Made this Strawberry Tres Leches Poke Cake yesterday and it’s officially my new favorite dessert!

I’m a huge fan of poke cakes and tres leches, so I combined the two with strawberry cake mix and it was a massive hit. This thing is insanely moist, sweet, and strawberry packed. The milk mixture soaks all the way through, and the whipped cream topping with freeze dried strawberries on top makes it taste almost like strawberry shortcake but way richer.

My family couldn’t stop eating it. It’s perfect for potlucks or summer gatherings because it has to be made ahead.

Print

Ingredients

• Cake:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix + ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

• Milk Mixture:

• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk

• 1 cup half-and-half

• Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Crushed freeze dried strawberries, for garnish

Print

Directions

• Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package directions. Bake it in a greased and floured 9×13-inch pan.
• While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top with a fork or skewer (the more holes, the better the soaking).
• Mix together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half. Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the entire cake. It will look like a lot of liquid that’s correct! Let it soak in.
• Cool the cake completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight (this is important for the best texture).
• Right before serving, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on high speed until it forms soft peaks.
• Spread the whipped cream generously over the chilled cake. Sprinkle crushed freeze dried strawberries on top for extra color and crunch.

Slice and serve cold!

• The overnight fridge time is non negotiable that’s when all the magic happens and the cake gets perfectly soaked.
• I used store-brand cake mix and it still turned out amazing. You could also do this with vanilla or funfetti mix if you want to switch it up.
• The freeze dried strawberries on top add a nice tart contrast and look really pretty. Regular fresh strawberries work too but tend to release water.
• This cake stays moist for days in the fridge. I actually think it tastes even better on day 2.
• If you want it extra strawberry, you could mix a little strawberry puree into the milk soak.

This is one of those impressive but easy desserts that makes people think you spent way more time on it than you actually did. 10/10 recommend!