This Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake is a dreamy, creamy, and delicious twist on the traditional Latin American classic. It’s made with fluffy strawberry cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with homemade whipped cream, and finished with a buttery strawberry crunch topping. Perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or any time you crave a refreshing dessert.

A Sweet Fusion of Cultures and Flavors

The Tres Leches Cake (“three milks cake”) originates from Latin America — especially popular in Mexico and Nicaragua. Its signature comes from the mix of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream that soaks the cake, giving it a rich yet airy texture.

In this version, the traditional sponge gets a fruity makeover with a strawberry cake base. The sweetness of strawberries pairs beautifully with the creamy milk mixture, creating a dessert that’s soft, flavorful, and refreshingly light. The crunchy Oreo topping adds a perfect contrast  creamy, soft inside, and crispy on top.

This fusion of Latin creaminess and American strawberry sweetness makes it an irresistible treat for any dessert lover!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Cake

What makes this Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake so special is its unique texture combination. The soaked strawberry cake melts in your mouth, while the homemade whipped cream adds airiness and balance.

The crunch topping, made from Golden Oreos and strawberry Jell-O, adds both color and texture — a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of those classic ice cream bars from childhood.

Every layer in this dessert has its purpose:

• The strawberry cake brings color and a fruity base.
• The tres leches mixture ensures moisture and richness.
• The whipped cream adds softness and freshness.
• The Oreo-jello topping finishes with crunch and flavor contrast.

This recipe proves that comfort desserts don’t have to be complicated  just made with love and good ingredients!

The Perfect Dessert for Every Occasion

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Easter, or a family Sunday dinner, this Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake always stands out. It looks stunning with its pink hues, tastes incredibly light, and can be made a day ahead — making it ideal for parties or potlucks.

You can also customize it by swapping the strawberry cake for vanilla or white cake, or adding fresh strawberry slices on top before serving. The more it chills, the better it gets — that’s the magic of tres leches!

INGREDIENTS

For the Cake:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)

For the Tres Leches Soak:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• 18 Golden Oreos, finely crushed
• 1 (3 oz / 85 g) packet strawberry Jell-O mix

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Bake the Strawberry Cake

Prepare your strawberry cake mix according to the package directions. Once baked, let it cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top using a fork or the end of a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a bowl, combine heavy cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip together 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake.

Step 4: Create the Crunch Topping

Melt ¼ cup butter and divide it in half. Mix one half with the crushed Golden Oreos. Mix the other half with the strawberry Jell-O powder. Combine the two mixtures, stirring until crumbly and pink.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the whipped cream layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the best texture and flavor.

RECIPE TIMING

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight)
• Total Time: 9 hours
• Servings: 12 slices

NUTRITION INFORMATION (Per Slice)

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg

Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually tastes better when made a day in advance. The milk mixture has time to soak in, making it extra moist and flavorful.

2. Can I use a homemade strawberry cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade strawberry sponge or white cake with strawberry puree works perfectly. Just make sure it’s light and airy so it can absorb the milk.

3. What can I substitute for Golden Oreos?

You can use vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies instead. The key is to keep the buttery texture for the crunchy topping.

4. How long does it last in the fridge?

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. The crunch topping may soften slightly but will still taste amazing.

5. Can I freeze Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 1 month without the topping. Add the whipped cream and crunch layer after thawing for the best texture.