A twist on the traditional Latin American favorite, this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake brings together the rich, creamy texture of the classic tres leches with the unique flavors of matcha and fresh strawberries. This cake is perfect for those who love a balance between sweet and earthy flavors, and it’s a stunning dessert for any occasion. The delicate layers of sponge cake absorb a mixture of three types of milk, soaking up all the goodness to create a moist and decadent treat. With the addition of matcha, the cake gains a beautiful green hue and a slightly bitter note that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to enjoy something special, this cake is sure to impress everyone with its bold and delicious flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Combination

This recipe combines the earthy richness of matcha with the sweet and fruity burst of strawberries, creating a flavor profile that’s both unexpected and incredibly satisfying.

2. Moist and Decadent

The tres leches cake base ensures a moist, melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes every bite indulgent and full of flavor.

3. Beautiful Presentation

With its vibrant green matcha layers and fresh strawberry topping, this cake looks as impressive as it tastes. It’s a showstopper for any event or celebration.

4. Simple Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients or specialized skills to make this cake. The ingredients are straightforward, and you’ll find most of them in your local grocery store.

5. Versatile Dessert

This cake works well for various occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. It’s a great way to surprise guests with something different yet comforting.

Ingredients

Cake flour
Eggs
Baking powder
Sugar
Matcha powder
Salt
Whole milk
Sweetened condensed milk
Evaporated milk
Heavy cream
Fresh strawberries
Whipped cream (for topping)
Vanilla extract

Variations

Add a Citrus Twist: For an extra burst of freshness, add some lemon zest to the cake batter or drizzle a little lemon juice over the top before serving.
Swap the Fruit: While strawberries are the star in this recipe, you can also use other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a different twist.
Non-Dairy Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the dairy milk with coconut milk and use a plant-based cream alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven and grease and flour a cake pan. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cake flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over it using a fork or skewer.

Step 4: Soak the Cake

Slowly pour the tres leches mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely. Let the cake absorb the mixture for at least an hour.

Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Slice the fresh strawberries and set them aside.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has absorbed the milk mixture, top it with the whipped cream and fresh strawberries. You can arrange the strawberries in a decorative pattern or pile them on top for a more casual look.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allow the cake to fully absorb the tres leches mixture for the best texture. It should be moist, but not soggy.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
Choose Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can adjust the amount of condensed milk in the tres leches mixture.
Chill the Cake: Letting the cake chill for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.

How to Serve

This cake is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to birthday parties. Slice it into individual portions and serve it as a standalone dessert or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For extra flair, drizzle some extra strawberry syrup or dust with powdered matcha for added elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will last for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop.

Freezing

While tres leches cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the cake slightly warmed, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as the whipped cream might melt.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance to give it more time to soak in the milk mixture.

2. Can I use a different type of milk for the tres leches mixture?

Yes, you can experiment with alternatives like almond or coconut milk for a different flavor or to make it dairy-free.

3. Can I make this cake without matcha?

Yes, simply omit the matcha powder if you prefer a plain tres leches cake.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can replace the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

5. What other fruits can I use besides strawberries?

You can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.

6. How do I make the whipped cream topping?

Simply whip heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. For a thicker topping, add a small amount of powdered sugar.

7. Can I freeze the cake after assembling it?

While the cake can be frozen, it’s better to freeze it before adding the whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

8. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries work best, but if you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them completely before using.

9. Can I make a smaller cake?

Yes, simply adjust the size of the pan and reduce the ingredients proportionally.

10. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on a beloved classic, combining rich textures with a unique flavor profile. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a casual treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. The vibrant colors and deliciously moist layers will wow your guests, making this cake the perfect dessert for any gathering.