Lucy M. Strawberries, sweet and simple, are the kind of fruit that just begs to be turned into dessert. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, there’s something universally satisfying about a strawberry dessert. From juicy tarts to creamy mousses, strawberries are the star of the show in countless delicious treats. In this post, we’ve gathered 18 of the best strawberry dessert recipes that will make any occasion feel a little sweeter. So, grab those ripe berries and let’s make something beautiful and delicious together. Ready to get started?
Why Strawberries Are the Perfect Dessert Ingredient
Strawberries are the unsung heroes of dessert-making, and here’s why they’re the perfect ingredient. First, they’re bursting with natural sweetness, making them an ideal base for all kinds of treats. Their tangy notes balance the richness of creams, chocolates, and pastries, offering that perfect flavour contrast. Plus, strawberries have an appealing texture that is juicy yet firm, holding up well in baked goods, pies, or even as a topping for cakes.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can use them fresh, puréed, or even frozen, depending on the recipe. And don’t forget about their vibrant red hue. Strawberries add a pop of colour to your dessert plate, making everything look more appetising. With so many ways to incorporate them into desserts, it’s no wonder strawberries remain a classic go-to for any occasion, from casual afternoons to elegant dinner parties.
18 Strawberry Dessert Recipes
Strawberries are perfect for making a variety of delicious desserts, from refreshing treats to indulgent favourites. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic strawberry shortcake or a creamy mousse, these 18 strawberry dessert recipes have something for every occasion. Enjoy these sweet, seasonal delights that are sure to impress!
1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Ah, strawberry shortcake. It’s a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. This classic treat is the perfect balance of sweet, fluffy, and indulgent, with layers of buttery, crumbly shortcake, fresh, juicy strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s simple, but there’s something magical about those flavours coming together.
To make this, you’ll start by baking a soft, slightly sweet shortcake that’s tender on the inside with a little crispness on the outside. Once your shortcake is ready, slice it in half and pile it high with macerated strawberries, their natural juices just starting to mingle with the sugar. Top it off with a generous scoop of freshly whipped cream. It’s easy to put together, and yet it always impresses. Perfect for a summer picnic, a family gathering, or when you just want to treat yourself.
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry cheesecake bars are the perfect no-fuss dessert when you’re craving something indulgent. Imagine creamy, velvety cheesecake with a sweet, tangy strawberry topping, all sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust. The combination is irresistible.
Making these bars is simple – start by pressing your crust into a baking dish and baking it until golden. Then, prepare the cheesecake filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust, bake it, and let it cool. For the topping, blend fresh strawberries with a little sugar to create a vibrant, fresh strawberry sauce. Spread it over the cooled cheesecake, slice into bars, and enjoy. It’s like having cheesecake without the hassle of cutting and serving slices!
If you’re a fan of strawberry desserts, you’ll love our Swiss Strawberry and Walnut Cake. It’s a perfect addition to the 18 Strawberry Dessert Recipes collection, offering a unique twist with the perfect blend of strawberries and walnuts.
3. Strawberry and Cream Scones
Nothing says “afternoon tea” quite like strawberry and cream scones. These scones are light, fluffy, and bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, topped with a dollop of smooth whipped cream. The perfect bite of British comfort.
The process starts by making your scone dough, folding in diced strawberries for that juicy surprise in every bite. Once the dough is shaped into rounds, bake until golden brown. Serve them warm, split in half, and top with fresh whipped cream or clotted cream. It’s simple, elegant, and always satisfying.
4. Strawberry Sorbet: A Refreshing Treat
When the weather gets warm, there’s nothing more refreshing than a bowl of homemade strawberry sorbet. This light, dairy-free treat is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day while enjoying the bright, fresh flavour of ripe strawberries.
To make strawberry sorbet, purée fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, then freeze the mixture until firm. The result is a smooth, vibrant sorbet that’s full of fruity sweetness with just the right amount of tartness. It’s an easy, make-ahead dessert that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
5. Strawberry Mousse with White Chocolate
Strawberry mousse with white chocolate is a dessert that feels fancy without being complicated. The creamy, airy texture of the mousse pairs beautifully with the sweet richness of white chocolate and the tangy notes of fresh strawberries. It’s a showstopper.
To make this mousse, whip together cream cheese, whipped cream, and melted white chocolate, then fold in puréed strawberries. Chill until set, and you’ll have a rich, velvety dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it in individual cups for an elegant touch at your next dinner party.
6. Strawberry Pavlova
Strawberry pavlova is a light, airy dessert that combines a crisp meringue base with creamy whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s the perfect balance of textures, and it’s a great way to showcase those fresh, juicy berries.
Start by making the meringue, whipping egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form, then bake it low and slow until golden and crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. Once your meringue has cooled, top it with a generous layer of whipped cream and a mountain of sliced strawberries. It’s an easy-to-make yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
7. Strawberry Tart with a Buttery Crust
A strawberry tart is the kind of dessert that turns heads. With a buttery, crisp crust filled with rich pastry cream and topped with fresh, vibrant strawberries, it’s a treat that never fails to impress. The balance of textures – crunchy, creamy, and juicy – makes every bite a delight.
