Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

Indulge in a moist and creamy strawberry tres leches cake that’s just perfect for any celebration with its sweet, fruity flavors. This Latin American dessert is so tasty.

If you enjoy these flavors, you might also like this eggnog tres leches cake, Mexican rice pudding, and this no-bake pineapple cheesecake.

Why You’ll Love It           

A truly delicious dessert: Fruity strawberries, fragrant vanilla, fluffy sponge cake, and rich whipped cream give this cake so much incredible flavor.
Easy to prepare: Using a couple of strawberry cake mixes helps make this recipe so simple to create.
Great for any occasion: Whether you’re planning a party, expecting some guests over or you just love trying new dessert recipes, there’s also a great reason to whip up a strawberry tres leches cake.

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Strawberry cake mix: I used this strawberry cake mix.
Eggs: To bind the cake mix.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are used to make the fresh strawberry milk mixture. For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries in the milk mixture and for garnish.
Cream and milk: The “tres leches” (three milks) are Half & Half, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla and strawberry flavors are so good together. Use 100% pure vanilla extract.
Heavy whipping cream: To make the whipped cream topping.
Powdered sugar: To sweeten the whipped cream.

How to Make Tres Leches Cake with Strawberries

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the cake batter: Beat the strawberry cake mixes with eggs, water and oil.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish and bake until done. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
Make the strawberry milk: Blend strawberries with the Half & Half, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Soak the cake: Poke holes all over the cooled cake and pour the strawberry milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least several hours.
Add whipped cream on top: Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, then spread it over the cake.
Decorate and serve: Top the cake with freshly sliced strawberries and then slice and serve.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix.
Strawberry cake mixes: This recipe calls for 2 cake mixes which makes for a very high cake, but you can reduce it to just one cake mix if you prefer. Using just one cake mix will produce a moister and milkier cake as well.
Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones, but let them thaw first.
Vanilla extract: Try another extract such as almond extract or orange extract for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Begin your meal with shrimp ceviche or a Mexican 5-layer bean dip.
Main dishes: Enjoy chicken enchilada soup or cheeseburger tacos.
Dessert: Enjoy a slice of strawberry tres leches cake, perhaps with a glass of homemade horchata.

How to Store Tres Leches Cake

Store: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets!
Freeze: Although tres leches cake does freeze well, it’s best to add the whipped cream on top after thawing. Wrap the cake in a layer of plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight then add the whipped topping and serve.