Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
This Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake brings together the magic of fluffy strawberry cake soaked in a creamy trio of milks, all crowned with a billowy layer of freshly whipped cream and sweet strawberries. Every bite is impossibly moist and full of bright berry flavor—a playful twist on the Latin American classic that’s as simple to pull together as it is heavenly to eat! If you’re searching for a swoon-worthy dessert that combines festive color with show-stopping taste, this Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is about to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the true joys of the Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is how each ingredient plays a starring role—no unnecessary fuss, just bold, beautiful flavors that work in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need (and why each is so special!):
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz box): The foundation for that irresistible, pink-hued crumb and sweet strawberry aroma. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): This rich and sugary milk is key to achieving the legendary moistness of tres leches cakes—don’t skip it!
- Evaporated milk (12 oz can): Adds silky creaminess and a subtly toasted flavor to the milk soak, balancing out the sweetness.
- Half and Half (1 cup): The secret weapon for a richer texture without it getting too heavy—just the right amount of decadence.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Fluffy, luscious, and impossibly light, this will whip up into a dreamy topping.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream just enough to make every bite sing without overpowering the cake.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): A splash of this adds elegance to your whipped cream—pure comfort in every forkful.
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish): Nothing finishes this cake better than juicy, bright berries dancing atop a snowy white cloud.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Step 1: Bake the Strawberry Cake
Start by preparing the strawberry cake according to the directions on your box mix. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan, making sure it’s spread evenly for an even bake. Pop it in the oven and let the magic happen—the kitchen will fill with the smell of strawberries, and the cake will puff up with a lovely, tender crumb. This is your canvas for the ultimate Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake.
Step 2: Mix the Three Milks
While the cake bakes, grab a medium mixing bowl for the milky soak. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half and half until well blended. This mixture is what gives tres leches its signature ultra-moist texture and makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
Once your cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes so it’s warm but not scorching hot. Now for the fun part: use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke holes all over the cake. Pour the milk mixture slowly and evenly across the surface, letting it seep deep inside. It looks like a lot, but don’t worry—your Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake will soak it all up!
Step 4: Chill Until Ready
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let your cake chill in the refrigerator, ideally overnight. This resting time lets all that milky goodness infuse the cake, resulting in a slice that’s anything but dry.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Topping
Just before it’s time to serve, grab a cold bowl and whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks form, which makes for a dreamy, cloud-like topping. This fresh whipped cream puts store-bought tubs to shame and takes your Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake over the top.
Step 6: Decorate and Garnish
Swoosh the whipped cream all over the chilled cake with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for those soft peaks and pretty swirls. Finish with slices of fresh strawberries artfully arranged on top—the perfect finishing touch for a dessert that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Garnishes
For a truly showstopping presentation, I always recommend piling fresh sliced strawberries right on top. If you want to take it up another notch, try adding a sprinkle of chopped mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a little drizzle of strawberry syrup for extra flair.
Side Dishes
The Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is rich but wonderfully refreshing, so it pairs delightfully with lighter accompaniments. Consider serving it with a crisp glass of sparkling rosé, a few shortbread cookies on the side, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting your Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake into small squares and serving them in individual ramekins or mini-mason jars. Shave a bit of white chocolate over the top for an elegant touch, or line up a rainbow of fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake covered in the refrigerator. Since the cake is luxuriously moist, it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just be sure it’s tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this cake, it’s best to do so before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap the soaked (but un-topped) cake well in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then finish with fresh whipped cream and strawberries just before serving.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold right from the refrigerator, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, the cool, soaked texture is a big part of its charm. If you prefer to soften it slightly before serving, just let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch strawberry cake recipe, feel free to use it as your base. Just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and proceed with the tres leches soaking steps as outlined.
What is the best way to poke holes in the cake?
The handle of a wooden spoon works beautifully for this task, but chopsticks or even a thin knife will do. The important thing is to make holes deep enough for the milk mixture to really soak in—space them about every inch or so for the best results.
Can I make Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert actually improves with a little rest in the fridge. You can soak the cake and let it chill for up to 24 hours before topping with whipped cream and serving. Just add the berries and garnish right before serving for the freshest appearance.
Can I use Cool Whip or store-bought whipped topping?
While homemade whipped cream truly elevates this cake, you can certainly use Cool Whip or another whipped topping in a pinch. Just know that the real-deal freshly whipped version brings an extra level of rich flavor and texture!
How do I keep the strawberries on top from getting soggy?
It’s best to slice and arrange your strawberries just before serving. If you’re only eating part of the cake, decorate just the portion you plan to serve, and leave the rest plain until next time. This keeps everything looking and tasting fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make a sweet memory or wow your dinner guests, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake. It’s festive, foolproof, and always calls for a second slice—or two! I hope you’ll try it soon and share it with the people you love. Happy baking!
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Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Easy Strawberry Tres Leches Cake that combines the flavors of strawberry with a moist, milky cake base and a creamy topping.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
Milk Mixture:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup Half and Half
Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Cake: Prepare strawberry cake according to package directions in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Milk Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half and half.
- Assembly: Poke holes in warm cake and pour milk mixture over the top. Cool cake completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Topping: Just before serving, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until peaks form. Spread over the cake and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
- For a twist, try using different flavored cake mixes like vanilla or chocolate.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar to the topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Strawberry Tres Leches Cake, Dessert, Strawberry Cake, Easy Cake Recipe
