Strawberries and cream
Celebrate sunny afternoons with a bowl of strawberries and cream. The strawberries are tossed with sugar and lemon juice, which draws out their juices and creates a sweet syrup. Served with softly whipped vanilla cream and a little lemon zest, it is a fresh and easy dessert perfect for warm summer days.
Ingredients
Strawberries
|
Fresh strawberries
|
450 g |
|---|---|
|
Sugar
|
1 tsp |
|
Lemon juice
|
1 tsp |
Cream
|
Double cream
|
250 ml |
|---|---|
|
Icing sugar
|
2 tbsp |
|
Vanilla extract
|
2 tsp |
|
Lemon zest (unwaxed), finely grated
|
½ tsp |
Garnish (optional)
|
Fresh mint
|
|
|---|---|
|
Lemon balm
|
Instructions
Strawberries
Cream
To serve
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
In Europe, strawberries reach their peak from late spring into early summer, and that is exactly when to use them. Look for berries that feel firm yet tender, with a deep red colour all the way around and a sweet scent. Skip any that are pale at the top, mushy, or lack aroma, as they are unlikely to be fully ripe.
Whip the cream until it reaches soft peaks or just holds its shape, then stop. If you whip too far, it will become dense and grainy instead of smooth and soft. Cream thickens quickly near the end, so keep a close eye on it.
Serve the strawberries and cream straight away while the strawberries are still juicy and the cream is light and airy. If it sits too long, the juices will start to run into the cream, making it softer and less fluffy.
FAQ: Questions about strawberries and cream
Strawberries and cream may be one of the simplest desserts there is, but that does not mean there is nothing worth knowing. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this classic strawberry dessert.
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberries and cream?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for strawberries and cream, but they will not have the same texture as fresh ones. After thawing, they tend to soften and release quite a bit of liquid. Make sure to thaw them completely and remove the extra juice so the cream does not lose its structure.
Why is my cream not whipping up thick and airy?
If your whipped cream is not turning thick and airy, it is often because it is too warm or has too low a fat content. Use cold double cream straight from the fridge, as it whips more easily and holds its shape better. A warm bowl or whisk can also make it harder for the cream to thicken, so keeping everything cool will help it whip up properly.
What goes well with strawberries and cream?
Strawberries and cream go well with crushed meringue, shortbread, or butter biscuits, adding a lovely contrast to the soft strawberries and airy cream. A little lemon zest or a handful of other berries also works well, while mint or lemon balm can be added as a fresh garnish.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
282 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 2.6 % | 1.8 g |
| Fat | 71.5 % | 22.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25.9 % | 18 g |
Fresh and sweet strawberries and cream recipe
Simple, fresh, and heavenly sweet, this strawberries and cream recipe is summer in a bowl. Served chilled, it is just the thing you need on a hot day. The combination of juicy fruit and whipped cream is a timeless classic that never fails to delight, offering a quick and easy way to savour the arrival of strawberry season.
We have a few more strawberry recipes up our sleeve. Our strawberry cheesecake ice cream is as indulgent as it sounds, while our lactose-free strawberry popsicles are perfect when you want something cold and refreshing. If you are thirsty, a strawberry banana milkshake and a strawberry matcha latte are both excellent ways to enjoy the season's best berries.
Sugared strawberries with a hint of lemon juice
The strawberries undergo a wonderful transformation after just a few minutes of resting with sugar and lemon. The once-firm fruit becomes delightfully tender, coated in its own concentrated syrup. This maceration process highlights the berry’s natural sugars while the lemon juice adds a punchy, bright finish that keeps the sweetness perfectly in check.
Sweet vanilla whipped cream with lemon zest
Softly whipped cream can make a simple dessert like this feel extra special. Whipped until thick and voluminous, it gives the strawberries a soft, luscious finish. Vanilla sugar adds a mild, rounded sweetness, while finely grated lemon zest supplies a fresh citrus note that keeps the cream from feeling too rich. Spoon it on top, and it adds a light, creamy contrast to the macerated strawberries.
Delicious ways to serve this easy strawberry dessert
Ready in just a moment and made with a few ingredients, strawberries and cream is one of the easiest desserts you can put on the table.
Keep it simple and serve it as it comes, with the strawberries in a bowl and the cream alongside. For a more elegant touch, divide the berries and cream between individual glasses in alternating layers, making it easy for your guests to help themselves. Or spread the strawberries on a platter, with the cream in a small bowl on the side, which makes it perfect for sharing outdoors on a warm day.
A famous Wimbledon classic to try at home
Nothing says Wimbledon quite like a bowl of strawberries and cream. It has been the tournament’s signature treat since the very first championship in 1877, with tens of thousands of portions served to spectators every year.
This recipe is your chance to recreate it at home. While the classic version is beautifully simple, our recipe adds a little extra luxury with macerated fruit and lemon-infused cream. It is the perfect way to enjoy the tournament from the comfort of your home, capturing the spirit of the game in every juicy bite.
Looking for more Wimbledon inspiration? Our eton mess, Victoria sponge, coronation chicken, and devilled eggs are all worth a try. You can also head over to our full collection of Wimbledon recipes for everything you need to create a proper British summer feast.
Discover more exciting variations
Strawberries and cream is a brilliant base for experimentation. Toss in a handful of blueberries for a deeper, jammy flavour or raspberries for their characteristic tartness. Stone fruits like nectarines and peaches also work exceptionally well, providing a soft texture and a mellow, honeyed sweetness.
If you would like to play with texture, crush a few shortbread biscuits over the top for a buttery, crumbly crunch. Roughly chopped chocolate is another great addition. Swirl it through the cream or scatter it on top, whichever takes your fancy.
And if you have a sweet tooth, finish with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, elderflower cordial, or rhubarb cordial. All four complement strawberries wonderfully, adding a sticky, fragrant sweetness.
Want to make the most of strawberries? Learn how to store strawberries, how to clean strawberries, and how to freeze strawberries to keep them at their very best.
