- Why You Should Make This Recipe
- How to Make a Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
- Tips and Tricks
- What to Serve With this Strawberry Tres Leches
- Related Posts
- Common Questions
- Ready for a Slice of Happiness?
Ever had one of those days when you just need something sweet, simple, but unforgettable? I definitely have more often than I’d like to admit. Receta de Pastel de Fresas Shortcake Poke is my ultimate answer (especially when strawberries are everywhere). You want something homey, easy to put together, but — let’s be honest — it has to look like it came from a five-star restaurant, right? Honestly, this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is the recipe you didn’t know you needed, but once you try it, you won’t want to stop making it. Trust me, friends will magically appear at your door after one whiff of this cake.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Alright. Let me tell you why this cake basically wins every family bake-off in my house. First off, poke cakes? Game changer. Holes everywhere, soaking up all that creamy, strawberry goodness. It means every bite is just a little celebration. The cake doesn’t get soggy though—just super soft in that dreamy way. Plus, you get layers of flavor: sweet strawberries, dreamy milk mixture, and that classic, slightly vanilla-y shortcake underneath. Something about the tres leches vibe (three milks!) with the berry twist—let’s just say nothing from a box compares.
And if you’re like me and get overwhelmed by “fancy” desserts, relax. (This recipe practically assembles itself – not joking.) No obscure ingredients. No fussy steps. Just regular grocery store stuff, a good cake pan, and a trustworthy spatula. My neighbor literally said, “This is the first time I’ve finished my dessert before dinner.” I think that’s a win.
How to Make a Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
Here’s the scoop: start simple, like “cake-mix-simple.” I grab one of those basic vanilla or yellow cake mixes. Mix it up by the box directions. Pour it in a lightly greased pan, bake, and—here’s the clutch move—poke holes all over while it’s still warm (chopstick, straw, back of a wooden spoon… whatever’s handy). The holes, I can’t stress enough, are the ticket here.
Now for the tres leches bit: whisk together a can of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular milk. I pour that right over the cake, making sure all those holes are flooded. It looks like a soggy mess, but hold on, it gets magical after chilling. Next, slather over a fresh strawberry mixture—just chopped berries tossed with a little sugar, or honestly, store-bought strawberry sauce if you’re short on time (no shame here).
Finally: whipped topping. You can use Cool Whip, but sometimes I whip up heavy cream with a dash of sugar. Slash of vanilla for bonus points. Spread it over the cake. Scatter more fresh strawberries on top. Pop the whole thing in the fridge for a few hours. That’s it. Not hard, right? (Just try not to eat a slab before it’s chilled. Yes, I’ve failed before.)
Tips and Tricks
So let’s talk about what really works with this poke cake. For one, don’t wait for the cake to cool all the way before poking those holes—poke it while it’s still warm, otherwise the milk mixture won’t sink in properly. Seriously, that’s key for oozy, delicious layers. If your strawberries are lackluster (off-season, eh), sprinkle on some sugar and let ‘em sit for 10 minutes—that gets the juices flowing.
Another thing: don’t go overboard pouring the milk all at once. I usually do half, let it soak, then go again. (Trust me, it’s less messy.) Oh! And if you wanna get a bit wild, add a sneaky layer of strawberry jam right before the whipped topping. Not traditional, but wow, it tastes fancy.
Honestly, patience is half the recipe. I know, I know—who likes waiting—but this cake’s a million times better if you chill it for at least three hours, preferably overnight.
“I never thought a boxed cake mix could taste so homemade. The strawberry shortcake poke cake you shared made my daughter’s birthday. Not a crumb left!” – Josie, local friend and fellow dessert fanatic
What to Serve With this Strawberry Tres Leches
If you’re bringing out this cake, you wanna keep things fun and easy for sides—nothing that steals the spotlight. I’d go with:
- A big pot of coffee (seriously, cake + coffee = happiness)
- Maybe some salty snacks—pretzels or mixed nuts work
- If you’re feelin’ extra, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream
And okay, if you’re on the fancy train, add some fresh mint. It’s a tiny thing, but it sorta feels like you’re dining at a French café.
Related Posts
If you’re as wild about sweets as I am, you’ve gotta check out these other favorites. My {Best No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake}, perfect if your oven is currently hiding from you. Also, don’t miss {Quick Summer Fruit Trifles}—they’re messy, adorable, and always a hit (especially at BBQs).
Common Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead?
Yep! Just thaw ‘em out and drain the extra juice. Works a treat when fresh berries aren’t in season.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
You can swap for regular milk. Not exactly the same, but no one will notice unless they’re a milk detective.
Will the cake get soggy?
Nope, as long as you chill it and don’t pour too much milk too quickly. That’s key!
Do I really have to poke holes in the cake?
Oh yes! Otherwise, that yummy milk bath just sits on top—boring and dry. Don’t skip it.
How long does it keep?
Covered in the fridge, it’s good for about three days. But, um, it’s never lasted that long in my house.
Ready for a Slice of Happiness?
Alright, if you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts festive, easy, and wow-worthy, this Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake is honestly the ticket. It’s not fussy, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and you probably already have most of the stuff for it. Go on—grab those strawberries and a cake mix, and see how fast it disappears! For more inspiration, you can always browse the trusted Allrecipes dessert section.
Life’s way too short for boring cake, honestly. Give it a shot—you might just become the “cake person” for all your friends!
Print
Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Strawberry Tres Leches Cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family with its creamy, strawberry-infused flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box of vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 cup regular milk
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 tub whipped topping (or heavy cream with sugar and vanilla)
- Extra strawberries for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions and bake in a greased pan.
- While the cake is warm, poke holes all over the surface using a chopstick or wooden spoon.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular milk.
- Pour the milk mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Mix chopped strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes, then layer on top of the soaked cake.
- Spread whipped topping (or whipped cream) over the strawberries.
- Top with additional fresh strawberries and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Notes
For best flavor, chill the cake overnight before serving. This dessert pairs well with coffee or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: strawberry, tres leches, cake, dessert, easy recipe