Fresh Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
4. How to Serve Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
5. Storage
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
7. MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Strawberry tres leches cake is an incredibly moist and satisfying dessert that soaks a tender sponge with three types of milk. This poke-cake version is quick to make and transforms an ordinary yellow cake mix into a luscious, creamy treat. A layer of strawberry jam and whipped topping, plus fresh sliced strawberries, give it a bright, fruity finish that pairs perfectly with the milky richness.

If you enjoy poke cakes, try versions like turtle poke cake, Oreo poke cake, or Boston cream poke cake for other indulgent options.

Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Ingredients

You will need:

• 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 cups milk, divided
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups fresh sliced strawberries, divided
• 1 cup strawberry jam
• 8 ounces Cool Whip

Substitutions and Additions

Berries: If strawberries aren’t available or you want variety, swap in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. They all work well with the creamy tres leches base; mixing berries can add a range of flavors. Tarter berries may need a little extra sugar in the jam or milk mixture to balance taste.

Jam: Store-bought or homemade strawberry jam both work. Use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

More strawberry flavor: For stronger strawberry notes, use a strawberry cake mix or add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter.

How to Make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment.

STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 4 eggs, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 cup of the milk. Mix until combined but avoid overmixing.

STEP THREE: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oven times vary, so check as the time approaches.

STEP FOUR: While the cake bakes, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of milk, the evaporated milk, and the sweetened condensed milk in a bowl. Chill this milk mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use.

STEP FIVE: In a small bowl, stir the strawberry jam with 1 cup of the sliced strawberries and set aside.

STEP SIX: Allow the cake to cool completely. Use the end of a wooden spoon, a fork, or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Pour the chilled milk mixture slowly over the cake so the liquid fills the holes. Spread the jam-and-strawberry mixture evenly over the cake, then top with Cool Whip.

Pro tip: After pouring the milk into the holes, gently tap the pan on the counter to remove air pockets and help the milk settle into the sponge.

STEP SEVEN: Arrange the remaining sliced strawberries on top. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the cake absorb the milk mixture fully; longer chilling improves the texture and flavor.

STEP EIGHT: Slice into 12 squares and serve chilled. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

This cake is rich and creamy, making it ideal for special gatherings or a comforting dessert. The jam and whipped topping add sweetness and texture. Serve each slice chilled; a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate, chai, or eggnog on the side can elevate the experience.

Storage

In the fridge: Because the cake contains dairy, it must be refrigerated. Keep it covered; it will stay best for about 3 days.

In the freezer: Freezing is not recommended. Strawberries lose texture when thawed and the cake’s creamy texture can be altered by freezing and thawing.

Strawberry tres leches cake features a light sponge soaked with a sweet trio of milks — regular milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk — then finished with strawberry jam, whipped topping, and fresh fruit. The result is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that balances rich creaminess with bright strawberry flavor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does this strawberry and cream cake taste?

It’s moist, fluffy, and very creamy. The three-milk soak gives it a rich, comforting sweetness, while the strawberries add freshness.

Can I eat this cake warm or cold?

Serve tres leches cake cold. Chilling helps the cake absorb the milk mixture and sets the toppings.

Do I have to use a boxed cake mix?

You can use a homemade yellow cake recipe if you prefer; the technique is the same.

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is baked and then poked with holes so a liquid or filling can be poured in, creating extra-moist texture throughout the cake.

What can I use to poke holes?

The end of a wooden spoon, a fork, or a wooden skewer works well for making evenly spaced holes.

Why might a tres leches cake be soggy?

If the cake isn’t absorbing the milk, the batter may have been overmixed, producing a dense crumb that won’t soak up liquids as well. Avoid overmixing the batter and allow sufficient chilling time after assembling.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
• Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake
• Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake