Berry Tres Leches Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Favorites.

Layers of moist white cake paired with four fresh berries - raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Topped with fluffy cream and soaked generously in a sweet milk mix for a rich bite every time.
Aisha
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:18:14 GMT
A slice of layered cake with mixed fresh berries on top. Pin it
A slice of layered cake with mixed fresh berries on top. | cookingflavor.com

Dive into sweet bliss with this eye-catching berry dessert that blends airy white layers with juicy fresh fruits and a luscious tres leches bath. Every piece showcases a stunning view of berries tucked in creamy topping, while the soaked cake simply dissolves on your tongue. After tweaking this creation many times, it's now my go-to party showstopper.

I brought this to my buddy's baby celebration last week, and everyone went quiet taking their first bite. Someone even said it was "tastier than any shop-bought cake" she'd ever tried.

Key Components

  • Mixed Fresh Berries: Grab some raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries for different tastes and feels
  • Whipping Cream: Used throughout the base, syrup, and topping for amazing richness
  • Softened Butter: Needs to be just right for the perfect cake feel
  • Whites of Eggs: Help make a soft, airy texture in your cake sections
  • Milk Trio: Sweetened condensed, evaporated, and regular cream mix for the ideal soaking liquid

Step-By-Step Making Guide

Making Your Cake Base:
Everything should be warm from sitting out - this really matters. Mix your dry stuff first, then work in the soft butter until it looks sandy. Slowly add cream, egg whites, and vanilla, mixing just enough. Your mix should look smooth but don't go overboard.
Creating Fruit Filling:
Mix your fresh berries with a cup of just-whipped cream. This makes a fluffy, fruity center that stays light. Save some berries for the top. Handle them gently so they don't get squashed.
Making The Milk Mix:
Stir together your three milk types - evaporated, sweetened condensed, and heavy cream - until fully mixed. Take your time here; the thick condensed milk needs a while to blend in. Your finished mix should feel smooth all through.
Putting It All Together:
Set your first cake round on a flat plate (skip the cake stand), and poke lots of tiny holes. Pour the milk mixture bit by bit, letting it soak in between pours. Add your berry mix, leaving space around the edges, then put on the second layer and repeat the soaking steps.
A slice of cake with berries on top. Pin it
A slice of cake with berries on top. | cookingflavor.com

I started making this cake when I was looking for the ultimate party sweet. After watching a TV show with something like it, I spent forever getting each part just right until it turned into this amazing treat.

Managing Heat and Cold

Getting this cake right means watching temperatures every step. Warm ingredients make the cake texture work, while cold berries keep their shape in the middle. The finished cake needs proper cooling to set up, but should be just a bit cool when served for the best mouth-feel.

A slice of cake with berries and strawberries on top. Pin it
A slice of cake with berries and strawberries on top. | cookingflavor.com

Cream Topping Tricks

This cake uses whipped cream instead of buttercream, so you'll need a different approach. Work fast when adding the cream, as it doesn't stay firm long. I've found that a simple "half-covered" look works best, letting some cake show through while keeping everything stable.

Keeping It Fresh

While it's best eaten within two days, this cake freezes really well. Wrap single pieces in plastic, then foil, and freeze up to three months. When thawing, set them on a plate to catch any moisture that comes out.

A slice of cake with berries and cream on a plate. Pin it
A slice of cake with berries and cream on a plate. | cookingflavor.com

Closing Thoughts

This Berry Cake brings together amazing skills and tastes. Each part plays a big role in making something better than you'd expect. Whether you're planning a birthday or just want to try something new in the kitchen, this cake looks amazing and tastes even better. It's grown into more than just a recipe for me. It shows how taking your time and paying attention can create something truly unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why are warm ingredients best?
They mix better, leading to a smooth batter and even baking.
→ Can this dessert be prepped early?
It stays good for up to five days, but it's tastiest when eaten within two.
→ Is it okay to use frozen fruit?
Fresh ones work best since frozen can add too much water.
→ Should I skip the cake stand?
Use a plate instead since the milk may pool at the bottom and get messy.
→ Can I store it in the freezer?
Yes, freeze it for up to three months and thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Berry Tres Leches Cake

Soft cake stuffed with fresh berries, topped with cream, and soaked in a sweet milk blend.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
28 Minutes
Total Time
48 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake Ingredients

01 1¾ cups (350g) white sugar
02 2 cups (240g) plain white flour
03 12 tablespoons (171g) softened unsalted butter
04 4 teaspoons rising agent (baking powder)
05 1 teaspoon regular table salt
06 2 tablespoons (15g) cornstarch powder
07 1 cup (240mL) full-fat whipping cream, at room temp
08 6 large egg whites, warmed to room temperature
09 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla flavoring

→ Whipped Topping

10 1½ tablespoons (20g) granulated sugar
11 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 1½ cups (300mL) heavy whipping cream

→ Berries

13 ½ cup (57g) fresh whole raspberries
14 ¾ cup (85g) whole blackberries
15 ¾ cup (85g) washed whole blueberries
16 ½ cup (113g) strawberries, sliced into quarters

→ Milk Mixture

17 8 ounces (227g) canned sweetened condensed milk
18 8 ounces (240mL) evaporated milk
19 ¼ cup (60mL) heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Step 01

Turn the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat two 8 or 9-inch cake pans lightly with grease, then add a dusting of flour. Mix all dry stuff first, then rub in butter until the mixture feels crumbly. Stir wet ingredients together separately, then combine with dry mix until there are no lumps.

Step 02

Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes. Use a toothpick to check—if it comes out clean, you're ready. Allow cakes to fully cool in pans while resting on wire racks.

Step 03

Whisk the cream on high speed with sugar and vanilla until it’s thick and holds its shape (stiff peaks). Put aside for now.

Step 04

Gently blend the berries together in a bowl. Stir 1 cup of whipped cream in carefully to cover the berries.

Step 05

Blend sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream until it becomes one uniform liquid.

Step 06

Build layers by soaking cake with milk mixture, spreading the berry mix, and finishing with whipped cream. Chill in the fridge for no less than 2 hours before enjoying.

Notes

  1. Room temp ingredients work the best for baking
  2. Can be stored frozen for up to three months
  3. Tastes best within 48 hours of making it

Tools You'll Need

  • 8 or 9-inch round pans, two of them
  • Electric mixer, either hand or stand
  • Spoons and cups for measuring
  • Small offset spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes milk products
  • Made with eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 8 g