Grandma’s Strawberries and Cream Story
Fresas con crema brings me right back to warm afternoons in our kitchen. Growing up in a lively home with my husband, our daughter, and my mom, it was Grandma who always had a bowl of something sweet waiting on the counter. She came from a little town in Michoacán, where strawberries were picked fresh and cream was always homemade. I remember sitting beside her, hulls and stems piling high while she’d tell stories about the mercados and the women who’d sell fresas con crema from carts under striped umbrellas.
She’d say, “It’s not just dessert, mija—it’s a memory in a bowl.”
That line stuck with me.
Now, years later, I find myself repeating those same words to my daughter as we spoon strawberries into a bowl and swirl them with velvety cream. We laugh at how she sneaks extra sugar and how she insists on extra cinnamon, “just like Abuelita used to.”
It’s funny how something so simple—just strawberries and cream—can be so full of heart.
If you’ve ever made our fresas con crema ice cream, you know this flavor runs deep in our kitchen. But today, we’re going back to the basics. And sometimes, basics are the best.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Still Matters
In a world full of complex desserts, fresas con crema is a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t ask for fancy tools or rare ingredients. Just ripe strawberries, cold cream, and a bit of sweetness.
That’s probably why it has stayed so popular through generations. In our home, it’s the go-to dish when someone’s had a long day, when guests show up unannounced, or when we just need something nostalgic.
Ingredients for Traditional Fresas con Crema
What You’ll Need for the Creamiest Fresas con Crema
To make the best fresas con crema, quality ingredients make all the difference. Fresh, sweet strawberries and a rich blend of creams are the stars here. While some people rely on just one type of dairy, the combination of Mexican crema, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of evaporated milk brings balance—sweet, tangy, and velvety.
This mix has been perfected over time in many Mexican kitchens. It’s the same base that adds richness to recipes like arroz con leche, and it works beautifully here too. You’ll also need a bit of vanilla extract to tie everything together and optional cinnamon if you love that warm, comforting note.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need for about 4 servings:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on strawberry sweetness)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or creaminess depending on your taste. If strawberries are already super sweet, you can skip the sugar. And if you prefer a thicker cream, use less evaporated milk.
How to Make Fresas con Crema at Home
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Fresas con Crema Like Grandma
Making fresas con crema is as easy as it is rewarding. There’s no baking, no special tools, and no stress. Just fresh ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on love. This version keeps it authentic while allowing for your own twist. You can prepare it ahead of time or enjoy it right away—either way, it’s a dish that delivers.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dessert that’s been passed down through generations and loved in homes all over Mexico.
Method (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1:
Wash, hull, and slice your strawberries. If they’re particularly large, cut them into quarters.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Mexican crema, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until fully blended.
Step 3:
Taste the cream mixture. If needed, add a tablespoon of sugar for extra sweetness. Mix again.
Step 4:
Fold the sliced strawberries into the cream mixture. Make sure they’re evenly coated but don’t overmix—they should still hold their shape.
Step 5:
Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and gives you that refreshing cold bite.
Step 6:
Serve in small dessert bowls or glasses. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon if using.
That’s it—fresas con crema in just six steps! You’ll notice the longer it chills, the more the strawberries soften and sweeten the cream. It’s incredibly satisfying, especially on warm days or as a quick post-dinner treat.
For an extra fun twist, you can layer it like a parfait or even freeze it for 20 minutes to serve slightly slushy on hot days—just like the fresas con crema ice cream twist we’ve tried before!
Serving, Variations & Storing Your Fresas con Crema
Best Ways to Serve Fresas con Crema
This dessert shines on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other favorites. Serve it in individual glass cups for a pretty presentation, or go rustic with family-style bowls. In our house, we often top it with crushed Maria cookies or even drizzle a bit of cajeta (Mexican caramel) for extra indulgence.
Fresas con crema is also a hit at potlucks and family gatherings, especially when served alongside other traditional sweets like Mexican fruit cups or bionico bowls for a full-on dessert spread.
Want to make it more festive? Add a mint leaf, or serve it with a crunchy topping like granola for contrast.
Variations and Storage Tips
There are so many ways to personalize this dish:
- Add other fruits: Mix in blueberries, bananas, or mango for a more colorful twist.
- Try flavored cream: A dash of almond extract or a spoon of strawberry jam in the cream mix can deepen the flavor.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap out the cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free condensed milk alternatives. The result is still silky and satisfying.
Storage tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though the strawberries will soften the longer they sit. Stir gently before serving again.
We often make a double batch and keep half in the fridge for the next day’s snack. Just don’t freeze it—it changes the texture too much.
Whether you’re making it for guests or for a quiet moment at home, fresas con crema is always a good idea.
FAQS
What do you put in strawberries and cream?
Traditional fresas con crema includes sliced fresh strawberries, Mexican crema, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and optional sugar or cinnamon. Some add crushed cookies or nuts for extra texture.
Which cream is best for strawberries?
Mexican crema is ideal because of its tangy richness. Sour cream can be used as a substitute, but combining it with condensed and evaporated milk gives that iconic smooth sweetness.
What does “strawberries and cream” mean?
It’s a simple yet classic dessert made with fresh strawberries and a creamy dairy blend. In Mexican culture, “fresas con crema” is more than just food—it’s a comfort dish tied to family and tradition.
What is the tradition of strawberries and cream?
In many Mexican households, fresas con crema is a nostalgic dessert. It’s often served at parties, summer gatherings, or just after Sunday meals. It represents the joy of simple ingredients and shared moments.
CONCLUSION
Fresas con crema is more than a dessert—it’s a reminder of warmth, family, and the kind of comfort only simple food can bring. Whether you make it once or it becomes part of your regular rotation, it’s the kind of recipe that never fails to delight. Try it the traditional way, or make it your own. Either way, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.
Print
Fresas con Crema Recipe: A Sweet and Simple Mexican Favorite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy fresas con crema recipe combines fresh strawberries with a rich, sweet cream blend for a traditional Mexican dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash, hull, and slice strawberries.
2. In a bowl, mix crema, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla.
3. Taste and add sugar if needed; stir again.
4. Fold strawberries into the cream mix.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
6. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Optional toppings include crushed Maria cookies or a drizzle of cajeta. Best enjoyed fresh or stored up to 2 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg