Strawberries and Cream (Mexican Fresas con Crema)

This refreshing Mexican Fresas con Crema takes me right back to the bustling streets of Puebla, where I first fell in love with this dreamy dessert. Picture this: juicy fresh strawberries bathed in the most luxurious, cloud-like cream sauce you’ve ever tasted. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you wonder how something so simple can taste so incredible!

Why You’ll Love This Fresas con Crema

• Quick 10-minute prep with zero baking required
• Just 6 simple ingredients you might already have
• Perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too heavy
• Incredibly versatile – works with fresh or frozen berries
• Makes an impressive presentation with minimal effort
• The cream sauce is silky-smooth and totally dreamy
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for summer gatherings

Let me tell you about the magical cream sauce that makes this dessert so special. We’re combining velvety sour cream with three different kinds of milk (yes, THREE!) – thick sweetened condensed milk, rich heavy cream, and smooth evaporated milk. A splash of pure vanilla extract brings everything together into the most heavenly combination you can imagine. When poured over fresh, ruby-red strawberries, it creates a dessert that’s somehow both luxurious and light at the same time.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The star of the show is definitely the cream sauce – it’s what transforms ordinary strawberries into something magical. You’ll want to use full-fat sour cream for the best texture (though I’ll let you in on a secret – Greek yogurt works beautifully too!). And while any brand of sweetened condensed milk works well, La Lechera is my go-to for that authentic Mexican taste. Trust me, once you try this combination, you’ll be making it all summer long!

Baker’s Tip: Let your dairy ingredients come to room temperature before mixing – this ensures your cream sauce will be silky-smooth without any lumps. And don’t skimp on the mixing time – those full 2 minutes of beating create the perfect consistency!

Simple Yet Special Ingredients

Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll need to make this dreamy Mexican dessert. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect, silky-smooth texture we’re after!

• Fresh Strawberries: The stars of our show! Look for bright red, fragrant berries – they should be firm but ripe. I love slicing them thinly so they can really soak up that luscious cream sauce. Pro tip: if your strawberries aren’t quite in season, let them sit at room temperature for an hour before using – it helps bring out their natural sweetness!
• Sour Cream: This adds such a lovely tang and creates the most incredible texture. Make sure to use full-fat for the richest results. Not a sour cream fan? Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute – just be sure it’s plain, full-fat yogurt.
• The Three Milks: Here’s where the magic happens! We’re using:
  – Sweetened condensed milk (La Lechera is traditional, but any brand works!)
  – Heavy whipping cream for richness
  – Evaporated milk to create that perfect pourable consistency
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a tablespoon transforms all these dairy ingredients into something truly special. Use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation – you’ll taste the difference!

Success Tips for Perfect Fresas con Crema

After making this dessert countless times (seriously, I can’t count how many times!), I’ve discovered a few game-changing tips that make all the difference:

1. Temperature matters: Let your dairy ingredients sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t blend as smoothly and can leave you with tiny lumps in your cream sauce.
2. Mixing method: Don’t rush the mixing process! Those full 2 minutes of beating aren’t just for fun – they’re essential for creating that perfectly smooth, slightly thickened texture that clings beautifully to the strawberries.
3. Strawberry prep: Slice your berries just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent them from releasing too much juice. I aim for about ¼-inch slices – thin enough to get coated in cream but thick enough to keep their shape.
4. Storage smarts: If you’re making this ahead, store the cream sauce and sliced strawberries separately until serving time. The sauce will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just give it a quick whisk before using.

Step-by-Step: Creating Perfect Fresas con Crema

Let me walk you through exactly how to make this dreamy Mexican dessert! The process is wonderfully simple, but there are a few key techniques that will give you that perfect, restaurant-style result every time.

Preparing Your Strawberries

Start with your strawberries – they’re the star of the show! Here’s my tried-and-true method:

1. Gently wash your berries and pat them completely dry
2. Remove the green tops and slice them about ¼-inch thick
3. If your berries aren’t super sweet, sprinkle them with a teaspoon of sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes

Making the Heavenly Cream Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens! Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create that luscious sauce:

1. Combine your room temperature sour cream, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl
2. Add the vanilla extract – don’t skip this!
3. Beat with electric mixers for a full 2 minutes. The mixture will become slightly thicker and develop a silky sheen

Assembly Time!

Now for the fun part – putting it all together:

1. Spoon about ½ cup of sliced strawberries into each serving glass
2. Pour ½ cup of the cream mixture over the berries
3. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy
4. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours

Delicious Variations to Try

While classic Fresas con Crema is absolutely perfect as is, I love experimenting with different twists. Here are some of my favorite variations:

• Berry Bonanza: Mix in raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries with your strawberries
• Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or peaches to the mix – absolutely divine!
• Crunchy Contrast: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or crushed amaretti cookies
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle with Mexican chocolate sauce

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Want to prep this ahead? Here’s what works best:

• Make the cream sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container
• Slice strawberries up to 4 hours before serving
• Store assembled desserts for up to 24 hours, though they’re best enjoyed within 6 hours

Pro Tip: If making ahead, keep a bit of extra cream sauce on hand. The berries tend to release juice as they sit, which can thin out the sauce. A quick drizzle of fresh sauce just before serving keeps everything perfect!

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Oh my goodness, friends – you’re in for such a treat with this Fresas con Crema! Every time I make this, it brings back such sweet memories of those warm evenings in Puebla, where my love affair with Mexican desserts began. There’s something magical about how a few simple ingredients can create something so incredibly special.

Remember, the key to success is taking your time with the mixing (those full 2 minutes matter!) and using the freshest strawberries you can find. Don’t be afraid to make it your own – try it with different berries, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, or top it with a cloud of whipped cream.

I’d absolutely love to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Drop me a comment below or tag me in your photos – seeing your creations honestly makes my day. And if you love this recipe, just wait until you try my Tres Leches Cake – it uses similar ingredients and is just as dreamy!

Happy baking (or in this case, no-baking!), sweet friends! 💕