If you are looking for a vibrant, moist dessert that combines the earthy elegance of green tea with the luscious sweetness of strawberries and the classic creaminess of tres leches, then this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This cake is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a celebration of textures and colors, where the delicate matcha cake soaks up a rich three-milk blend and gets crowned with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices. Every bite feels like a unique, refreshing twist on the traditional tres leches that you will find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the light, airy cake base enriched by matcha to the silky milk soak that keeps it irresistibly moist and the fresh strawberries that finish it off with a burst of natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation providing structure and tenderness to the cake.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Matcha green tea powder (1 tbsp for cake + 1 tbsp for soak): Adds that signature grassy, slightly bitter kick and a stunning green color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Large eggs (5, separated): Egg yolks add richness while whipped egg whites create a light, airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, divided): Sweetens the cake in layers for perfect balance.
- Whole milk (1/3 cup for batter + 1/2 cup for soak): Brings creaminess and moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for batter + 1/2 teaspoon for whipped topping): Infuses warmth and depth in every bite.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Essential for that classic tres leches richness.
- Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 oz): Adds creaminess without extra sweetness.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped into a light topping that perfectly complements the soaked cake.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for a smooth finish.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, sliced): A bright, juicy topping that enhances flavor and presentation.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Matcha Cake
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, matcha powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture turns pale and thick, signaling it’s perfectly aerated. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract, then gently fold in your dry mixture until just combined. The key here is not to overmix to keep the texture light. Then, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into your batter in batches to preserve the airy structure. Pour this beautiful green batter into your baking dish and bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let this fragrant cake cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Matcha Milk Soak
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and the second tablespoon of matcha powder in a bowl until smooth and vibrant. This milk mixture is what renders the tres leches cake incredibly moist and flavorful. Using a fork or skewer, carefully poke holes all over the cooled cake—this allows the milk soak to seep deep inside. Slowly and gently pour the milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it absorbs evenly. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least four hours or, better yet, overnight to let all those flavors merge beautifully.
Step 3: Whip and Top with Cream and Strawberries
Right before serving, beat the heavy whipping cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This freshly whipped cream will add a creamy, airy layer on top of your soaked cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake, creating a luscious cloud-like finish. Finally, arrange the sliced strawberries on top for a fresh, juicy burst of flavor and a gorgeous pop of color. Your Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to the Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe not only looks stunning but also elevates the flavors and textures. Consider sprinkling a light dusting of matcha powder over the whipped cream or adding a few whole strawberries placed artfully around the edges. Toasted white chocolate shavings or a drizzle of strawberry syrup can add an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. These little details make your dessert irresistibly beautiful and even more delicious.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a light cup of green tea or jasmine tea to complement the matcha’s earthy tones. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. Fresh seasonal fruit, such as raspberries or blueberries, also harmonizes with the strawberry flavor in a refreshing way, enhancing the overall dessert experience without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the standard cake slice to present this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe in exciting ways. You can cut the cake into petite squares and serve them as bite-sized dessert bars during a party. Layer individual servings in clear glasses with whipped cream and strawberry slices to create elegant parfaits. For a festive occasion, top the cake with edible flowers or gold leaf for a truly show-stopping centerpiece dessert. Presentation can make your beloved recipe feel even more special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, this cake stays fresh when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually intensify after a day, so leftovers can be even better. Plan to consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and to enjoy every nuance of the flavors before the cake starts to lose its moist appeal.
Freezing
Because of the milk soak and fresh strawberries, freezing the whole cake is not ideal as it can alter the texture of both the cream and fruit. However, you can freeze the plain cake layer before soaking if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before soaking and assembling the final cake.
Reheating
This cake is best served cold, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, simply leave slices at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to open up naturally without compromising the creamy texture and refreshing quality of the tres leches soak.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for the soak?
Whole milk is recommended for its creaminess, but you can substitute with lactose-free or plant-based milk like oat milk for a dairy-free twist. Just keep in mind that it may slightly affect the richness and flavor.
Is it okay to use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?
Regular green tea powder is usually more bitter and less finely ground, so the texture and taste might not be the same. For the best vibrant color and flavor in this Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe, ceremonial-grade matcha powder is preferred.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well to maintain safety.
Why do I need to beat the egg whites separately?
Beating egg whites until stiff peaks helps create an airy structure in the cake, making it light and fluffy. This is especially important in this recipe to balance the density of the soaked cake and prevent it from becoming too heavy.
How long should I soak the cake for the best flavor?
While at least 4 hours of chilling is necessary for the soak to absorb, refrigerating the cake overnight ensures maximum flavor penetration and moistness, making the Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe really is a delightful expression of creativity and flavor fusion that’s bound to impress everyone at your table. Its moist, tender crumb infused with matcha and drenched in the iconic tres leches soak, combined with fresh, juicy strawberries and airy whipped cream, creates a perfect balance that’s both refreshing and comforting. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert experience that feels both elegant and wonderfully satisfying.
Print
Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 58 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion dessert combining the creamy richness of traditional tres leches cake with vibrant matcha green tea flavor and fresh strawberry topping. This Strawberry Matcha Tres Leches Cake features a moist matcha-infused sponge soaked in a matcha-enhanced milk mixture, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a refreshing, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Milk Soak:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, matcha powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and thick. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract, then gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks develop. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in batches to maintain the airy texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the combined batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Milk Soak: Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and matcha powder together in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Cake: Use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly all over the cooled cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top, allowing it to soak deeply. Cover and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to let the flavors meld and the cake become moist.
- Prepare the Topping: Before serving, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled soaked cake.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the whipped cream layer with fresh sliced strawberries. Serve the cake cold for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder in the milk soak slightly.
- Using ceremonial-grade matcha powder will result in a brighter green color and more nuanced taste.
- The cake’s flavor and texture improve after chilling overnight, making it ideal to prepare a day ahead.
