Oh, the Sweetness of Summer!
Remember those warm summer days, the kind where the sun felt like a warm hug and the air smelled like blooming flowers? For me, that scent always brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen. She had this magical way of turning simple ingredients into pure joy, and one of her absolute favorites was always a big bowl of Strawberries and Cream. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both incredibly special and wonderfully simple, a true taste of pure bliss. Today, we’re going to recreate that magic together with a recipe that’s so easy, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it a thousand times already!
Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Fresas con Crema
- Speedy Sweetness: Seriously, this comes together in minutes. Perfect for those “I need a treat RIGHT NOW” moments.
- Effortlessly Easy: No fancy techniques here! If you can slice a strawberry and stir, you can make this.
- The Perfect Potluck or Picnic Dish: Everyone loves a classic, and this is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it travels like a dream!
- Pure Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: From toddlers to grandparents, this sweet and creamy delight is universally loved.
Gather Your Sweet Symphony of Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples and some gorgeous fresh fruit to create something truly spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs Fresh Strawberries, sliced lengthwise: Pick the ripest, reddest berries you can find! They are the star of the show. Slicing them lengthwise helps them release their delicious juices into the cream.
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- 3/4 cup Mexican Crema: This is key to that authentic, slightly tangy flavor that makes Fresas con Crema so special. If you can’t find it, regular sour cream or even a good quality full-fat yogurt can work in a pinch, but Mexican crema is worth seeking out!
- 2 cups Heavy Cream: For that rich, luscious, dreamy creaminess.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is where the magic happens! It provides sweetness and a wonderful velvety texture without needing to cook anything down.
Let’s Whip Up Some Happiness: How to Make It
Alright, kitchen crew, grab your bowls and let’s get started! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be enjoying this deliciousness before you know it.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pretty Strawberries
First things first, let’s get those beautiful strawberries ready. You’ll want to hull them – that’s just removing the green leafy tops. Then, slice them lengthwise. Some folks like them thin, some like them a bit chunkier. Go with what makes your heart sing!
Step 2: Sweeten the Stars
In a medium bowl, gently toss your sliced strawberries with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Give them a little stir, just enough to coat them. This starts to draw out some of their lovely juice, which we want in our final creation!
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Dream
Now, grab a larger bowl. Pour in your Mexican crema, heavy cream, and that glorious can of sweetened condensed milk. Get your whisk ready and whisk everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and beautifully combined. It should look like a cloud of pure deliciousness!
Step 4: The Grand Uniting
This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! Gently fold the sugared strawberries (and all their lovely juice!) into the cream mixture. Be gentle here – we want to keep those strawberry slices looking lovely and not mushy. Just fold them in until they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Serve and Savor (or Chill!)
And there you have it! Your incredible Strawberries and Cream is ready. You can serve it up immediately in pretty bowls for a delightful dessert. Or, if you prefer, pop it into the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together even more, making it even more irresistible!
Get Creative: Substitutions & Delicious Additions
While this recipe is perfect as is, you know me, I love to play around! Here are a few ideas:
- For a Touch of Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lime or lemon zest to the cream mixture for a bright, refreshing pop.
- Vanilla Dreams: A splash of good quality vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon) is always a welcome addition to any creamy dessert.
- Berry Goodness: Feel free to mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries.
- Crunchy Topping: For a little texture contrast, top with some crumbled shortbread cookies or toasted slivered almonds just before serving.
- No Mexican Crema? As mentioned, sour cream or even Greek yogurt can work. Just ensure it’s full-fat for the best richness.
My Tried-and-True Tips for Success
Even the easiest recipes can benefit from a little insider knowledge. Here are my go-to tips:
- Berry Quality Matters: The better your strawberries, the better your Fresas con Crema. Look for firm, bright red berries.
- Don’t Over-Mix: When folding in the strawberries, a gentle hand is best to maintain their beautiful shape and texture.
- Chill for Flavor: While you can eat it right away, chilling really does enhance the flavor by allowing the sugar to work its magic on the strawberries and the creams to meld.
- Prep Ahead Power: You can slice your strawberries and toss them with sugar a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Just mix the cream mixture and fold them in when you’re ready to serve!
Keeping It Fresh: How to Store It
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the strawberries will continue to soften over time. I find it’s still wonderfully delicious on day two!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got a burning question? Let’s see if we can answer it!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh is always best for texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Just make sure to drain them very well after thawing to avoid a watery cream mixture.
How long does it take to chill?
For the best flavor melding, chilling for at least 30 minutes is recommended. For an even deeper flavor, an hour or two in the fridge is perfect.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It is sweet, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk, but the tang from the Mexican crema balances it out beautifully. You can adjust the sugar added to the strawberries to your personal preference.
Strawberries and Cream (Fresas con Crema)
Equipment
- bowls medium and large
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.75 lbs Fresh Strawberries sliced lengthwise
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar for tossing with strawberries
- 0.75 cup Mexican Crema or sour cream/full-fat yogurt
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 14.5 ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk
Instructions
- Hull and slice the strawberries lengthwise.1.75 lbs Fresh Strawberries
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar until coated. Let sit to release juices.1.75 lbs Fresh Strawberries
- In a larger bowl, whisk together the Mexican crema, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and combined.1.75 lbs Fresh Strawberries
- Gently fold the sugared strawberries and their juice into the cream mixture.1.75 lbs Fresh Strawberries
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.