Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a cozy hug and a burst of fresh berries all in one, this Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe is your new best friend. It takes the classic tres leches cake and gives it a vibrant strawberry twist while being completely eggless and dairy-free, making it perfect for those with dietary preferences or just looking to try something delightfully different. Soft, moist, and bursting with strawberry flavor from start to finish, this cake is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create pure magic on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, accessible ingredients that each play a pivotal role. From the creamy vegan yogurt adding tenderness, to the freeze-dried strawberries delivering an intense berry punch, everything is thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor and texture beautifully.

• Granulated sugar (188 g): Provides the essential sweetness and helps caramelize the crust slightly for contrast.
• Freeze-dried strawberries (10 g + 1 tbsp): Adds concentrated strawberry flavor without extra moisture; reserve some for garnish.
• Vegan Greek-style yogurt (120 g): Offers tanginess and moisture, emulating traditional dairy yogurt.
• Neutral flavored oil (80 ml): Keeps the crumb soft and tender without overpowering the strawberry notes.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the aroma and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Vegan buttermilk (1 batch): Acts as a natural acidic component to react with the baking powder and lighten the cake.
• All-purpose flour (240 g): The sturdy base that forms the cake’s structure.
• Baking powder (1 tbsp): Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
• Cornstarch (1 ¼ teaspoons): Adds extra tenderness by softening gluten formation.
• Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• Fresh strawberries (180 g + 9 whole): Brings vibrant fruity bursts and makes the decoration sing.
• Vegan sweetened condensed milk (60 g): Makes the soak luxuriously creamy and sweet without dairy.
• Vegan evaporated milk (120 ml): Adds richness, mimicking the traditional tres leches milk mixture.
• Oat milk (120 ml): Combines smoothly in the soak for extra creaminess.
• Coconut whipping cream (400 ml, chilled overnight): Creates a dreamy topping that’s light yet indulgent.

How to Make Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) fan-forced or 180°C (356°F) conventional. Line the base of an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, taking care not to line the sides. This setup ensures your cake releases easily and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sugar

Pop the freeze-dried strawberries and granulated sugar into a food processor and blitz until you create a fine, fragrant powder. Keep 2 tablespoons of this sugar for sprinkling on the finished cake—it’s a little trick to amplify that strawberry punch and give a pop of color.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend the strawberry sugar with the vegan Greek-style yogurt, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Then whisk in the vegan buttermilk, giving the batter a tender, lightly tangy foundation that’s essential for the moist crumb.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and sea salt. This ensures your cake will have a delicate texture and rise properly without any lumps.

Step 5: Mix the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two additions using a rubber spatula. Take your time here to avoid overmixing—just combine until no dry spots remain. This step keeps the cake tender and prevents it from becoming dense.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. To test doneness, insert a skewer in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If batter sticks, give it another 5 minutes. Let it cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Step 7: Poke Your Cake

Using a skewer, gently poke the surface of the slightly warm cake all over. This step is what makes tres leches so irresistible by allowing the milk soak to seep deeply, saturating every tender crumb.

Step 8: Blend the Tres Leches Soak

Whizz together the vegan sweetened condensed milk, vegan evaporated milk, oat milk, fresh strawberries, and a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberries until smooth. This luscious strawberry milk soak is the heart of this Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe.

Step 9: Soak the Cake Overnight

Pour the strawberry milk mixture evenly over the cooled cake until it’s thoroughly soaked. Save any leftover liquid for serving alongside. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator. This patience-friendly step creates a moist, dreamy texture.

Step 10: Add the Finishing Touches

Whip the chilled coconut cream until fluffy and spread a thick layer on top of your soaked cake. Sprinkle on that reserved strawberry sugar for sparkle and arrange fresh whole strawberries as a cheery finishing flourish.

How to Serve Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe

Garnishes

Elevation is all in the details here. Apart from the whipped coconut cream and fresh strawberries, sprinkle a dusting of the reserved strawberry sugar to add a subtle crunch and vibrant color. For an extra festive touch, consider a light drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce or a leaf of fresh mint.

Side Dishes

This strawberry tres leches pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides to balance its richness. Serve it alongside a simple mixed berry salad or a scoop of tangy vegan lemon sorbet. These complement the cake’s creamy sweetness and enhance the berry flavors for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe in individual jars for a charming presentation perfect for gatherings or gifting. Another fun twist is to layer chunks of cake with the soaked milk and coconut cream in a trifle dish, turning it into a stunning layered dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover strawberry tres leches covered tightly in the fridge. Because it’s soaked in the luscious milky mixture, it actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors deepen. Just make sure it stays well wrapped to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake, but it’s best to freeze it before soaking. Wrap the baked cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect them. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then soak, whip the coconut cream, and garnish as usual for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a slightly softer feel, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, but keep it cool enough so the coconut cream topping stays intact.

FAQs

Can I make this Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to mimic the structure gluten provides. Your cake will be just as moist and flavorful.

What can I use instead of coconut whipping cream?

If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can try aquafaba whipped cream or another plant-based cream alternative that whips well. Keep in mind, the coconut cream adds a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

Is there a substitute for freeze-dried strawberries?

If freeze-dried strawberries aren’t available, you can finely chop dried or fresh strawberries, but freeze-dried powder offers a concentrated flavor and a dry texture that works best for dusting and mixing into sugar.

How long does the cake stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. Beyond that, the texture might start to degrade, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Can I make this cake nut-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you verify your vegan yogurt and milk substitutes don’t contain nuts. Use oat or soy milk to keep it allergy-friendly and just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Tres Leches (Eggless & Dairy-Free) Recipe is genuinely one of those desserts that warms your heart and excites your taste buds all at once. Whether you’re sharing it with family, impressing friends, or treating yourself, it’s a joyful way to celebrate strawberries and plant-based goodness. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with every luscious, berry-filled bite!

Print