Is there anything more iconically summer than strawberries and cream? This classic dessert is simple, elegant, and requires only a handful of ingredients. It’s a staple at events like Wimbledon, and it’s easy enough to whip up for a casual backyard barbecue.
The best part about this recipe for strawberries and cream is its versatility. It’s easy to adapt to your preferences with variations, substitutions, and serving suggestions. We’ll get into all of that below.
Strawberries aren’t just delicious; they’re also linked to a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes! And the cream? It provides protein, saturated fat, calcium, and vitamins A and D.
INGREDIENTS: Quality and Freshness Matter
Strawberries and cream is a simple dessert, so it’s important to use the best ingredients you can find. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
Strawberries
Fresh, in-season strawberries are the key to a great strawberries and cream. Look for berries that are a deep red color with bright green leaves. The juiciest berries are the most fragrant. You’ll probably need around 1 to 2 pounds of strawberries, depending on how many people you’re serving.
Cream
For the cream, you’ll want to use heavy whipping cream with a high fat content (at least 30%) so that it whips up properly. It’s also important to chill the cream well before whipping it. Cold cream whips up much faster, and it will form stiffer peaks. Plan on about 1 to 2 cups of cream, again depending on how many servings you want to make.
Sweetener
Confectioner’s sugar, also known as powdered sugar, is ideal for sweetening whipped cream because it dissolves easily and creates a smooth texture. You can also use granulated sugar, but the whipped cream might be a little grainy. For a more natural sweetness, try maple syrup or honey. You’ll probably want between 1 1/2 tablespoons and 2/3 cup of sweetener, depending on how sweet you like it.
Optional Ingredients
A little vanilla extract adds a nice touch to the whipped cream, and a tiny pinch of sea salt can enhance the sweetness of the berries and cream.
Making the perfect whipped cream
Strawberries and cream is all about the cream, right? Here’s how to make yours extra-delicious:
Chill your equipment
Pop your mixing bowl and beaters into the freezer for 15 or 20 minutes before you start. The cold helps the cream whip faster and keeps it from losing its shape.
The whipping process
- Pour the chilled heavy cream into the chilled bowl.
- Start whipping on medium speed, gradually increasing to high.
- Slowly add your powdered sugar or other sweetener and vanilla extract, if you’re using it.
- Keep whipping until stiff peaks form. You’ll know you’re there when the cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters out of the bowl.
Avoiding over-whipping
Whatever you do, don’t overwhip! Overwhipped cream turns grainy and buttery. Stop whipping when the cream thickens and forms soft peaks, then check frequently until stiff peaks appear.
Now, pile that whipped cream on top of your berries and enjoy!
Preparing the strawberries
The secret to truly delicious strawberries and cream is to use the freshest, ripest berries you can find. Here’s how to prep them for this classic dessert:
Washing and drying
- Rinse the strawberries in a colander under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the berries dry with a paper towel. If the strawberries are too wet, they’ll make the dessert watery.
Hulling and cutting
- Remove the stems (or hulls) from the strawberries with a paring knife or a strawberry huller. You can leave the greens on if you like the way they look.
- Cut the larger berries into quarters and the smaller ones in half. If you want a prettier presentation, slice the strawberries instead of halving or quartering them. You may want to reserve a few strawberries to make a purée.
Optional strawberry purée
For an even richer experience, consider making a quick strawberry purée. Just blend a handful of berries in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can boil the purée to make a glaze, if you like.
How to assemble and serve strawberries and cream
For an elegant look, layer the strawberries and whipped cream in a glass or bowl, starting with a bit of strawberry puree (if you’re using it), then a layer of sliced strawberries, then a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Strawberries and cream is best served right away, so the whipped cream doesn’t deflate.
For a final flourish, add a sprig of fresh mint and a dusting of powdered sugar or brown sugar.
Variations and substitutions
Want to change up this classic dessert? Here are a few ideas:
Vegan strawberries and cream
Swap out the heavy cream with chilled coconut cream. For a texture similar to whipped cream, chill the coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight, then whip it with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy.
Tangy twist
Add a little bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the whipped cream. The tanginess will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the berries.
Flavor enhancements
Try a dash of almond or lemon extract in the whipped cream. Or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Key Takeaways
Strawberries and cream is a simple, delicious, and incredibly refreshing summer dessert. Even better, it’s easy to adapt to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
So, grab some fresh strawberries, your favorite cream (or non-dairy alternative!), and give this classic recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!