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Creamy Tres Leches Cake Recipe with Easy Strawberry Topping Perfect for Parties

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An easy and quick tres leches cake made with a vanilla cake mix soaked in a creamy milk mixture and topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz / 414 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (about 300 g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml), chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer to help the cake soak up the milk mixture.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream until smooth.
  7. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, letting it absorb gradually. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate.
  9. Chill a bowl and beaters for 10 minutes. Whip the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  10. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake. Spoon the strawberry topping generously on the surface.
  11. Serve chilled. For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting.

Notes

Poke holes in the cake while still warm to allow milk mixture to soak deeply without breaking the cake. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. Keep cream and bowl chilled before whipping for better peaks. Use frozen strawberries if fresh are not available, thaw and drain excess liquid. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake mix; for dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and cream.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/creamy-tres-leches-cake-recipe-with-easy-strawberry-topping-perfect-for-parties/