Fresas con Crema (Strawberries and Cream): A Sweet and Refreshing Mexican Delight

Fresas con Crema, or Strawberries and Cream, is a beloved Mexican dessert that beautifully combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a rich, creamy mixture. This simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for warm days, offering a refreshing balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or dessert at family gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a quick and delicious treat after a long day. The combination of ripe strawberries with a smooth and slightly tangy cream makes every bite feel like a taste of sunshine. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

Fresas con Crema is a simple dessert that requires minimal effort. Just a few ingredients come together quickly, making it a perfect option when you’re short on time but still craving something sweet and refreshing.

2. Fresh and Flavorful

With ripe strawberries as the star ingredient, this dessert is bursting with fresh, natural sweetness. The creamy mixture enhances the flavor of the strawberries while offering a rich contrast.

3. Customizable to Your Preferences

You can adjust the cream mixture to your taste by adding vanilla, cinnamon, or even a little lime zest. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to add your favorite toppings, like granola or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

4. Light Yet Indulgent

While Fresas con Crema feels like a luxurious dessert, it’s light and refreshing enough to enjoy anytime, especially during warm weather. It’s not too heavy, making it the ideal treat to enjoy after a meal or as a snack.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or simply treating yourself, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile enough to be served in individual cups for a fun presentation or as a larger serving for family-style enjoyment.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• Sour cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Heavy cream (or whole milk)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
• Granola or nuts (optional, for topping)

Variations

• Add Lime or Orange Zest: To bring a fresh citrusy twist, add a little lime or orange zest to the cream mixture for added brightness.
• Sweeten with Honey: Instead of sweetened condensed milk, you can use honey or agave syrup to sweeten the cream mixture for a more natural sweetness.
• Use Greek Yogurt: If you prefer a tangier taste, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Top with Crunch: Add a crunchy element by topping your Fresas con Crema with granola, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.
• Spices: You can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream mixture to add an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries. Slice them into small pieces or halves, depending on your preference. Set aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Make the Cream Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla extract if desired, and mix well. If you like a thicker cream, you can adjust the ratio of sour cream to heavy cream to your liking.

Step 3: Combine the Strawberries and Cream

Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cream mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the strawberries—just mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the strawberries and cream mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled in individual cups or bowls, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of granola for added texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Ripe Strawberries: The key to this recipe is using fresh, ripe strawberries. The sweeter the strawberries, the better your Fresas con Crema will taste.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, let the dessert chill in the fridge for a while so the cream mixture can thicken and the strawberries soak up the creamy goodness.
• Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to taste.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the strawberries and cream, be gentle to keep the strawberries intact and prevent them from getting mushy.
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be made a few hours in advance, making it a great option for parties or gatherings. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Fresas con Crema is typically served chilled in individual portions, making it easy to serve at a party or family gathering. You can either serve it in small cups or bowls for a fun presentation. Top with additional fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few crunchy toppings like granola or nuts for extra texture. Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea, agua fresca, or even a chilled cocktail for a complete summer treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Fresas con Crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep it chilled to maintain the freshness of the strawberries and the texture of the cream.

Freezing

This dessert is not ideal for freezing as the cream mixture may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the individual strawberries before mixing them into the cream for a colder, refreshing option.

Reheating

Fresas con Crema is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just serve straight from the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe, but if frozen strawberries are all you have, you can thaw them before using. Just be mindful that frozen berries might release more liquid, which could affect the texture of the cream.

2. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, you can use honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup for a different type of sweetness. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious!

3. How can I make this dessert lighter?

You can lighten the recipe by using low-fat sour cream or substituting some of the heavy cream with milk.

4. How long will this dessert last in the fridge?

Fresas con Crema will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. After that, the strawberries might release more juice, which could make the cream a little runny.

5. Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Yes, you can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or bananas to create a mixed berry version of Fresas con Crema.

6. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, you can swap the sour cream and heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.

7. Can I make this in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Fresas con Crema can be made a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

8. What’s the best way to serve Fresas con Crema?

Serve this dessert in individual cups or small bowls for easy, portioned servings. Garnish with cinnamon, granola, or extra berries for a nice touch.

9. Can I use whipped cream instead of sour cream?

You can substitute whipped cream for sour cream, but it will result in a sweeter and lighter cream mixture. If you prefer the tanginess of sour cream, it’s best to stick to the original recipe.

10. Is Fresas con Crema a traditional Mexican dessert?

Yes, Fresas con Crema is a popular Mexican dessert that is often enjoyed during the summer months. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make treat loved by many.

Conclusion

Fresas con Crema is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines the best of fresh fruit and creamy goodness. With its refreshing flavors, it’s the perfect treat for warm weather or any time you want a light and sweet snack. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this Mexican dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab some ripe strawberries, whip up the creamy mixture, and enjoy this sweet and satisfying treat!

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