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strawberry tres leches cake

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 min (including chilling time)
  • Yield: One 9x13-inch cake

Description

This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake puts a fruity twist on the beloved Latin American dessert. A light and airy sponge cake is soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, infused with the natural sweetness of strawberries, and topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices. The result? A creamy, moist, and irresistibly delicious treat that’s perfect for celebrations or an everyday indulgence.


Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Three-Milk Mixture:

  • ½ pound fresh strawberries, pureed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Separate the egg whites and yolks into two bowls.
  4. Using a mixer, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites on high speed. When soft peaks form, gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture using a rubber spatula.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing gently to keep the batter light and airy.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Three-Milk Mixture

  1. In a blender or food processor, puree ½ pound of fresh strawberries until smooth.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until fully combined.

Step 3: Soak the Cake

  1. Once the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface.
  2. Slowly pour the strawberry milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes evenly.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to allow the cake to fully absorb the milks.

Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

  1. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

  1. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.
  2. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top as desired.
  3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Keep the cake covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Make-Ahead: The cake tastes even better the next day after soaking overnight.
  • Customization:
    • Swap strawberries for raspberries for a tangy twist.
    • Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and whipped cream for extra fruitiness.
    • Drizzle with white chocolate or caramel sauce for a gourmet touch.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16 servings
  • Calories: 475 kcal
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Protein: 9g