Strawberries and Cream Tres Leches Cake

Name: Strawberries and Cream Tres Leches Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, for garnish; Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing

This strawberries and cream tres leches cake is a moist poke cake infused with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half mixed with fresh strawberry puree, topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries. It's an elegant, refreshing dessert that can be made ahead.

🌍American 🏷️Tres leches cake 🏷️Strawberry cake 🏷️Strawberries and cream 🏷️Poke cake Dessert

🏷️

🏷️Cake

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

55 min

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$28–$46

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, for garnishoptional
Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs.
3
Using a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth.
4
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
5
Pour the cake batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
6
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
While the cake is baking, prepare the milk soak. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and granulated sugar and let them sit for a few minutes to macerate.
8
To the macerated strawberries, add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half. Whisk until everything is well combined.
9
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, while it is still hot, poke holes all over the top using the handle of a spatula or a fork.
10
Slowly and evenly pour the strawberry milk mixture over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
11
Let the cake cool completely.
12
For the topping, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
13
Whip with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
14
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake.
15
Garnish with additional chopped fresh strawberries before slicing and serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Poke holes all the way to the bottom of the pan with a fork or skewer to ensure the three-milk mixture saturates the entire cake for maximum moisture.
Let the cake cool completely before adding the milk mixture to prevent curdling and ensure even absorption.
Chop fresh strawberries finely and let them macerate with granulated sugar for 15 minutes before mixing into the milk base to release their juice and intensify the strawberry flavor.
Make the cake at least 4 hours (or overnight) ahead of serving so the milk mixture fully absorbs and flavors meld.

Substitutions

Sour cream → Greek yogurt (use equal amount, slightly tangier result)
Half-and-half → Heavy cream diluted with whole milk, 1:1 ratio (creamier texture)
Fresh strawberries → Strawberry puree or sauce, 1 cup (more consistent distribution, less fresh berry texture)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate covered for up to 2 days. Add whipped cream and fresh strawberry topping within 4 hours of serving; store leftovers covered for up to 1 day.

Equipment

9x13 baking pan · stand mixer or electric mixer

Common Questions

How long does tres leches cake need to soak?

At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum moisture absorption and flavor development.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen strawberries thoroughly before chopping to avoid excess liquid in the milk mixture.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. Add whipped cream and fresh strawberry topping within 4 hours of serving.

Can I make this without a box cake mix?

Yes, use a homemade vanilla or white cake recipe as your base, following the same poke-and-soak method.

What's the best way to poke holes in the cake?

Use a fork or skewer to create evenly spaced holes throughout the cooled cake while it's still in the pan, ensuring the milk mixture penetrates all layers.