Looking for the perfect summer dessert that’s both simple and satisfying? Sometimes the classic combinations are the best ones, especially when you need a treat that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen all day. As someone who’s always juggling deadlines and family commitments, I know how precious free time can be.
That’s why this strawberry and cream recipe has become my go-to dessert. It’s refreshingly straightforward, takes just minutes to put together, and has that lovely balance of sweet fruit and smooth cream that everyone seems to love. Plus, it’s the kind of dessert that works just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for a summer gathering with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberries and Cream
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 15 minutes or less, this dessert is perfect for those times when you need something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
- 5-ingredient recipe – With just strawberries, cream, and a few basic ingredients, you can create this simple yet satisfying treat.
- No baking required – This no-bake dessert is perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Kid-friendly dessert – The sweet, creamy combination is always a hit with children, and they can even help prepare it since there’s no cooking involved.
What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?
Fresh strawberries are definitely the way to go for this recipe, and you’ll want to look for bright red berries that are firm but not hard. The best strawberries will have a sweet aroma and be red all the way up to the stem – skip any that have white or green patches near the top. If you’re shopping at the grocery store, check the bottom of the container for any mushy or moldy berries, since one bad berry can quickly affect the others. When you get them home, don’t wash your strawberries until you’re ready to use them, as moisture can make them spoil faster. For the best flavor, try to use your strawberries within 2-3 days of purchase.
Options for Substitutions
This creamy dessert can be made with several ingredient swaps if needed:
- Fresh strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones – just thaw and drain them well first. Other berries like raspberries or a berry mix would work too, though this might change the final color and taste.
- Sour cream: You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version. Mexican crema or crème fraîche are good alternatives too, though they’ll make the dessert richer.
- Condensed milk: This is pretty important for the right texture and sweetness, but in a pinch, you can use 1 cup heavy cream mixed with ⅓ cup sugar (though the texture won’t be quite the same).
- Evaporated milk: Regular whole milk or half-and-half can work instead of evaporated milk. If using regular milk, you might want to reduce it on the stove first to get a similar consistency.
- Vanilla essence: Vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or even the seeds from half a vanilla pod would work great here. You could also try almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest mistake when preparing strawberry and cream is using strawberries straight from the fridge – cold berries won’t release their natural sweetness, so let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
When mixing the cream components, avoid overmixing as this can make the texture too runny – gently fold the ingredients together just until they’re combined, and remember that the mixture will continue to thicken as it chills.
A common error is rushing the chilling process – this dessert needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to develop its full flavor and achieve the perfect consistency, but overnight chilling will give you even better results.
To prevent the strawberries from making the cream watery, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels after washing, and if you’re planning to store leftovers, it’s best to keep the berries and cream mixture separate until serving time.
What to Serve With Strawberries and Cream?
This sweet and creamy strawberry treat pairs wonderfully with some crispy shortbread cookies or buttery biscuits on the side. If you’re serving this for breakfast or brunch, try it alongside some warm scones or croissants – the contrast between the cool cream and warm pastries is so good! For a little extra crunch and flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds or granola on top. And if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This creamy strawberry treat will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container. The fresh strawberries might start to soften after day one, but the taste will still be yummy! Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Make Ahead: You can prep this dessert up to 24 hours in advance – perfect for when you’re planning a dinner party or family gathering. The flavors actually blend together nicely as it sits, making it even better the next day!
Serve: Take your strawberries and cream out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. This helps bring out the sweet strawberry flavor and makes the texture just right for spooning into bowls.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2000
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Fat: 50-60 g
- Carbohydrates: 280-300 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, fresh
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup condensed milk, sweetened
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Begin by removing and discarding the stems from the strawberries.
Then, slice the strawberries into thin slices and transfer them to a medium bowl, setting them aside for assembly later.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Cream Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
Whisk all ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, creamy mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
In each of the 6 bowls or cups, scoop ½ cup of the sliced strawberries.
Top each serving of strawberries with ½ cup of the sweet cream mixture.
This creates a layered and delicious dessert that is sure to please.
Step 4: Serve and Store
Serve the prepared dessert immediately with a spoon for a fresh and delightful treat.
If there are leftovers or if you are preparing it in advance, store the dessert in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays fresh and creamy.