Strawberry Horchata Tres Leches (Print Version)

Creamy horchata-infused layers combined with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a luscious dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Cake

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 5 large eggs, separated
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
07 - 1/3 cup whole milk
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Horchata Tres Leches Mixture

09 - 1 cup horchata (sweetened, homemade or store-bought)
10 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
11 - 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Strawberry Topping

13 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
14 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Whipped Cream Topping

16 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
17 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
03 - Using a stand mixer, beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form; gradually add half the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining sugar until thick and pale then incorporate milk and vanilla extract.
05 - Gently fold flour mixture into egg yolk mixture, then carefully fold in whipped egg whites until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes evenly all over the surface using a fork or skewer.
08 - Whisk together horchata, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cinnamon in a pitcher.
09 - Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over warm cake, allowing it to absorb; refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
10 - Combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice; macerate for 15 minutes to develop flavor.
11 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
12 - Spread whipped cream evenly over chilled cake, top with macerated strawberries, drizzle with extra strawberry juices if desired, and serve cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The horchata milk soaks right into every crumb, making each bite unbelievably soft and flavorful.
  • It’s one of the few desserts I’ve made that’s just as good for celebration as it is for a regular Tuesday night craving.
02 -
  • If you rush the cake’s chilling time, the soak won’t fully absorb—you’ll miss that legendary texture.
  • Letting the strawberries macerate fully transforms them into a glossy, flavorful topping rather than just fruit on cake.
03 -
  • For perfect peak whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beater beforehand.
  • Poking deep holes in a warm cake guarantees a luxurious, even soak throughout—don’t hold back.
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