Fresas con crema (strawberries and cream) is a popular Mexican dessert that combines fresh, juicy strawberries with a rich and sweet cream mixture. This dessert is light, refreshing, and satisfying, offering a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and creamy texture. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a light breakfast, fresas con crema is an easy-to-make treat with simple ingredients.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh strawberries

• 1 cup Mexican crema (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

• 1 cup whipping cream

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries gently and pat them dry. Slice them into bite-sized pieces or quarters, depending on your preference.

2. Season the Strawberries: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

3. Make the Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until it thickens slightly.

4. Add Mexican Crema: Add the Mexican crema (or Greek yogurt) to the cream mixture and stir to combine.

5. Assemble the Dessert: Spoon some of the strawberry mixture into serving cups. Add a layer of the cream mixture over the strawberries. Repeat layers until the cups are filled.

6. Serve: You can serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 34g

  • Saturated Fat: 16g

• Cholesterol: 112mg

• Sodium: 310mg

• Potassium: 374mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 33g

• Vitamin A: 1257 IU

• Vitamin C: 68mg

• Calcium: 263mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Sweet Simplicity of Fresh Strawberries

The star of fresas con crema is undoubtedly the fresh strawberries. Strawberries are naturally sweet, juicy, and packed with nutrients, making them an ideal base for any dessert. They’re also full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a healthy and flavorful choice. In this dessert, the strawberries are sliced into bite-sized pieces or quarters, allowing their natural sweetness to shine. When combined with the sugar and cinnamon, the strawberries release their juices, creating a delightful syrup that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note to the strawberries, which contrasts nicely with the cool cream mixture. This step of macerating the strawberries with sugar and cinnamon allows the fruit to soften and develop a deeper flavor, making every bite more satisfying. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor of the strawberries, ensuring they’re the perfect match for the creamy topping.

The Creamy, Sweet Mixture

The creamy mixture that accompanies the strawberries is what makes fresas con crema so indulgent. Traditionally, Mexican crema is used, providing a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet base. Mexican crema is similar to sour cream but is thinner and has a milder flavor. Its creamy consistency pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries, creating a rich contrast of textures that is both refreshing and satisfying.

For a lighter version of the dessert, you can swap out the Mexican crema for plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture with a slight tang, while also providing a boost of protein and probiotics, making it a healthier alternative. The yogurt still balances the sweetness of the strawberries and sweetened condensed milk, giving you a lighter yet equally delicious version of this treat.

The whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk in the mixture contribute to the dessert’s richness, while the vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor. When combined, these ingredients create a smooth, velvety cream that complements the strawberries perfectly. Whisking the cream mixture until it thickens slightly ensures it has the right texture for layering and helps it hold its shape when served.

Layering for Maximum Flavor

To assemble fresas con crema, the strawberry mixture is spooned into serving cups, followed by a layer of the creamy mixture. The process is repeated to create alternating layers of strawberries and cream, ensuring that every bite has a perfect balance of both. This layering method not only makes the dessert visually appealing but also ensures that the flavors meld together, so you get a harmonious blend of sweet strawberries and rich cream with every spoonful.

You can serve fresas con crema immediately after assembling it, or you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Allowing it to chill helps the flavors to meld together and makes it even more refreshing, especially on a hot day. Whether served immediately or after a short time in the fridge, fresas con crema is a delightful dessert that will leave you craving more.

Nutritional Benefits of Fresas con Crema

While fresas con crema is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits, thanks to the fresh strawberries and the yogurt or Mexican crema used in the recipe. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for immune health, as well as potassium, which supports heart function. The cream mixture, while rich, contains healthy fats and a small amount of protein, particularly if you choose to use Greek yogurt instead of Mexican crema.

In terms of nutrition, each serving of fresas con crema contains approximately 480 calories, which includes 34 grams of fat, 33 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of protein. While the sugar content is relatively high, it’s important to remember that much of this sugar comes naturally from the strawberries and the sweetened condensed milk. Additionally, the fiber from the strawberries helps to balance out the sugar content, making it a more satisfying and less sugar-spiking dessert.

The dessert also provides essential nutrients like vitamin A, which supports eye health, and calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. If you’re making the lighter version with Greek yogurt, you’ll benefit from the added protein and probiotics that support digestion and overall gut health.

Versatility and Customization

Fresas con crema is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different types of fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even mangoes, to create your own variations of this classic dessert. You could also try adding a bit of grated chocolate or a sprinkle of nuts for some added texture and flavor.

For a more indulgent touch, you can drizzle the dessert with a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce or even top it with whipped cream for extra richness. This dessert can be served in individual cups for portion control, or it can be made in a large serving bowl for a family-style presentation. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or get creative with toppings, fresas con crema is a flexible dessert that can be tailored to any occasion.

Conclusion

Fresas con crema is a simple yet indulgent dessert that offers the perfect combination of fresh, juicy strawberries and rich, creamy goodness. It’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack, a light dessert, or even as a satisfying breakfast. With its ease of preparation and delicious flavor, it’s a dessert that can be made quickly and enjoyed by the whole family.

The sweetness of the strawberries, the richness of the cream mixture, and the slight warmth of cinnamon make each bite a delightful experience. Whether you stick to the traditional version with Mexican crema or opt for the lighter Greek yogurt alternative, fresas con crema is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.