Strawberry Desserts: A Brief Overview
Winter may be chilly, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a delicious and fruity dessert. If you're a fan of strawberries, then you're in luck because there are plenty of tasty dessert recipes you can make with this delightful fruit.
Strawberry Desserts and Their Origin
Strawberries have been enjoyed as a sweet treat for centuries, but the actual origin of strawberry desserts remains hazy. But it's thought that strawberries were first grown in ancient Rome and Greece, where they were used for medicine instead of food. It wasn't until the 14th century that strawberries began to be cultivated for their flavor, and by the 16th century, they were being used in desserts in Europe. In the 18th and 19th centuries, strawberry shortcake became a popular dessert in North America, and since then, strawberries have been used in a variety of desserts such as pies, tarts, and cheesecakes.
Strawberry Dessert Recipes
Strawberry desserts are enjoyed all over the world and are a beloved staple of many dessert menus. Here are 7 of the best strawberry dessert recipes for winter that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion, especially during the winter. To make this dessert, you'll need fresh strawberries, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and whipped cream. First, mix the dry ingredients, and then cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk to form a soft dough, then bake the dough in the oven until it's golden brown. Let the shortcake cool, then top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
Taste: Sweet and creamy
Total time: 35 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 390
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
If you're a fan of cheesecake, then you'll love these strawberry cheesecake bars. To make these bars, you'll need digestive biscuit crumbs, sugar, butter, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, fresh strawberries, and strawberry jam. Mix the digestive biscuit crumbs with butter and sugar to form the crust, then blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract to make the filling. Pour the filling onto the crust and then swirl in the strawberry jam. Top with fresh strawberries and bake until golden brown.
Taste: Creamy and tangy
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 420
3. Strawberry Trifle
A strawberry trifle is a decadent dessert that is perfect for a winter party. You'll need angel food cake, fresh strawberries, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and whipped cream. First, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it's smooth, then fold in the whipped cream. Cut the angel food cake into cubes and layer it with sliced strawberries and the cream mixture in a trifle dish. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, then garnish with more strawberries.
Taste: Rich and creamy
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 320
4. Strawberry Sorbet
For a lighter dessert option, try making strawberry sorbet. All you need are fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Puree the strawberries in a blender, and then mix in the sugar and lemon juice. Freeze the mixture in a container until it's firm, then scoop and serve.
Taste: Refreshing and fruity
Total time: 4 hours
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 120
5. Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
If you're looking for a healthier dessert option, try making strawberry oatmeal bars. You'll need oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, fresh strawberries, and strawberry jam. Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt, then cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press half the mixture into a baking dish, then spread strawberry jam on top. Add the sliced strawberries and top with the remaining oat mixture. Bake until golden brown.
Taste: Sweet and nutty
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 230
6. Strawberry and Chocolate Tart
For a decadent dessert that is perfect for a special occasion, try making a strawberry and chocolate tart. You'll need flour, sugar, butter, cocoa powder, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, fresh strawberries, and chocolate chips. First, make the crust by mixing the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and butter until it forms a dough. Press the dough into a tart pan and bake until it's crispy. Then, make the filling by mixing eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. Pour the filling into the crust and bake until it's set. Once the tart has cooled, top it with fresh strawberries.
Taste: Rich and decadent
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 480
7. Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danishes
These strawberry and cream cheese Danishes are perfect for a cozy winter morning. To make them, you'll need puff pastry, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, fresh strawberries, and egg wash. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares. Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it's smooth, then spread it onto the puff pastry squares. Add sliced strawberries on top, then fold the corners of the pastry into the center to form a Danish shape. Brush the Danishes with egg wash and bake until golden brown.
Taste: Flaky and sweet
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 250
What to Serve with These Recipes
Depending on the occasion and the time of day, there are a variety of options to serve with these strawberry dessert recipes. For a casual brunch or breakfast, you could serve the strawberry and cream cheese Danishes with a hot cup of coffee or tea and some freshly squeezed orange juice. If you're serving strawberry shortcake or strawberry cheesecake, a dollop of whipped cream on top would be a great addition. For the chocolate tart, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would pair perfectly with the rich, chocolatey flavor. And for the strawberry mousse or sorbet, some fresh mint leaves and sliced strawberries on top would make a beautiful and refreshing garnish. Whatever you choose to serve with these delicious desserts, they are sure to be a hit!
If you're looking to cheer up your winter, try one of these seven strawberry dessert recipes. From classic shortcake to rich chocolate tarts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're making them for a party or just a cozy night in, these desserts are sure to impress
