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.
Strawberries and cream is made by combining fresh sliced strawberries with slightly sweetened whipped cream. Simply whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then layer with the strawberries and serve right away.
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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. And if you've got berries and whipped cream left over, they're just as good piled over Brioche French Toast for an easy weekend brunch!
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.
Recipe Testing Note: Skip the brown sugar for this recipe. While it might seem like a good idea, it actually dulls the bright, fresh flavor of the strawberries. Powdered sugar keeps the whipped cream light, smooth, and lets the berries shine.
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 or Greek Yogurt (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 or Greek yogurt into your finished whipped cream to give Strawberries and Cream a little tang and a mousse-like texture.
What Kind of Cream is Best for Strawberries?
Heavy whipping cream is best for strawberries because it whips into a light, airy texture that coats the berries perfectly without weighing them down.
For a tangier, richer rendition (similar to fresas con crema a.k.a. Mexican strawberries and cream), use sour cream in place of heavy cream, and mix in sugar, and vanilla. Skip the salt and the whipping for this take.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream
Quick Recipe Overview
- Slice the strawberries
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until soft peaks form
- Layer strawberries and whipped cream and serve
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.
This whipped cream is perfect for recipes like Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits, Strawberry Trifle, or 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 and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. Serves 6.
Tips for Perfect Strawberries and Cream Every Time
- Don't Overwhip the Cream for Strawberries and Cream | Overwhipping the cream will result in a almost curdled looking cream that does not have nearly as smooth and delicate of a mouth feel as whipped cream that has been whipped to low peaks. It can be tempting to turn up the speed on your mixer, but it is best to have restraint here. Overmixing happens quickly! As soon as your whipped cream starts to fluff up, pay close attention for soft peaks.
- Dry Strawberries Thoroughly | Wet strawberries will create a muddled mess out of your whipped cream. Be sure to put your strawberries dry with paper towels before slicing into them.
- Use Powdered Sugar Only | Powdered sugar is light and incorporates into whipping cream seamlessly. It is the only type of sugar we recommend using for whipped cream.
How to Store Strawberries and Cream
Store | You can store strawberries and whipped cream in the refrigerator in separate containers for a maximum of 24 hours in advance. Note, the whipped cream will not be as fluffy after just a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberries and cream is a simple dessert showcasing, fresh sliced strawberries and sweetened whipped cream.
To make strawberries and cream, slice fresh strawberries and mix together heavy, whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Then, layer the berries and whipped cream in a bowl and serve.
Yes, you can use sour cream (or even Greek yogurt) for a tangier version of strawberries and cream. It creates a richer, slightly thicker texture, similar to frescas con crema. Use 2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract per cup of sour cream.
Heavy whipping cream sweetened with powdered sugar and mixed until light and fluffy is the best cream for strawberries.
Strawberries and cream does not keep well once the berries and whipped cream are layered. It is best to assemble this dish just before serving.
Slice the strawberries up to 2 to 3 days in advance and make the whipped cream up to one day in advance. However, the whipped cream likely won't be as fluffy the next day. Do not assemble ahead of time.
Yes. Sugar is a key ingredient for this simple dish. It is used to sweeten the cream for strawberries and cream.
If your whipped cream is runny, you likely did not whip it long enough. Make sure you continue mixing until soft peaks have formed for best results.
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!
Strawberries and Cream
Ingredients
- 2 pounds strawberries, rinsed, dried, and halved or quartered
- 2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries as directed.
- 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.
- Layer strawberries and whipped cream in a bowl, and repeat it desired. Serve and enjoy!
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