Strawberries and Cream — Sweet, Simple, and Ready in Minutes

No dessert is easier to make than Strawberries and Cream. It's such a great recipe for peak strawberry season when berries are overflowing in the fridge. This recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and zero turning on the oven--how's that for a summer dessert win?!

Bright, juicy strawberries layered with a sweet, vanilla-y, light-as-air whipped cream. Simply elegant, perfectly light yet completely satisfying. I've served this recently at a multi-family dinner and was delighted to see that the children enjoyed this healthier dessert option as much as the adults.

Why This Recipe Works

Where this dessert originated depends on who you ask. If you're talking Strawberries and Cream, you'll get England; however, Mexico also claims Frescas Con Crema. Both renditions feature strawberries and some version of whipping cream (aerated or not) and, oftentimes, sour cream as well.

This isn't the version served at Wimbledon or in traditional Mexican kitchens; it's the one that showed up at my kitchen table, year after year. Sweet and simple (almost too simple to call a recipe) but too delicious not to share. It's slightly Americanized, the least fussy, and way too easy to love.

If strawberry desserts are your go-to during the summer, here are a couple more to try: Strawberry Pound Cake and Strawberry Cookies.

Strawberries and Whipped Cream Ingredients

Strawberries | Since the ingredients for this recipe are so beyond simple, it's important they're at their best. Look for deep red strawberries with bright green leaves. Fresh, juicy berries will be very fragrant. This is a great tip for picking the right strawberries, no matter what recipe you're making--from Chocolate-Covered Strawberries to Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes--choosing fresh strawberries makes all the difference.

Whipping Cream | In order for your heavy whipping cream to whip, it needs to be cold. Be sure it is well chilled before you begin.

Powdered Sugar | The only sugar you should ever use for making whipped cream. It's super fine and will create a silky texture, keeping your whipped cream fluffier longer.

Vanilla Extract | This balances out sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

Salt | Fine sea salt is such an important ingredient because of its fine grain. It enhances all other flavors without affecting texture whatsoever.

Sour Cream (Optional) | I included this optional ingredient in our list for those of you who might prefer a rendition a little closer to Frescas con Crema. Feel free to fold in a ¼ cup of sour cream into your finished whipped cream to give Strawberries and Cream a little tang and a mousse-like texture.

How Make Strawberries and Cream

Rinse berries in a colander under cool running water. Pat dry with a paper towel. Remove stems and cut larger berries into quarters and smaller to medium-sized berries in half. It is important that the strawberries are dry before you assemble your strawberries and cream dessert.

How to Make Whipped Cream

Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer, begin mixing on low and gradually work your way up to high speed. Mix for 2-3 minutes, just until soft peaks form.

Take care not to over-whip the whipped cream--you don't want stiff peaks for this recipe. The whipped cream should be soft enough to fall and coat each berry. Whip to the soft peak stage where the whipped cream holds its shape, but droops slightly from the beaters.

If using sour cream, fold in after the whipped cream has reached soft peaks.

You can absolutely repeat this whipped cream recipe for more desserts, especially Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits, Strawberry Trifle, or even Strawberry Cobbler.

Add about a ½ cup of strawberries and a generous ¼ cup of whipped cream to a small dessert bowl. Repeat layers for an extra special, elegant touch.

Garnish with a sprig of mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a pinch of brown sugar if desired. Serves 6.

5 More Strawberry Desserts You’ll Love

• Strawberry Scones | Sweet, tender, and bursting with fresh berries—Strawberry Scones are everything a summer morning needs. Perfectly golden with just the right touch of sweetness.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream | Creamy, dreamy, and swirled with real strawberries and chunks of graham cracker crust, our Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream tastes just like your favorite dessert in frozen form!
• Strawberry Cupcakes | Light, fluffy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor, Strawberry Cupcakes are topped with a silky strawberry buttercream that’s pure pink perfection!
• Strawberry Pancakes | Strawberry Pancakes are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry goodness. A bright, berry-filled way to start your day—sweet, simple, and totally satisfying!
• Strawberry Brownies | Strawberry Brownies are soft, sweet, and bursting with berry flavor. A fun, fruity spin on a classic dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious!