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Strawberry Tres Leches Cake with Box Cake Mix

The Easiest Strawberry Tres Leches Cake—Made with a Box Cake Mix!

I remember the first time I tried a tres leches cake at a friend’s family gathering. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! The ultra-moist, creamy texture combined with the subtle sweetness was unlike anything I had tasted before. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to create the perfect strawberry tres leches cake recipe—one that’s easy, incredibly delicious, and feels authentic without spending hours in the kitchen.

That’s where this recipe comes in! By using box cake mixes, you can enjoy the rich and indulgent flavors of tres leches without the hassle of making a cake from scratch. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, looking for a romantic Valentine’s dessert, or just want a sweet treat after a Mexican feast, this is the best recipe for you!

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

The Easiest Strawberry Tres Leches Cake—Made with a Box Cake Mix!

Why This is the Best Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe

  • Uses a Box Cake Mix – Saves time without compromising on taste.

  • Super Moist – The magic of the three milks (3 milks) soak ensures a rich and creamy texture.

  • Bursting with Strawberry Flavor – A fruity twist on the classic tres leches cake.

  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you need a Cinco de Mayo dessert, a small batch version for a cozy date night, or a party-sized cake, this recipe is versatile!

    • Ingredients You’ll Need

    For the Cake:

  • 1 box vanilla or strawberry-flavored box cake mix

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 cup whole milk

    • For the Three Milk Mixture:

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

  • 1/2 cup strawberry puree or strawberry jam

    • For the Frosting & Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

    • Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1: Bake the Cake

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

    2. Prepare the box cake mix according to package instructions, using eggs, oil, and milk instead of water for a richer flavor.

    3. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    4. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.

    Step 2: Make the Three Milk Mixture

    1. In a bowl, whisk together the three milks (3 milks): heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.

    2. Stir in the strawberry puree or jam to infuse extra berry flavor.

    Step 3: Soak the Cake

    1. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cake.

    2. Slowly pour the three milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely.

    3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to enhance the flavor and texture.

    Step 4: Make the Frosting & Topping

    1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

    2. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.

    3. Decorate with fresh strawberries for a stunning finish.

    Must-Have Amazon Products for the Perfect Tres Leches Cake

    1. Best Box Cake Mix for This Recipe

    Betty Crocker Super Moist Strawberry Cake Mix – This cake mix creates the fluffiest, most flavorful base for your tres leches cake. It has just the right balance of sweetness and a soft crumb, making it perfect for soaking up the three-milk mixture.

    Get it here and make your cake hassle-free!

    2. Perfect Baking Dish

    OXO Good Grips Glass Baking Dish – A sturdy, high-quality 9x13 glass dish is ideal for baking and showcasing your soaked tres leches cake beautifully. Glass also ensures even baking.

    Order yours now for perfect results every time!

    3. Whipping Tool for the Best Frosting

    KitchenAid 7-Speed Hand Mixer – Achieve light, fluffy whipped cream for the frosting in minutes with this powerful hand mixer. Say goodbye to sore arms and hello to effortless frosting!

    Grab yours today for stress-free baking!

    Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve Cold: Tres leches cake tastes best when fully chilled, making it ideal for warm-weather occasions.

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Make-Ahead Tip: This cake actually tastes better the next day, so prepare it a day before your event for maximum flavor!

    • Final Thoughts: The Best Strawberry Tres Leches Cake for Any Occasion

    This strawberry tres leches cake recipe is the perfect Cinco de Mayo dessert, romantic Valentine’s treat, or just an indulgent way to enjoy a Mexican feast. It’s easy, bursting with flavor, and feels homemade despite using box cake mixes.

    Now it's your turn to try it out! If you make this recipe, share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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