10/18/2026
This Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is a fruity twist on the classic Mexican-inspired milk-soaked dessert. A light vanilla sponge cake absorbs sweet strawberry milk made with fresh strawberries, evaporated milk, whole milk, and heavy cream.
Finished with fluffy homemade whipped cream and juicy strawberry slices, it's a delicious make-ahead dessert for birthdays, summer parties, family gatherings, and special occasions.
Ingredients
Strawberry Milk
- ½ pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Sponge Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup milk
Whipped Cream Topping
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare strawberry milk: Combine strawberries and sugar. Rest 15–30 minutes, then blend with evaporated milk and whole milk. Stir in heavy cream, refrigerate 1 hour, and strain.
2. Prepare the sponge: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix the batter: Beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and milk, then combine with dry ingredients.
4. Whip egg whites: Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the cake batter.
5. Bake: Pour into the pan and bake 18–20 minutes, until the cake tests done. Cool completely.
6. Soak: Poke holes across the cake and slowly pour strawberry milk over it. Refrigerate 2–3 hours, preferably overnight.
7. Decorate: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and salt until fluffy. Spread over the chilled cake and finish with fresh strawberry slices.
Prep: 30 minutes active | Bake: 18–20 minutes | Chill: At least 3–4 hours total, preferably overnight | Servings: 12–15
Would you choose this fresh strawberry version over classic tres leches cake, or does the original still win?