Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

A pillowy vanilla sponge cake soaked in a luscious strawberry-infused three-milk mixture, then topped with a billowy strawberry whipped cream. The ultimate celebration dessert — stunning, make-ahead friendly, and absolutely unforgettable.


  • Total Time4 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield15 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Strawberry Milk

  • 2 cups Strawberries, diced
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 15 oz can Evaporated Milk
  • 1 1/3 cups Whole Milk
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream

Cake

  • 1/2 cup Butter (1 stick)
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 5 Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Strawberry Whipped Topping

  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 1/3 cup Pureed Strawberries
  • 2/3 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

Strawberry Milk

  1. Blend the Strawberry Milk: Add diced strawberries and sugar to a blender or food processor. Pulse 2–3 times, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out the juices. Add evaporated milk, whole milk, and heavy cream. Process for 1–2 minutes until smooth (may need to be done in batches). Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Cake

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350 °F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy. In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  3. Bake the Cake: Transfer batter to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  4. Poke and Soak: Pierce the top of the cake all over with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature. Strain the strawberry milk through a fine mesh strainer, then pour evenly over the cake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Strawberry Whipped Topping

  1. Whip the Topping: In a large bowl, beat heavy cream until peaks form. Add strawberry puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Continue beating until smooth and airy.
  2. Assemble and Serve: Once the milk has fully absorbed, spoon the strawberry whipped topping onto the cake and spread into an even layer. Decorate with fresh strawberries as desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

Make-ahead friendly: bake and soak the cake the night before, then add the whipped topping just before serving. Use the ripest strawberries you can find for the best color and flavor. For a lighter version, substitute low-fat evaporated milk, though the richness will be slightly reduced. Leftovers keep well in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Latin American, Mexican

Nutrition

  • Calories: 340
  • Sodium: 250
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Protein: 7
  • Cholesterol: 110