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Creamy Tres Leches Cake Recipe Easy Homemade with Strawberries

creamy tres leches cake - featured image

A moist and tender tres leches cake soaked in three milks, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh macerated strawberries. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion and delivers a comforting, indulgent dessert with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354ml) evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) cold heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped topping)
  • 2 cups (about 300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for strawberries)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter and dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Separate eggs, placing yolks in one large bowl and whites in another. Let come to room temperature.
  4. Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add warmed milk and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into yolk mixture using a spatula.
  6. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup (50g) sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  7. Fold whipped egg whites into batter in three additions gently.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and cake springs back lightly.
  9. Cool cake completely in pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  10. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk or heavy cream.
  11. Poke holes all over cooled cake with fork or skewer. Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over cake. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  12. Chill mixing bowl and beaters for 15 minutes. Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  13. Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lime juice. Let macerate 15 minutes.
  14. Spread whipped topping evenly over chilled cake. Arrange macerated strawberries on top just before serving.

Notes

Pour the milk soak slowly and poke holes gently to allow even absorption to avoid sogginess. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for better stability. Macerate strawberries with sugar and lime juice for fresh flavor. Use cage-free eggs and high-quality sweetened condensed milk for best results. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and baking powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: tres leches cake, creamy cake, strawberry topping, whipped cream, easy dessert, moist cake, homemade tres leches