Strawberry desserts are a delightful way to enjoy the sweet, juicy flavor of this beloved fruit. From classic pies and cobblers to more creative treats, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to showcasing strawberries in your desserts.
You can find strawberry desserts for every occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or an impressive centerpiece for a special meal. These recipes often combine strawberries with other tasty ingredients like cream, chocolate, or other fruits to create mouthwatering treats. Many strawberry desserts are perfect for warm weather, offering a refreshing and light option to end a meal or enjoy as a sweet snack.
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for summer. You can make it with biscuits, pound cake, or sponge cake as the base.
To start, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit. This brings out their juicy sweetness.
For homemade biscuits, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter, then add milk to form a dough. Bake until golden brown.
When the biscuits are cool, split them in half. Layer with the strawberries and top with whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flavor.
Serve your strawberry shortcake right away for the best taste and texture. It’s a simple yet delicious treat that everyone will love.
Strawberry cheesecake is a classic dessert that combines creamy cheese filling with sweet strawberry flavor. You can make it with a graham cracker crust or cookie base.
The filling usually contains cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. Some recipes add sour cream or whipped cream for extra richness. Fresh strawberries or strawberry puree give it a fruity taste.
You can bake strawberry cheesecake in the oven or make a no-bake version. No-bake cheesecakes are quicker and easier to prepare. They often use gelatin to help the filling set.
Top your cheesecake with fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, or whipped cream for a pretty finish. Chill it well before serving to get clean slices.
Strawberry trifle is a delightful layered dessert that combines cake, pudding, and fresh strawberries. To make it, start by preparing vanilla pudding according to package instructions.
Cut pound cake or angel food cake into cubes. Layer half the cake in a glass bowl. Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top.
Spread half the pudding over the strawberries. Repeat these layers once more. Top with whipped cream for a finishing touch.
You can customize your trifle by adding banana slices or using different flavors of pudding. For extra flavor, drizzle strawberry syrup over the cake layers.
Chill your trifle in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and makes it easier to serve.
Strawberry ice cream is a classic summer treat you can easily make at home. You’ll need fresh strawberries, cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Start by pureeing the strawberries. Mix them with the other ingredients in a large bowl. Pour this mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the machine’s instructions.
For extra texture, add chunks of strawberries in the last minute of churning. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make a no-churn version.
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for a few hours before serving. You’ll love the creamy texture and fresh strawberry flavor of your homemade treat.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple yet elegant dessert. You can make them at home with just three ingredients: fresh strawberries, chocolate, and a bit of oil.
Start by washing and drying your strawberries. Melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, then place on parchment paper to set.
For added flair, drizzle white chocolate over the dark chocolate coating. You can also roll the dipped strawberries in chopped nuts or sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
These treats are perfect for special occasions or as a quick dessert. You can store them in the fridge for a few days, but they taste best when fresh.
Strawberry smoothies are a quick and easy dessert you can whip up in minutes. To make one, blend frozen strawberries with milk and yogurt for a creamy texture.
Add a banana for extra sweetness and thickness. You can use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
For more flavor, try adding mango or pineapple to your smoothie. A splash of lemon juice can give it a tangy kick.
Smoothies are a great way to use up extra strawberries. They’re also perfect for hot summer days when you want something cool and refreshing.
Strawberry rhubarb pie combines sweet strawberries with tart rhubarb for a classic dessert. You’ll love the balance of flavors in each bite.
To make this pie, mix chopped rhubarb and strawberries with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. The sugar sweetens the filling while the flour thickens it as it bakes.
Pour the fruit mixture into a pie crust and top with a lattice or full crust. Bake until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Serve your strawberry rhubarb pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream perfectly complements the warm, tangy pie filling.
Strawberry popsicles are a refreshing summer treat you can easily make at home. To create these icy delights, blend fresh strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. For added texture, you can include small chunks of strawberry in the blend.
If you want a creamier version, mix in some Greek yogurt before freezing. This adds protein and makes the popsicles more filling.
For extra strawberry flavor, try adding freeze-dried strawberry powder to your mix. Your homemade popsicles will be bursting with natural strawberry goodness.
Strawberry parfaits are easy and tasty desserts you can make at home. You’ll need fresh strawberries, yogurt, and a crunchy element like graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Start by chopping the strawberries into small pieces. Mix them with a little sugar to bring out their sweetness. In a separate bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt with honey to taste.
