If you are ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure that combines the luscious sweetness of fresh strawberries with the subtle, earthy notes of matcha, then this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a spongy, moist cake drenched in three types of creamy milks, elevating the texture to pure bliss, and topped with whipped cream and macerated strawberries that burst with fresh flavor in every bite. This recipe is a stunning, show-stopping dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks, bringing an unforgettable fusion of flavors to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element is essential in building the perfect balance of texture, taste, and vibrant color that makes this cake truly special.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the cake’s fluffy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Matcha powder: Adds a mild, earthy green tea flavor and a lovely green tint.
- Unsalted butter: Offers richness and moisture to the cake’s crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter for a perfect flavor profile.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- Evaporated milk: Provides creamy body without added sweetness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Crucial for the signature tres leches milk soak with its luscious sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the milk soak and the whipped topping.
- Fresh strawberries: Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the dessert.
- Sugar (optional for macerating): Helps the strawberries release their natural juices for a syrupy topping.
- Lemon juice (optional): Brightens the strawberry flavor with a bit of tang.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease and a light dusting of flour. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha powder to ensure even distribution and avoid clumps, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced batter. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy mixture, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key for a wonderfully tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract for that cozy aroma that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter-egg mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; over-mixing can make the cake dense, and we want it to be airy and soft. Pour this perfectly smooth batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cake
Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As the kitchen fills with the aroma of matcha and vanilla, you’re one step closer to dessert heaven. Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan completely to prepare it for soaking.
Step 4: Prepare the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and matcha powder if you want the flavor to be more pronounced. Be sure to dissolve the matcha powder thoroughly so your milk soak is smooth and evenly flavored without any lumps.
Step 5: Soak the Cake
Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake. This step is crucial because it allows the luscious milk mixture to seep deeply into the cake, creating that signature moistness that defines a tres leches cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it absorb naturally before covering and refrigerating for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours will give you even richer results.
Step 6: Macerate the Strawberries
Toss sliced fresh strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice to macerate them. This simple process softens the berries and releases their natural juices, making them even more flavorful and perfect for layering atop the cake.
Step 7: Whip the Cream Topping
Chill a mixing bowl and beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This luscious whipped cream topping will add a light, creamy cap that beautifully contrasts the dense, soaked cake beneath.
Step 8: Assemble and Chill
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake, then decorate generously with the macerated strawberries. For an extra special touch, drizzle some of the strawberry syrup over the top to add pops of fruity sweetness. Chill the cake until ready to serve for a stunning presentation and perfect tasting temperature.
How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe truly shine on the dessert table, don’t shy away from adding elegant garnishes. Fresh whole or halved strawberries, a dusting of matcha powder, or even edible flowers can elevate the visual appeal and add subtle complementary flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light green tea latte to echo the matcha notes. Fresh fruit platters or a crisp green salad with a hint of citrus can help balance the richness of the tres leches cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving the cake in individual clear glass cups or trifle bowls to show off the gorgeous layers of cake, cream, and strawberries. Another fun idea is to create mini versions in ramekins or small jars, perfect for parties or gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to retain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to a month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer softer whipped cream, you can bring slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of tea powder instead of matcha?
While matcha’s unique flavor and vibrant green color are essential to this cake’s identity, you could experiment with hojicha or other powdered teas, though the flavor profile and color will vary significantly.
Is it necessary to macerate the strawberries?
Macerating is optional but highly recommended because it intensifies the strawberry flavor and creates a natural syrup that adds moisture and sweetness to the topping.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How long does it take for the cake to fully soak up the milk mixture?
At least 30 minutes is good, but refrigerating for a few hours or overnight will allow the cake to absorb more milk, resulting in an even moister and richer dessert.
Can I prepare the cake the day before serving?
Absolutely! In fact, making the cake a day ahead allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Just assemble it, refrigerate, and garnish with strawberries just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that will delight your family and friends. I can’t recommend it enough as your next baking project—it’s fun to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely delicious to enjoy. Dive in and treat yourself to this creamy, vibrant crowd-pleaser!
Print
Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus chilling time (recommended 2-3 hours or overnight)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-American)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake is a luscious fusion dessert combining the earthy flavors of matcha with the classic moistness of a tres leches cake, topped with fresh macerated strawberries and silky whipped cream. Baked to perfection and soaked in a creamy milk mixture infused with matcha, this 12-serving cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fruitiness, making it a show-stopping treat for any celebration or cozy afternoon.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Milk Mixture
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder (optional, for stronger matcha flavor)
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for macerating the strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha powder to evenly distribute the leaveners and matcha flavor throughout the cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain an airy batter, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish to prepare for soaking the milk mixture without melting or losing structure.
- Make the Milk Mixture: Whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and matcha powder (if using) in a medium bowl until the matcha is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth, clump-free soaking liquid.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake surface to enhance absorption of the milk mixture.
- Soak the Cake: Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in fully. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours to maximize flavor absorption and moisture.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice (if using) and let them macerate for 10-15 minutes to release their natural juices and intensify sweetness.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Assemble the Cake: Evenly spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake’s surface and decorate with the macerated strawberries; drizzle some strawberry syrup over the topping for enhanced fruity flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it chilled for a creamy, fruity, and flavorful dessert experience perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- For a stronger matcha flavor, add the optional tablespoon of matcha powder to both the dry ingredients and the milk mixture.
- Macerating strawberries with sugar and lemon juice enhances their natural sweetness and juiciness, but you can omit sugar for a less sweet topping.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the milk mixture to prevent the dessert from becoming soggy or collapsing.
- Use chilled heavy whipping cream and a chilled mixing bowl for better volume and stability in whipped cream.
- Refrigerate the cake after soaking for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect texture.
