Dreamy Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet and unexpected, this strawberry matcha tres leches cake blends vibrant culinary traditions into one delectable dessert.

Creamy layers marry Japanese green tea sophistication with classic Latin American richness.

Delicate strawberries add bursts of freshness that complement the matcha’s earthy undertones.

Light sponge cake absorbs three milks with luxurious precision.

Complex flavors dance across your palate in surprising harmony.

Passionate bakers will appreciate how simple ingredients create such extraordinary results.

Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake with a Twist

• Craft a Unique Flavor Fusion: Blend the classic tres leches cake with a trendy matcha twist, creating an innovative dessert that surprises and delights taste buds with its unexpected combination.
• Master a Showstopping Dessert: Impress friends and family with a visually stunning cake that looks professionally made, featuring layers of rich flavor and beautiful strawberry garnish.
• Enjoy a Crowd-Pleasing Treat: This versatile dessert works perfectly for summer gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations, appealing to both matcha lovers and traditional cake fans with its creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Use basic pantry staples to create an extraordinary dessert that feels gourmet but requires minimal specialized cooking skills, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels.

Ingredients for Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to the cake's soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Offers a classic, sweet flavor to the cake base.

• Evaporated Milk: Creates a creamy, rich soaking liquid for the cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cake's signature moistness.
• Matcha Powder: Provides a unique green tea flavor and vibrant color.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy topping for the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.

• Strawberries, Sugar: Adds a fresh, sweet, and vibrant fruit element to the dessert.

Stepwise Guide to Making Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust it with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, creating a creamy base for your cake.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and whole milk, stirring until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Prepare Matcha Milk Mixture

• Evaporated milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Whole milk
• Matcha powder

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Use a fork to poke holes all over the cooled cake.

Slowly pour the milk mixture, allowing it to seep into every crevice. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 9: Whip Up the Cream

Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 10: Macerate Strawberries

Combine sliced strawberries with sugar.

Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their sweet juices.

Step 11: Decorate and Finish

Spread whipped cream generously over the soaked cake.

Scatter the macerated strawberries on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 12: Serve and Savor

Slice the chilled cake and enjoy this incredible fusion of flavors – a perfect blend of matcha, strawberries, and creamy goodness!

Tips to Get Tres Leches Cake Perfect Every Time

• Use room temperature ingredients and mix gently to ensure a moist, tender cake texture without overmixing.
• Adjust matcha powder quantity based on your preference, starting with less and tasting to find the perfect balance.
• Allow cake to absorb tres leches mixture slowly and completely by poking uniform holes and letting it rest in refrigerator overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
• Chill mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to help heavy cream whip faster and achieve more stable, fluffy peaks.
• Macerate strawberries with sugar briefly to release natural sweetness without making them too watery, ensuring a vibrant topping for the cake.

Flavorful Twists for Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace strawberries with fresh mango chunks and add a splash of coconut milk to the tres leches mixture for a tropical flavor profile.
• Chocolate Matcha Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream for a rich, decadent version.
• Berry Bliss Variation: Mix different berries like raspberries and blueberries with the strawberries for a multi-berry topping that adds vibrant color and varied taste.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or chopped pistachios over the whipped cream for an added layer of texture and nutty complexity.

Pairings That Elevate Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake

• Pair with Crisp Green Tea Cocktail: Blend chilled green tea, vodka, and a hint of strawberry liqueur for a refreshing drink that complements the cake's matcha and strawberry flavors.
• Enhance with Lavender White Chocolate Mousse: Create a delicate white chocolate mousse infused with lavender to provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the cake's rich, creamy texture.
• Match with Honey Lemon Mascarpone: Whip mascarpone with honey and lemon zest to offer a tangy, light accompaniment that cuts through the cake's sweetness and highlights its complex flavors.
• Serve alongside Jasmine Tea Sorbet: Craft a light, floral jasmine tea sorbet that cleanses the palate and echoes the cake's Asian-inspired matcha notes while providing a cool contrast.

Keeping Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Fresh

Store the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Microwave a single slice for 10-15 seconds on low power to slightly warm it without drying out the cake. Let it sit for a minute before serving.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to slightly warm up and enhance its flavors.

FAQs

• What is tres leches cake?

A traditional Latin American dessert made by soaking a sponge cake in three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk, creating an incredibly moist and rich cake.

• Why add matcha to this classic dessert?

Matcha adds a unique earthy green tea flavor and beautiful color to the traditional tres leches cake, creating an innovative fusion of Mexican and Japanese culinary traditions.

• How do I know when the cake is properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is fully baked and ready to cool before soaking with the tres leches mixture.