Layer the ingredients in a clear glass. Begin with the yogurt mixture, add some crumbs, then top with strawberries. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of lemon juice to the strawberries. You can also use whipped cream instead of yogurt for a richer treat. Chill your parfait before serving for the best taste.
Strawberry muffins are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with fluffy muffin batter. You can easily make these at home for a tasty breakfast or snack.
To prepare strawberry muffins, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Add chopped fresh strawberries last. Spoon the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 20 minutes.
Your strawberry muffins will come out golden brown and bursting with fruity flavor. Enjoy them warm with a pat of butter or at room temperature.
Strawberry pancakes are a tasty breakfast treat that combines fluffy pancakes with fresh strawberries. You can make these at home using simple ingredients.
To start, mix pancake batter and fold in chopped strawberries. Cook the batter on a hot griddle until bubbles form, then flip.
The result is soft pancakes studded with sweet strawberry pieces. You can top them with extra sliced strawberries and maple syrup for more flavor.
These pancakes are perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions. They’re easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults.
Strawberry mousse is a light and airy dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients.
Start by blending fresh strawberries with sugar to create a smooth puree. Whip some heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the mousse.
Chill the mousse for at least an hour before serving. You can garnish it with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream.
This dessert is easy to customize. Try adding vanilla extract or lemon juice for extra flavor. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
Strawberry yogurt is a tasty treat that combines two delicious ingredients. You can enjoy it on its own or use it in various desserts.
Try making a no-bake strawberry yogurt pie for a quick and easy dessert. Mix graham cracker crumbs with butter for the crust, then fill it with a blend of yogurt, whipped topping, and strawberry Jell-O powder.
For a warm treat, bake a strawberry yogurt cake. Combine flour, sugar, eggs, and yogurt with fresh strawberries for a moist and fruity cake.
You can also layer strawberry yogurt with granola and fresh berries to create parfaits. These make great breakfast options or light desserts.
Strawberry macarons are delicate French cookies that combine a light, crisp shell with a creamy strawberry filling. You’ll love their pretty pink color and sweet fruity flavor.
To make these treats, you’ll need almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, and strawberry flavoring. The shells are made by piping the batter into small circles and baking until they form a smooth top with ruffled edges.
For the filling, you can use strawberry buttercream or ganache. Some recipes call for freeze-dried strawberries to boost the flavor. A drizzle of white chocolate on top adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Strawberry macarons are perfect for tea parties, brunch, or as a special dessert. With practice, you can master these elegant cookies at home.
Strawberry Danish combines flaky pastry with sweet strawberries and creamy cheese filling. You can make this treat at home using puff pastry sheets as a shortcut.
To prepare, spread cream cheese mixture in the center of puff pastry rectangles. Top with strawberry filling or fresh berries. Fold the edges and brush with egg wash before baking.
For the filling, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Cook strawberries with sugar and lemon juice to make a sauce. Or use strawberry preserves for a quicker option.
Bake until the pastry is golden and puffy. Serve these danishes warm for breakfast or as a sweet snack. They’re perfect for special occasions or weekend brunch.
Strawberry cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings the taste of summer to your dessert plate. You can make these sweet treats using fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine butter, sugar, and vanilla.
Add eggs to the wet ingredients, then fold in the dry mixture. Gently stir in chopped strawberries. Fill the cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes.
For a finishing touch, top your cupcakes with strawberry buttercream frosting. This creates a burst of strawberry flavor in every bite.
Strawberry pie is a sweet treat that’s perfect for summer. You can make it with fresh strawberries and a few simple ingredients.
Start by making a pie crust and letting it cool. For the filling, mash some strawberries and cook them with sugar and vanilla. Mix cornstarch with water and add it to thicken the sauce.
Fill your crust with whole strawberries and pour the cooked mixture over them. You can top it with a lattice crust for a pretty look.
Bake the pie until golden brown. Let it cool before serving. Add whipped cream or ice cream on top for extra deliciousness.
Strawberry eclairs offer a sweet twist on the classic French pastry. You’ll love biting into the light, airy choux pastry filled with strawberry cream.
To make them, pipe choux dough onto baking sheets and bake until golden. Once cooled, slice them open and fill with strawberry-flavored pastry cream.
Top your eclairs with a strawberry glaze or chocolate ganache. For extra flair, add fresh strawberry slices or a dusting of powdered sugar.
These pretty pink treats are perfect for tea parties or special occasions. You can also make a larger version called a strawberry eclair cake using graham crackers and strawberry pudding.
