Step 2: Mix the Tres Leches Soaking Liquid
While the cake bakes, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half in a medium bowl. This creamy trio is what transforms the cake from ordinary to extraordinary by soaking it in rich, milky sweetness. Give it a good stir until well blended.
Step 3: Soak the Warm Cake
Right after pulling the cake hot from the oven, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. This ensures the milk mixture seeps deeply into every inch of the cake, making it irresistibly moist. Pour the milk mixture over the cake slowly, allowing it to absorb gradually. After fully soaked, let the cake cool, then cover it and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor and texture melding.
Step 4: Prepare and Spread the Whipped Cream Topping
When you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract at high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until stiff peaks form. This fluffy whipped cream layer adds the perfect light contrast to the dense soaked cake. Spread it evenly over the chilled cake and finish by sprinkling crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for a pop of texture and vibrant strawberry flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The crushed freeze-dried strawberries are an excellent garnish that brings not only stunning color but an intensified strawberry zing that cuts through the creaminess. Consider adding fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an extra special touch. These little details elevate the visual appeal and add layers of texture.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a chilled fruity white wine. The fruity freshness balances the creamy richness, making for a delightful and well-rounded dessert experience. Light herbal teas or sparkling water with lemon are also excellent mid-meal companions.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this cake straight from the pan for a casual family gathering or transfer portions to delicate dessert plates for a more elegant presentation. For parties, try individual mason jars layered with cake, soaking milk, and whipped cream, topped with crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This approach is great for easy serving and adds a trendy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Due to its moist and creamy nature, leftover Strawberry Tres Leches Cake should be stored covered in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, but for best quality, enjoy it sooner.
Freezing
Freezing the whole cake is not recommended because the whipped cream topping can become watery upon thawing. However, individual slices can be frozen if wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature due to its milk-soaked structure. If you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before eating; avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix for this strawberry tres leches cake recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade strawberry cake can add a personal touch and allow for customizing sweetness and texture. Just make sure it’s a sturdy but soft cake to hold up well to the milk soak.
What can I substitute for half-and-half in the milk mixture?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream to mimic its richness or simply use whole milk. The soak might be slightly less rich but will still be delicious.
How long should I refrigerate the cake before serving?
It’s best to refrigerate the cake for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the milk mixture to soak in completely, resulting in that iconic tender and moist texture.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Dairy-free versions require substitutions like coconut milk or almond milk for the soak and whipped coconut cream for the topping. The flavor will be different but can still be very tasty with strawberry flavors shining through.
Why is the cake soaked with three types of milk?
The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half creates the signature rich but balanced tres leches soak. Each milk adds unique thickness, sweetness, and creaminess, making this cake uniquely luscious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe is like inviting a little celebration into your kitchen, full of creamy texture, bright strawberry flavor, and pure comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it yourself, every bite feels special and memorable. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead and indulge in this delightful treat soon!
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Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Latin American dessert. Featuring a moist strawberry-flavored sponge soaked in a rich three-milk mixture and topped with whipped cream and freeze-dried strawberries, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients required to prepare the cake as per package instructions)
Milk Mixture
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
Topping
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the strawberry cake mix box to prepare the batter. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, then bake the cake according to the package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Mix the Milk Soak: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half, stirring until fully blended to create the tres leches mixture.
- Soak the Cake: Once the cake is removed from the oven and still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke numerous holes all over the surface. Slowly and evenly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb completely. Let the cake cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least overnight to soak and chill.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: When ready to serve, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble and Garnish: Spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Sprinkle the top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a vibrant, fruity garnish. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients when preparing the cake mix for best results.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, fold freeze-dried strawberry powder into the whipped cream topping before spreading.
- Ensure the cake is poked with sufficient holes so the milk soaks uniformly.
- The cake is best served the day after soaking to allow full absorption and flavor melding.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
