Strawberry Desserts
Strawberries are a versatile and beloved fruit, bursting with sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant color. When strawberry season arrives, it’s the perfect time to indulge in an array of delectable strawberry desserts. Whether you have a surplus from your garden or simply couldn’t resist buying an extra pint at the market, there are countless ways to transform fresh strawberries into mouthwatering treats. From traditional favorites like strawberry shortcakes to inventive creations like strawberry basil tarts, these recipes will help you savor every bite of your fresh strawberries.
Tips & Tricks
- choose the Best Strawberries: Select ripe, bright red strawberries with a sweet aroma. Avoid those with white or green patches, as they may lack flavor.
- Proper Storage: Store strawberries in the refrigerator and avoid washing them until you’re ready to use them. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents mold.
- Enhance Flavor: Macerate strawberries by tossing them with a bit of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to enhance their natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Balancing Sweetness: Strawberries can vary in sweetness. Taste your strawberries before adding them to your dessert, and adjust the sugar in your recipe accordingly.
- Avoid Overcooking: When baking with strawberries, be cautious not to overcook them. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and loss of flavor. Incorporate them towards the end of the baking process if possible.
- Texture Matters: For a mix of textures, combine fresh strawberries with cooked elements. For instance, use fresh strawberries as a topping for a baked tart or mix them into a chilled dessert like panna cotta.
- Pair with Complementary Flavors: Enhance your strawberry desserts by pairing them with complementary flavors such as mint, basil, balsamic vinegar, or dark chocolate.
- Preservation: If you have an excess of fresh strawberries, consider making strawberry preserves, jam, or freezing them. This way, you can enjoy their flavor in desserts long after the season is over.
- Presentation: To make your strawberry desserts visually appealing, slice the strawberries uniformly and arrange them thoughtfully. A beautiful presentation can elevate even the simplest dessert.
- Experiment with Formats: Don’t limit yourself to traditional desserts. Try using strawberries in sorbets, parfaits, mousses, or even as a topping for breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles.
Strawberry Desserts
1. Strawberry Icebox Cake
A strawberry icebox cake is a simple, no-bake dessert that layers fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and graham crackers. This refreshing treat is perfect for using up an abundance of fresh strawberries, creating a delicious, creamy dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for warm weather.
2. Strawberry Jam
Strawberry jam is a classic, sweet preserve made by cooking fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. It’s an excellent way to use up an abundance of fresh strawberries, capturing their flavor in a spreadable form that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or as a filling for desserts.
3. Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas
Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas are a delightful fusion dessert where fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling are wrapped in tortillas, fried to golden perfection, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. This inventive treat is a delicious way to use up fresh strawberries, offering a crispy, creamy, and fruity indulgence.
4. Strawberry Mint Iced Tea
Strawberry tea is a refreshing beverage made by steeping fresh strawberries with tea leaves, creating a fruity and aromatic drink. It’s a wonderful way to use up fresh strawberries, offering a delightful blend of sweet berry flavors and the soothing qualities of tea.
5. Strawberry Cheesecake Donut
Strawberry Cheesecake Donuts are indulgent treats featuring donuts filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with fresh strawberries. This delicious combination is a perfect way to use up fresh strawberries, turning them into a sweet and tangy dessert delight.
6. Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
Strawberry poke cake is a moist, flavorful dessert made by poking holes in a baked cake and filling them with fresh strawberry puree or gelatin. Topped with whipped cream and more fresh strawberries, it’s an easy and delicious way to use up your berry harvest.
7. Strawberry Agua Fresca
Strawberry Agua Fresca is a refreshing, light beverage made by blending fresh strawberries with water, a touch of sugar, and lime juice. It’s a delicious way to use up fresh strawberries, perfect for cooling down on a hot day with a burst of natural berry flavor.
8. Strawberry Shortcake Brownies
These strawberry shortcake brownies will be a winner with their soft strawberry brownie base, creamy frosting, and strawberry cookie crumble.
9. Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos
Strawberry Cheesecake Tacos are a mouthwatering dessert innovation, featuring crispy cinnamon taco shells filled with creamy cheesecake filling and topped with fresh strawberries. This delightful fusion treat is a fun and delicious way to use up fresh strawberries, creating a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors.
10. Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a sweet and salty dessert featuring layers of pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries topped with tangy gelatin. This classic recipe is a unique and delicious way to use up fresh strawberries, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
11. The BEST Strawberry Pie
Strawberry Pie is a classic dessert bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, nestled in a flaky pie crust. This simple yet delightful dessert is the perfect way to showcase the flavor of ripe strawberries and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
12. Strawberry Delight
Strawberry Delight is a luscious dessert featuring layers of creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy crust. This irresistible treat is a delightful way to use up fresh strawberries, combining their natural sweetness with creamy indulgence for a perfect summer dessert.
13. STRAWBERRY COBBLER
Indulge in the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with Strawberry Cobbler, a comforting dessert bursting with flavor. Topped with a golden biscuit or cake-like topping, this delightful treat offers a perfect way to use up your berry harvest, transforming simple ingredients into a warm and inviting dessert that’s sure to please.
14. Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Savor the flavors of summer with Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a decadent dessert marrying creamy cheesecake with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries. These delightful bars offer a creative way to utilize your surplus of berries, seamlessly blending rich indulgence with fruity freshness for a treat that’s both satisfying and irresistible.
15. Strawberry Pie Bars
Strawberry Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Bursting with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, these bars provide a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the essence of summer, ideal for utilizing an abundance of fresh berries.
How to store Fresh Strawberries
How to Store Strawberries
- Inspect and Sort: Before storing, inspect the strawberries and remove any that are bruised or moldy. This prevents the mold from spreading to the rest of the berries.
- Do Not Wash Before Storing: Washing strawberries before storing them can introduce moisture that speeds up spoilage. Wash them just before you’re ready to use them.
- Use a Paper Towel: Line a shallow container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Spread the strawberries in a single layer to avoid crushing them.
- Container with Airflow: Use a container with a lid that allows some airflow. If you don’t have a vented container, leave the lid slightly ajar. This helps maintain freshness by allowing moisture to escape.
- Refrigeration: Place the container in the refrigerator. Strawberries can last up to a week when stored properly in the fridge.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage:
- Wash and Dry: Wash the strawberries gently under cool running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Hull the Strawberries: Remove the green stems and any blemishes.
- Flash Freeze: Spread the strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for a few hours until they are solid.
- Transfer to a Bag: Once frozen, transfer the strawberries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: Label the container with the date. Frozen strawberries can last up to 6 months.
