Can I make Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Mini Cakes ahead of time?

Yes! These cakes are ideal for prepping in advance. In fact, chilling them overnight helps the tres leches soak fully saturate the sponge, resulting in richer flavor. Just add the whipped topping and crunch right before serving to keep the texture fresh.

What is the best way to keep the strawberry crunch topping crispy?

To maintain that nostalgic crunch, don’t add the topping until shortly before serving. If needed, store the crunch mixture separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade strawberry sponge adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s light and airy so it can absorb the milk mixture well. You can also fold in puréed strawberries or use extract to boost flavor.

How do I prevent the cakes from becoming too soggy?

Use the correct size pans—mini loaf or muffin tins work best. Don’t over-pour the soak; about ¼ cup per mini cake is ideal. Also, make sure the cakes are slightly cooled before soaking and allow enough chill time (at least 2 hours) for even absorption.

Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Mini Cakes

Name: Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Mini Cakes: Easy & Moist Dessert Win
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry cake mix; Ingredients listed on box (typically eggs, oil, water); 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup strawberry milk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp Nesquik); 1 tbsp strawberry syrup (optional); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 4 oz cream cheese (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 12 Golden Oreos; 1 packet strawberry Jell-O (3 oz); 2 tbsp melted butter; Fresh strawberries, halved; Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Description

Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Mini Cakes combine the creaminess of tres leches with the nostalgic crunch of strawberry shortcake bars. A perfect make-ahead dessert for any celebration.

Ingredients

1 box strawberry cake mix

Ingredients listed on box (typically eggs, oil, water)

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

½ cup strawberry milk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp Nesquik)

1 tbsp strawberry syrup (optional)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tbsp powdered sugar

4 oz cream cheese (optional)

1 tsp vanilla extract

12 Golden Oreos

1 packet strawberry Jell-O (3 oz)

2 tbsp melted butter

Fresh strawberries, halved

Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cake batter as directed on box.

2. Pour into mini foil loaf pans (half full) and bake 20–25 mins.

3. Let cool slightly. Poke holes in each cake using a fork.

4. Mix milks for soak. Spoon ~¼ cup soak over each cake.

5. Chill cakes at least 2 hours or overnight.

6. Whip cream, sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese until stiff peaks.

7. Top each cake with whipped topping.

8. Crush Oreos, mix with Jell-O and butter. Sprinkle on top.

9. Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves. Serve chilled.

Notes

Best made 1 day ahead for max flavor.

Add whipped topping and crunch just before serving.

Store covered in fridge for up to 4 days.