Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is one of those desserts that is indulgent yet refreshing. The combination of a soft sponge cake soaked in a blend of three kinds of milk, along with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, makes this cake irresistible. I remember trying this recipe for the first time, and it quickly became one of my go-to cakes for special occasions. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, but it looks and tastes like something straight out of a bakery.
The process is broken down into a few steps—making the cake, preparing the strawberry milk blend, and finally topping it off with whipped cream. This dessert does require some time, as you need to let the cake chill overnight to absorb all the delicious milk but trust me, it’s worth the wait! The cake turns out incredibly moist, with every bite bursting with strawberry flavor and creamy goodness. It’s the perfect treat for summer or when you’re craving something fruity and sweet.
So, if you're ready to impress your family and friends (or just treat yourself), here's how you can make this delightful Strawberry Tres Leches Cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 120g granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50ml whole milk (3 tbsps + 1 tsp)
- 100g plain or all-purpose flour (1/2 cup + 2 tbsps)
- 1 tsp + 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white vinegar (optional)
For the Strawberry Milk Blend:
- 200ml whole milk (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 210g fresh strawberries (7.4oz or 10-11 strawberries)
- 40g granulated sugar (3 tbsps)
- 200g sweetened condensed milk (7oz or 1/2 of a 14oz can)
- 180ml evaporated milk (6.3 oz or 1/2 of a 12oz can)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 300ml heavy cream (1 cup + 1/4 cup)
- 30g icing sugar (3 tbsps + 1 tsp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. In one bowl, beat the egg yolks with half the sugar until the mixture becomes pale yellow and volume increases. Add in the vanilla extract and milk, stirring gently to combine. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and slowly incorporate it into the yolk mixture using a spatula.
In a separate bowl, add the white vinegar to the egg whites and beat them until frothy. Gradually add the rest of the sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into your greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Milk Blend
While the cake cools, make the strawberry milk. Blend fresh strawberries, sugar, and whole milk until smooth. Then, mix the strawberry milk with the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. Once the cake is fully cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. Slowly pour the strawberry milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Cover the cake and let it chill in the fridge overnight to fully absorb the milk.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream
The next day, when you're ready to serve, whip the cold heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake. You can either keep it simple or add some fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you like a sweeter cake, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the strawberry milk mixture.
- Use fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will give the best flavor for the milk blend and the topping.
- Let it chill overnight: This cake is all about soaking up that strawberry milk, so giving it time to sit overnight is key for a moist and flavorful result.
- Experiment with pan size: I used an 8x8 inch pan, but you can opt for a 9x13 inch pan for thinner slices if that’s more your style.
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is an absolute dream—light, fruity, and deliciously creamy. It’s one of those desserts that makes an impact at any gathering, but it’s also the perfect treat to enjoy at home. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll be making it again!