There’s something incredibly delightful about the combination of soft, sponge cake soaked in a rich mixture of three milks, infused with the earthy sweetness of matcha and the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries. This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake is a modern twist on the classic Mexican dessert, offering a unique blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this cake is sure to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Soft and Moist Texture: The sponge cake absorbs the tres leches mixture perfectly, resulting in a tender and moist texture.
Matcha Infusion: The addition of matcha powder brings a subtle earthiness and vibrant green color to the cake.
Bright Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the cake.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together in under an hour. Ideal for busy days when you still want something delicious.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Everyone loves a cake that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty
Ingredients
Cake Mix: Sponge cake mix provides the base for the cake. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own from scratch.
Matcha Powder: Adds a unique earthy flavor and vibrant green color to the cake.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the other flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Heavy Cream: One of the three milks used in the soaking mixture, adding richness and creaminess.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Another of the three milks, providing sweetness and thickness to the soaking mixture.
Evaporated Milk: The third milk, adding a slightly salty note that balances the sweetness.
Fresh Strawberries: Ripe strawberries provide natural sweetness and the signature flavor of the filling.
Whipped Cream (Optional): For an extra touch of indulgence, top the cake with whipped cream before serving.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful masterpiece
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Prepare the Cake: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, matcha powder, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Make the Soaking Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until well combined.
Soak the Cake: Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Assemble and Serve: Top the soaked cake with sliced fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Garnish with additional matcha powder or fresh mint leaves. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake
This cake pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for added freshness.
Tea: Pair with a cup of green tea or herbal tea for a traditional touch.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this cake is decadent enough to enjoy on its own. Simply savor each bite and let the flavors dance on your palate
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Strawberries: The riper the strawberry, the sweeter the filling. Avoid overly green strawberries.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with melted chocolate, or add a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Experiment with Fillings: Try adding different fruits like mango, blueberries, or peaches for variety
FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought cake mix? Yes! Using store-bought cake mix saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
2. What type of strawberries should I use? Ripe strawberries with brown spots work best for the richest flavor. Avoid overly green strawberries.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble just before serving.
4. How do I store leftover cake? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the cake? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar-free alternative.
8. Can I skip the whipped cream? You can, though the whipped cream adds a light, airy texture. Substitute with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
9. Do I need to chill the cake? Chilling is essential for setting the tres leches mixture and ensuring the cake is fully absorbed.
10. Can I add toppings to the cake? Absolutely! Sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and refreshing Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake recipe that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With its soft, moist texture and vibrant flavors, this cake satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, mix things up, and let’s create something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including soaking and chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of traditional tres leches cake with a matcha twist, topped with fresh strawberries for a refreshing dessert. This cake is perfect for any special occasion or a sweet treat!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Tres Leches Mixture:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Milk: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and whole milk until combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and matcha powder until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Soak the Cake: Once the cake is cool, poke holes all over the top with a fork. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
- Prepare the Whipped Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to release their juices.
- Serve:
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the whipped cream over the top of the soaked cake. Top with the sugared strawberries.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve your Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake chilled for a refreshing dessert!
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- For an extra matcha flavor, you can sprinkle some matcha powder over the whipped cream topping.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg