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Tres Leches Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

This classic Tres Leches Cake is a moist, milk-soaked sponge cake topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries, perfect for celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 portions
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: Latin American, Mexican
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large eggs separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar divided (3/4 cup for yolks, 1/4 cup for whites)
  • 0.33 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for cake
  • 12 oz evaporated milk 1 can
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 can
  • 0.5 cup whole milk or heavy cream for tres leches mixture
  • 1.5 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for whipped cream
  • 1.5 cup fresh strawberries sliced

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • electric mixer
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • fork
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1/3 cup milk and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the yolk mixture until just combined.
  5. In another clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold egg whites into the batter in three additions to maintain airiness.
  7. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cake cool completely in the pan (at least 30 minutes).
  9. Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake.
  10. In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk, and 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream.
  11. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually. Pour in thirds for best results.
  12. Cover cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  13. Before serving, beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  14. Spread whipped cream evenly over chilled cake and top with fresh sliced strawberries.
  15. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Serve cold.

Notes

Cake must cool completely before adding milk mixture. Overnight refrigeration gives the best flavor and texture. For extra flavor, add a splash of rum to the milk mixture. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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