Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Easy Pink Three Milk Dessert)
If you love strawberry shortcake and tres leches cake, this Strawberry Tres Leches Cake is the best of both worlds. A soft strawberry cake is soaked in a creamy strawberry milk mixture, then topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a dessert that's rich, moist, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, Valentine's Day, summer parties, or anytime you're craving a pretty pink dessert.
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 box strawberry cake mix
Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Strawberry Tres Leches Mixture
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package directions.
Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake according to package instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cake.
Make plenty of holes so the strawberry milk mixture can soak deep into the cake.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Tres Leches Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
Sweetened condensed milk, Evaporated milk, Heavy cream, Strawberry puree, and Vanilla extract.
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
The mixture should be pale pink and creamy.
Step 4: Pour Over the Cake
Slowly pour the strawberry milk mixture evenly over the cake.
Take your time so the liquid absorbs into the holes.
You may think it's too much liquid, but the cake will soak it up beautifully.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Overnight is even better.
This allows the cake to absorb all the strawberry milk and become incredibly moist.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream
Using a mixer, beat:
Heavy cream Powdered sugar and Vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
Step 7: Garnish
Top with sliced fresh strawberries.
For extra color, sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry crumbs over the top.
Serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Use Fresh Strawberry Puree
Fresh strawberries give the milk mixture a bright strawberry flavor without tasting artificial.
Chill Overnight
The longer the cake chills, the better the texture becomes.
Don't Skip the Poke Holes
The holes allow the strawberry milk mixture to soak all the way through the cake.
Add Strawberry Crunch
For a Strawberry Crunch Cake twist, sprinkle crushed Golden Oreos and strawberry cookie crumbs on top before serving.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Because of the milk mixture and whipped topping, this cake should always be kept chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use White Cake Mix Instead?
Yes. White cake mix works great if you prefer a lighter strawberry flavor.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. This dessert is even better the next day.
Can I Freeze Strawberry Tres Leches Cake?
Freezing is not recommended because the milk-soaked texture can change after thawing.
Recipe Notes
For an even pinker cake, stir one small package of strawberry gelatin into the cake batter before baking. This creates the vibrant pink cake color seen in many viral Strawberry Tres Leches Cake videos and photos.
More Strawberry Recipes You'll Love
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Bites
Strawberry Crunch Banana Pudding