11 Sweet Strawberry Recipes That Taste Like Summertime
The only thing better than a basket of fresh-picked strawberries is a homemade strawberry dessert.
Strawberries peak from mid-June to mid-July, making them the perfect centerpiece for summer desserts. In addition, frozen strawberries make it possible to enjoy their sweetness all year long. So pick up a pint at your local farmers market (or grab a bag from the freezer section), wash them, and then get ready to serve up one of these delicious strawberry recipes.
As for picking the best fresh berry, farmers say it depends on your personal preferences: Smaller strawberries are more tart, while bigger ones are sweeter. Similarly, lighter-colored berries are more sour than darker shades. Most markets and farm stands let you try one (if you ask nicely), so you can learn what type of berry you prefer.
Honey Whole Wheat-Strawberry Clafoutis
Have you ever roasted or broiled strawberries? It brings out their natural sweetness and softens them to an almost spoonable consistency. We used the technique to add flavor to our whole wheat clafoutis, a sweet addition to any summer menu.
Get the recipe: Honey Whole Wheat-Strawberry Clafoutis
Frozen Strawberry Trifle
This easy, not-too-sweet strawberry trifle showcases frozen berries which you can enjoy any season. A topping of whipped cream mixed with vanilla ice cream is the perfect counterpoint to its spongey ladyfingers and strawberries.
Get the recipe: Frozen Strawberry Trifle
Cranberry-Strawberry Crumb Pie
Tart cranberries tone down sweet strawberries in this summer-meets-fall pie. And since frozen fruit is usually picked at peak freshness, you can get good quality strawberries and cranberries at the same time, despite their different growing seasons. Add a classic crumb topping spiced with cinnamon and ginger, and you have a pie that's vaguely muffin-y, in all the best ways.
With so much fruit, the juices may bubble over the crust. For easy cleanup, line a sheet tray with aluminum foil and set the pie plate on it before baking.
Get the recipe: Cranberry-Strawberry Crumb Pie
Strawberry Dust Meringues
These adorable meringues are crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—and dusted with a pretty dried fruit powder. Package them in sets of two because everyone will want more than one. Made with eggs; they are gluten, dairy, soy, and nut free.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Dust Meringues
No Churn Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
Roasting releases the strawberries' excess moisture and concentrates the flavor of the fruit. No ice cream maker required!
Get the recipe: No Churn Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
Strawberry-Flax Smoothie
Made with flaxseed meal, low-fat yogurt, and strawberries; this rich, creamy drink is a healthy choice for breakfast or as a snack. If you need more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, this sweet smoothie is one way to get them, thanks to flaxseed meal. You can add flax to any smoothie recipe; just make sure it's flaxseed meal, not flax seeds. (The seeds need to be ground up for the maximum nutritional benefit.)
Get the recipe: Strawberry-Flax Smoothie
Overnight Oats With Strawberries and Toasted Almonds
Overnight oats are a lifesaver for anyone with a busy schedule. Make this tonight, then grab it from the fridge tomorrow on your way out the door.
Get the recipe: Overnight Oats With Strawberries and Toasted Almonds
Strawberry Shortcake
Rather than family-style strawberry shortcake, try this single-serve showstopper for dessert. In high summer, toss in fresh raspberries or blueberries. The real beauty, though? Soak the strawberries in sugar before layering the cake, fruit, and cream; so even in mid-winter, less-than-perfect berries shine.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Combine fresh strawberries with vanilla ice cream to create a deliciously fruity ice cream cake.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Strawberry Almond Cornmeal Cake
Dessert should please everyone, which is why this treat combines three summer favorites: sweet fruit, cornbread, and cake.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Almond Cornmeal Cake
Strawberry Buckle With Pecan Streusel
This dessert features a homemade streusel with pecans. The streusel keeps the strawberries in check and helps the real fruit flavor shine through. The key to getting a decadent buckle cake just right? Room temperature, high-quality unsalted butter—and lots of it.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Buckle With Pecan Streusel
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