This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate dessert fusion of creamy, airy indulgence and bright, juicy berry flavor. It’s a sweet celebration in every bite, where the soft sponge cake absorbs a trio of milks, creating a luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Fresh strawberries on top bring a vibrant twist, balancing the rich creaminess with a hint of tart freshness.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It looks stunning served with its layers of whipped cream and ruby red fruit, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Once you try a slice, it might just become your go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this cake. First, the texture is uniquely rich and moist, yet light and delicate thanks to the milk soak. The strawberries add natural sweetness and a bit of acidity that cuts through the creaminess perfectly. It’s also make-ahead friendly and only gets better as it sits in the fridge, making it ideal for entertaining or prepping the night before.

What Kind of Cake Should I Use for Tres Leches?

A traditional tres leches uses a light sponge cake that can hold up to the generous milk mixture without turning soggy. This is key: you want something fluffy enough to absorb but sturdy enough to retain its structure. Homemade sponge cake works best, but in a pinch, a simple store-bought white or yellow cake can be used. Just make sure it’s not overly moist to begin with.

Ingredients for the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

To make this dreamy dessert, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh items. Each component adds something essential, from structure to sweetness to flavor depth.

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Eggs
Granulated sugar
Whole milk
Vanilla extract
Evaporated milk
Sweetened condensed milk
Heavy cream
Strawberries
Whipping cream
Powdered sugar

The flour and baking powder provide the framework for the cake. Eggs and sugar give it volume and sweetness. Whole milk and vanilla lend richness and aroma. Then, the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream make the signature milk soak. Fresh strawberries top everything off beautifully, while the whipped cream with powdered sugar becomes a soft cloud to blanket the cake.

How To Make the Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Step 1: Bake the Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until thick and pale. Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mixture along with milk and vanilla. Pour the batter into the dish and bake until golden and springy.

Step 2: Poke and Soak

Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface. Mix the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream in a pitcher or bowl, then slowly pour this mixture over the cake, letting it soak in thoroughly. Refrigerate to allow the cake to chill and absorb the milks completely.

Step 3: Whip the Topping

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cold cake, creating a luscious top layer.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries

Hull and slice the strawberries, then arrange them generously over the whipped cream. You can go with a simple scattered look or create a pretty layered pattern.

How to Serve and Store Your Cake

This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake serves about 12 people, making it perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture, ideally straight from the fridge. You can keep leftovers stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and moist it becomes.

What to Serve With Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?

Whipped Coffee

A creamy whipped coffee balances out the sweetness of the cake with a subtle bitterness.

Sparkling Water with Lime

Refreshing and light, this helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Strawberry Lemonade

A sweet-tart drink that echoes the strawberry notes in the cake.

Coconut Ice Cream

Extra creamy and tropical, it complements the tres leches theme beautifully.

Fresh Mint Tea

Served hot or iced, it brings a refreshing lift to the rich dessert.

Almond Biscotti

Adds a crunchy contrast if you want to serve an additional texture.

Raspberry Sauce Drizzle

A tangy sauce option guests can spoon over their slice for an added punch.

Want More Cake Ideas?

If you love this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake, you’ll probably enjoy these other dessert creations:

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra fruit or try a different milk combo? Did you go heavy on the whipped cream or keep it light?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a luscious celebration of flavor and texture. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, feels luxurious yet simple, and brightens up any table with its vibrant berries and dreamy whipped topping. Give it a try and you might just find a new favorite to make again and again.