Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a soft, light cake soaked in a sweet strawberry milk mixture and topped with fluffy whipped cream. It is moist, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor.
I love making this for spring gatherings, birthdays, or anytime we want a dessert that feels a little special. Using cake mix keeps it simple, and once it chills in the fridge, it turns into something truly delicious. It is one of those desserts that people always go back for.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe?
- Uses cake mix to keep things easy.
- Great make-ahead dessert.
- Perfect for holidays and family parties.
- Moist and full of strawberry flavor.
- Feeds a crowd with one pan.
- Even better the next day.
What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Look for bright red berries that smell sweet. Since they are blended into the milk mixture, ripe strawberries will give the best flavor.
You can also use frozen strawberries if needed. Just thaw them first and drain any extra liquid.
For topping, I like slicing fresh strawberries right before serving so they look bright and fresh on top of the whipped cream.
Options for Substitutes
- You can use homemade white cake instead of cake mix if you prefer.
- If whole milk is not available, 2 percent milk works fine.
- Store-bought whipped topping can replace homemade whipped cream in a pinch.
- You can use powdered freeze-dried strawberries blended into the milk for extra flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Make sure the cake cools before pouring the milk mixture over it. A hot cake can turn too soft.
- Poke plenty of holes across the top so the milk soaks in evenly.
- Pour the milk mixture slowly, one cup at a time, so it has time to absorb.
- Let the cake chill for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better for the best texture and flavor.
What to Serve With Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?
This cake is rich and sweet, so simple sides work best:
- Fresh fruit
- Hot coffee
- Iced tea
- A small scoop of vanilla ice cream
It is perfect for celebrations, baby showers, or summer cookouts.
Storage Instructions
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It actually tastes better after sitting overnight because the milk fully soaks into the cake.
- The plain sponge cake can be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the strawberry milk mixture.
- I do not recommend freezing the fully assembled cake because the texture may change.
How To Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 boxes white cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake:
- 1 cup oil
- 2 cups water
- 6 eggs
For the Strawberry Milk Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 1 1/2 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp confectioners sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries to serve
Instructions
Step 1:
For the cake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13×2 inch pan.
Step 2:
Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions using the oil, water, and eggs listed. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3:
Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, use a skewer to poke holes all over the top. Set aside.
Step 4:
For the strawberry milk mixture, add the whole milk and diced strawberries to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 5:
Add the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk to the blender and blend again until fully combined.
Step 6:
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, about one cup at a time, allowing it to soak in before adding more. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
Step 7:
For the whipped cream, beat the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and confectioners sugar together on medium high speed until medium peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 8:
Just before serving, spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Top with fresh sliced strawberries. Serve cold and enjoy.
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- For the cake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13×2 inch pan.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions using the oil, water, and eggs listed. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, use a skewer to poke holes all over the top. Set aside.
- For the strawberry milk mixture, add the whole milk and diced strawberries to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk to the blender and blend again until fully combined.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, about one cup at a time, allowing it to soak in before adding more. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
- For the whipped cream, beat the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and confectioners sugar together on medium high speed until medium peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Just before serving, spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake. Top with fresh sliced strawberries. Serve cold and enjoy.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 760 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 95 gm |
| Fat | 36 gm |
| Protein | 12 gm |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.
If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.
