Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake

If you’re looking to indulge in a dessert that’s both creamy and refreshing with a hint of earthy sweetness, then this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s everything you love about the classic tres leches—soft, moist, and rich—but with an irresistible twist of earthy matcha flavor and sweet, juicy strawberries. The matcha gives it a unique, vibrant flavor profile, while the strawberries add that juicy, fruity burst that perfectly balances the richness of the cake. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic:

Tres leches cake is a beloved dessert, but this version introduces matcha for a unique, earthy flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The addition of strawberries brings a delightful pop of sweetness that complements the creamy richness of the milk mixture.

Perfectly Moist:

One of the best things about tres leches cake is its incredible moistness. This cake soaks up all that creamy, flavorful milk mixture, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture that you can’t get enough of.

Elegant Yet Easy:

Don’t let the layers and flavors fool you—this cake is simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. It’s an impressive dessert that will make you feel like a baking pro, even if you’re just starting in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether you’re hosting a celebration or just looking for something special to enjoy with your family, this cake fits any occasion. It’s perfect for everything from birthdays to afternoon tea or even a cozy night in.

Make-Ahead and Store-Friendly:

This cake gets even better the next day after soaking in all those delicious flavors, making it the perfect dessert to prepare ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge, so it’s perfect for making in advance.

Ingredients in Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake

Let’s break down the ingredients to create this showstopper cake:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to perfection.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Eggs: The binding agent that creates a soft and airy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake itself.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
• Butter: For extra tenderness and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla to enhance the overall flavor.
• Matcha Powder: The star ingredient that adds earthy, vibrant flavor and a beautiful green hue.

For the Tres Leches Soak:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: The creamy and rich base of the milk mixture.
• Evaporated Milk: Lighter than regular milk, adding the perfect texture.
• Whole Milk: Balances out the creaminess and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of warmth that complements the matcha.

For the Strawberry Topping:

• Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, providing a pop of freshness and color.
• Sugar: Helps macerate the strawberries, bringing out their natural sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy, and perfect for layering on top of the cake.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until smooth. Gently fold in the matcha powder until fully incorporated.

2. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Tres Leches Soak:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.

4. Soak the Cake:

Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, making sure it soaks in evenly. Allow the cake to absorb the milk mixture for about 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge. The cake should be very moist but not soggy.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

While the cake is soaking, hull and slice the strawberries. Toss them with a tablespoon of sugar and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.

6. Whip the Cream:

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can add a little powdered sugar if you like it sweeter, but the strawberries will add enough sweetness on their own.

7. Assemble and Serve:

Once the cake has soaked up the tres leches mixture, spread the whipped cream over the top. Top with the macerated strawberries, spreading them out evenly. Serve chilled and enjoy the heavenly, creamy, and fruity goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 29g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 50%
Calcium: 12%
Iron: 4%
Potassium: 210mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake

For Special Occasions:

This cake is perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or even a fun spring brunch. The beautiful green hue of the matcha combined with the vibrant strawberries will impress anyone you serve it to.

As an Everyday Treat:

Serve this cake on any day you’re craving something indulgent but fresh. Pair it with a cup of green tea or iced coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.

As Individual Servings:

For a more elegant presentation, cut the cake into smaller portions or serve in individual cups, garnishing each one with a few strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead:

This cake actually gets better the next day after soaking in the milk, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Try It with Other Fruits:

If you’re not a fan of strawberries, you can swap them out for blueberries, blackberries, or even kiwi for a different fruity twist.

Matcha Adjustments:

The matcha flavor can be a bit strong, so feel free to adjust the amount of matcha powder to your taste. Start with 1 tablespoon, and if you love the flavor, add a little more!

Gluten-Free Version:

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all the other ingredients, including the ladyfingers, are certified gluten-free as well.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of milk for the tres leches soak?
A1: Yes! You can substitute any milk alternative, like almond milk or coconut milk, for a dairy-free version.

Q2: Can I make this cake in advance?
A2: Absolutely! This cake actually gets better the longer it sits, so making it a day ahead gives the flavors time to meld together.

Q3: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A3: Yes, frozen strawberries will work just fine. Just thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them as a topping.

Q4: How long will this cake last in the fridge?
A4: It will last about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the unsoaked cake portion (before adding the tres leches soak and toppings). Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to a month.

Q6: What if I don’t have matcha powder?
A6: If you don’t have matcha powder, you can omit it, or you can try adding a bit of green tea extract or flavoring to get a similar taste.

Q7: Can I make this cake without sugar?
A7: You can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol in place of regular sugar. Just note that it might affect the flavor slightly.

Q8: How do I get the cake to absorb all the tres leches mixture?
A8: Make sure to poke holes all over the cake with a fork or skewer before pouring the soak. This helps the milk soak into the cake evenly.

Q9: Can I use a different fruit besides strawberries?
A9: Yes! You could use other berries, like raspberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or kiwi for a fun twist.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cake for the base?
A10: While the classic tres leches uses a sponge cake, you can experiment with other types of cake, like angel food cake or chiffon cake, for a different texture.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake is a beautiful, indulgent, and fun twist on a beloved classic. The creamy matcha layers, combined with juicy strawberries and the ever-popular tres leches soak, make for a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and heavenly texture, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant and delicious treat!

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