Strawberry scones are a tasty breakfast treat or afternoon snack. To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries. Beat an egg with cream and add it to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Shape the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled scones. Enjoy your homemade strawberry scones with a cup of tea or coffee.
Strawberry crumble is a tasty dessert that’s easy to make. You start with fresh, juicy strawberries as the base. These get baked until they’re soft and syrupy.
The crumble topping is made from oats, flour, butter, and sugar. It turns golden and crispy in the oven. The contrast between the soft fruit and crunchy topping is delicious.
You can serve strawberry crumble warm or cold. It’s great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert works well for casual family dinners or summer parties.
Making strawberry crumble is a good way to use up extra strawberries. It’s also faster to prepare than a traditional pie.
Strawberry pudding is a creamy, fruity dessert that’s perfect for summer. You can make it from scratch with fresh strawberries, milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
Start by pureeing strawberries and mixing them with milk and sugar in a saucepan. Heat the mixture while stirring constantly. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
Once it bubbles and thickens, remove from heat. Pour into serving dishes and chill until set. Top with fresh strawberry slices or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
You can also layer it with vanilla wafers for a strawberry pudding parfait. This dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and showcase the delicious flavor of strawberries.
Nutritional Benefits Of Strawberries
Strawberries pack a powerful nutritional punch. These sweet berries offer many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your health in various ways.
Vitamins and Minerals
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C. A cup of strawberries gives you almost your whole daily need of this important vitamin. Vitamin C helps your immune system and helps your body absorb iron from other foods.
Strawberries also have:
Manganese
Folate (vitamin B9)
Potassium
Small amounts of iron, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus
These nutrients play key roles in your body. They help with bone health, blood pressure, and making red blood cells.
Antioxidant Properties
Strawberries are full of antioxidants. These compounds protect your cells from damage. The main antioxidants in strawberries are:
Vitamin C
Anthocyanins (give strawberries their red color)
Ellagic acid
Quercetin
Antioxidants may lower your risk of some diseases. They fight inflammation in your body. This could help protect your heart and brain health.
Eating strawberries may also help control blood sugar levels. Their antioxidants might improve how your body uses insulin.
Tips for Selecting and Storing Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are a tasty treat. Picking good ones and keeping them fresh is key. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Choose Fresh Strawberries
Look for bright red berries with green caps. Avoid any with white or green patches. The color should be even all over.
Check for mold or soft spots. Good strawberries are firm and plump. Smell them too – ripe ones have a sweet scent.
Size doesn’t matter for taste. Small berries can be just as sweet as big ones. Pick ones that are fully ripe. They won’t ripen more after picking.
Buy local strawberries when you can. They’re often fresher than ones shipped long distances.
Proper Storage Techniques
Don’t wash strawberries until you’re ready to eat them. Extra moisture can make them spoil faster.
Keep strawberries in the fridge. Put them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray. This stops them from crushing each other.
Use your berries within 3-5 days for the best taste. Check them daily and remove any that start to go bad.
For longer storage, freeze your strawberries. Wash and dry them, then remove the tops. Freeze them on a tray, then put them in a freezer bag.
You can also make jam or preserves to enjoy your strawberries for months.
Understanding Strawberry Varieties
Strawberries come in many types with different flavors, sizes, and growing seasons. Knowing these varieties can help you pick the best ones for your desserts and enjoy fresh strawberries year-round.
Popular Strawberry Types
Strawberries have many varieties to choose from. June-bearing strawberries produce one big crop each year in late spring or early summer. These include Earliglow, known for its sweet flavor, and Allstar, which has large, firm berries.
Ever-bearing strawberries give two smaller harvests, one in spring and another in fall. Seascape is a popular ever-bearing type that produces sweet, large fruits. Day-neutral strawberries make fruit throughout the growing season when temperatures are right. Albion is a day-neutral variety prized for its size and taste.
Wild strawberries are tiny but pack intense flavor. Alpine strawberries fall into this group and are great for garnishes.
Seasonal Availability
You can find fresh strawberries in stores almost all year thanks to different growing regions. In the U.S., Florida starts the season in winter. California takes over in spring and continues into fall.
Local strawberry seasons vary by climate. In many places, peak season is May to June. Some areas have fall crops too. Frozen strawberries are always an option for desserts when fresh ones aren’t in season.
Growing your own strawberries lets you try unique varieties. You can plant different types to extend your harvest season at home.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
