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strawberry tres leches cake recipe featured
Avatar photoSara Khalid

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Easy!)

This Nicaraguan-inspired strawberry tres leches cake recipe soaks a light sponge in three milks for ultimate moistness, layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a fruity, festive twist that's perfect for celebrations. Tart berries balance creamy sweetness in every indulgent bite—easier than you think!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Nicaraguan
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE CAKE:
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • FOR THE TRES LECHES:
  • 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • FOR TOPPING:
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup (65g) powdered sugar
  • 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork for poking
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. strawberry tres leches cake recipe recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch dish. Beat yolks with ½ cup sugar until pale, stir in milk and vanilla. Sift flour and baking powder into yolk mix. Whip whites with remaining sugar to stiff peaks, fold into batter gently for airy texture—bake immediately to hold structure.
  3. Step 2: Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and springy; cool 10 minutes. This sets the sponge for perfect absorption without collapse.
  4. Step 3: Whisk tres leches milks. Poke cake thoroughly, pour slowly, refrigerate 4+ hours—rotate for even soak, achieving the iconic juicy crumb.
  5. Step 4: Whip chilled cream with powdered sugar to peaks; spread over cake evenly for stable topping.
  6. Step 5: Layer sliced strawberries attractively, chill 1 hour. Slice and serve—the berries release juices, mingling flavors beautifully.
  7. Step 6: Enjoy chilled; garnish with mint if desired for extra flair.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 | Carbohydrates: 55 | Protein: 7 | Fat: 19 | Fiber: 1 | Sugar: 42

Notes

STORAGE: Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; plastic wrap on surface prevents drying.
MAKE AHEAD: Soak cake 24 hours ahead, top day-of.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Light milks for lower cal; GF flour blend.
PRO TIPS: Whip whites cold for volume; poke densely; chill fully.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Plate with lime wedges, pair with coffee; dust cinnamon for tradition.
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