To make this tart, start with a simple buttery crust that’s baked until golden. Next, prepare the smooth pastry cream by whisking together milk, sugar, and egg yolks, and cook it until thickened. Once your crust is cooled, fill it with the cream and arrange sliced strawberries on top, finishing with a light glaze for shine. It’s simple, beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
8. Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae
Strawberry ice cream sundaes are a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style. This dessert is all about layering smooth strawberry ice cream with your favourite toppings, from whipped cream to chocolate sauce, creating a sweet and satisfying treat.
Start by scooping strawberry ice cream into a dish, then add your favourite toppings. Fresh strawberries, crushed nuts, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of caramel all make for delicious additions. Top it off with whipped cream and a cherry for the ultimate sundae experience. It’s an easy, customizable dessert that’s sure to hit the spot.
9. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a simple yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from a romantic evening to a casual treat. The combination of juicy strawberries and smooth, melted chocolate is hard to beat.
To make this treat, melt your favourite chocolate (dark, milk, or white), then dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place them on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set. For a little extra flair, drizzle with a contrasting chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts. It’s an elegant, bite-sized indulgence.
10. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Strawberry rhubarb crumble is a classic British dessert that brings together the sweetness of strawberries and the tanginess of rhubarb, topped with a buttery, golden crumble. The combination of flavours and textures makes this dessert irresistible.
To make it, simmer chopped rhubarb with sugar and strawberries until soft, then top it with a simple crumble mixture of butter, flour, and sugar. Bake until the topping is golden and crisp. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard for the perfect comforting dessert.
11. Strawberry Flan with Pastry Cream
A strawberry flan is a beautiful dessert that combines a crisp pastry crust with rich pastry cream and sweet strawberries. It’s a dessert that feels a little fancy, yet is surprisingly easy to make.
Start by preparing a sweet shortcrust pastry and bake it until golden. Then, fill it with homemade pastry cream, which you can make by whisking milk, sugar, and eggs together until thickened. Top with fresh strawberries arranged in a decorative pattern. It’s a refreshing, creamy dessert that’s perfect for a spring or summer gathering.
12. Strawberry Jello Parfait
Strawberry jello parfaits are a fun, layered dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. The combination of sweet strawberry gelatin, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh strawberries makes for a light and refreshing treat.
To make these parfaits, prepare strawberry jello according to the instructions and allow it to set in individual cups. Once set, layer with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for added texture and flavour. These parfaits are perfect for a party or a fun family dessert.
13. Strawberry Panna Cotta
Strawberry panna cotta is a silky, creamy dessert with a touch of elegance. The smooth, set cream is complemented perfectly by the vibrant, tangy strawberry topping, making each bite a balance of richness and freshness.
To make panna cotta, heat cream and sugar, then dissolve gelatin and add vanilla. Pour the mixture into cups and chill until set. Once firm, top with fresh strawberry purée for a burst of flavour. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s sure to impress.
14. Strawberry Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Strawberry cupcakes with buttercream frosting are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the fluffiness of cupcakes. Topped with a rich, creamy frosting, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert.
To make the cupcakes, mix together flour, sugar, eggs, and puréed strawberries for a light, fluffy batter. Bake, and once they’ve cooled, top with a swirl of smooth buttercream frosting. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on top for the finishing touch. These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays or casual afternoon tea.
15. Vegan Strawberry Chia Pudding
Vegan strawberry chia pudding is a healthy yet indulgent dessert that’s packed with nutrients and flavour. The chia seeds create a thick, creamy texture, while the strawberries add natural sweetness.
To make this pudding, mix chia seeds with almond milk and let it set overnight. In the morning, layer with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. It’s a light and refreshing dessert that works as a breakfast or a healthy treat.
16. Strawberry and Banana Smoothie Bowl
Strawberry and banana smoothie bowls are the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and refreshing. Topped with granola, nuts, and fresh fruit, they make for a filling and nutritious dessert.
To make this bowl, blend together frozen strawberries, bananas, and a splash of almond milk until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with your favourite toppings, such as sliced strawberries, bananas, granola, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. It’s an energizing, health-conscious dessert that’s just as delicious as it is satisfying.
17. Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Cream Cake
Strawberry rhubarb ice cream cake is a fun, layered dessert that combines the richness of ice cream with the tanginess of rhubarb and the sweetness of strawberries. It’s the ultimate summer dessert.
To make it, layer a strawberry ice cream base with a rhubarb compote, then freeze until firm. Once set, top with a final layer of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for family gatherings or a summer picnic.
18. Strawberry Pudding with Biscuit Crumble
Strawberry pudding with biscuit crumble is a comforting, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The rich, smooth strawberry pudding is paired with a crunchy biscuit topping for the ultimate combination of textures.
To make this pudding, prepare a creamy strawberry custard base, then top with crushed biscuits or cookies for a satisfying crunch. Serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It’s an easy dessert that’s full of flavour and perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
No matter the occasion, these 18 strawberry dessert recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests. From classic strawberry shortcake to innovative treats like strawberry panna cotta, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab some fresh strawberries, get creative in the kitchen, and treat yourself to these deliciously sweet desserts. Happy baking!
