Fresas con crema (Strawberries and Cream) are one of the most traditional desserts in Mexico. Ready in a few minutes and with a few ingredients, this timeless treat will surely become one of your favorites on a warm summer day or as a comforting dessert during colder seasons.
Mexican Strawberries
Strawberries arrived in Mexico in the 1800s and hold a special place in Mexican cuisine. Thanks to different climates, Mexico produces large amounts of strawberries and is the number one exporter to the United States annually, with some of the leading producers being the states of Baja California, Estado de Mexico, Guanajuato, and Michoacan. The varieties produced vary in color, flavor, and size and are grown during different seasons. Among these varieties are Diamante, Ventana, Charlie, Camino Real, and Aromas.
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Even though strawberries are not a native ingredient to Mexican cuisine, they have certainly become widespread and integrated into our culinary culture. Strawberries are seen in dishes like jams and jellies, as a cake topping, and in the popular no-bake dessert fresas con crema recipe. Fresas con Crema in Mexico is a well-known sweet treat that can be found in many places.
They‘re so popular, in fact, that they are sold at local Mexican ice cream parlors, farmers' markets, and by street vendors. Now, in recent years, they’ve been made available in Mexican supermarkets in convenient one-serving packages found in the freezer section.
So, if you are ever in Mexico, especially during the spring season, and happen to see fresas con crema for sale, give them a try; I guarantee you, you will wish you bought two.
To learn more about the production of strawberries in Mexico (in Spanish), visit: Fresas en Mexico
How to Make Fresas con Crema
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients in this traditional Mexican dessert recipe:
- Fresh strawberries
- Mexican crema
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
- Wash the strawberries and dry them with a paper towel.
- After your strawberries are clean, cut them into thin slices and place them aside.
- Then, mix the cream, condensed milk (or sugar), vanilla, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl to make the sweet cream sauce.
- Add a few tablespoons of the cream mixture in each cup and layer some of the sliced strawberries on top.
- Repeat this step until the cream and strawberries are placed in each cup.
- Add a sprig of fresh mint or your favorite garnish.
¡Buen provecho!
Mely,
- Wash the strawberries and dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, mix the cream, condensed milk (or sugar), vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Divide the cream mixture into 4 serving cups and add the strawberries.
¡Buen provecho!
Mely,
Notes and Tips:
- To better enjoy this recipe, use sweet and juicy strawberries from peak season.
- Sweetened condensed milk “La lechera brand,” is the most popular choice in Mexico, but any other brand will work for this recipe.
- You can use either the condensed milk or the sugar to sweeten the Fresas con Crema; you must adjust the amount depending on the strawberries’ tartness.
- You can substitute the Mexican cream by mixing ¾ cup sour cream with ¼ heavy cream. Some creams sold as “Mexican” creams have added salt, so please read the ingredients on the label before buying, as the salty taste can ruin the dessert.
- For other alternatives to Mexican crema, try evaporated milk, light or nonfat sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or creme fraiche; the mixture's flavor will be different but still delicious.
- Even, though not typical, other substitutions in this recipe are blueberries, raspberries, and peaches.
- If you don’t have a sprig of mint for garnish, another option is a dollop of whipped cream with a whole strawberry for a finishing top.
What to Serve with Fresas con Crema
This strawberries and cream is a refreshing dessert on its own or as a perfect ending to any meal. For a light meal, try grilled chicken with a side of hearts of palm salad or the easy fish fillet. If you are eating your fresas con crema as a dessert and would like to add something extra, try adding a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or whipped cream for extra sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresas con Crema
Before I share my recipe, here are a few questions you may have about strawberries and cream.
What are fresas con crema?
"Fresas con crema" is a popular Mexican dessert that translates to "strawberries with cream" in English, pronounced “freh-sahs kohn kreh-mah.” It's a simple yet delicious dish mixing fresh strawberries and a creamy sauce. The strawberries are typically sliced and then mixed or topped with sweetened condensed milk, and Mexican crema.
Are fresas con crema Mexican?
Fresas con crema became famous as a Mexican dessert due to adding new local ingredients. This recipe is very popular nationwide, especially during the warmer months when strawberries are in season. However, the origin of the fresas con crema is believed to be England, where strawberries were covered with cream and sugar.
Are fresas con crema healthy?
While milk products are healthy, sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar and can add many calories. You can make a healthier version by using alternatives such as low-fat or Greek yogurt or less of the cream mixture.
How do you store strawberries and cream?
To better enjoy this recipe, it is better to serve right away. Another option is to separate the strawberries and the cream mixture if you want to eat them later to maintain their freshness and prevent the cream from becoming soggy. When you're ready to enjoy fresas con crema, assemble them before serving for the best texture and taste. Spoon the cream and the fresh strawberries at the last moment to maintain their crispness.
More Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:
Receta en Español Fresas y crema.
If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
¡Buen provecho!
Mely,
For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. In español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina
📖 Recipe
Strawberries and Cream
Ingredients
- 6 cups of strawberries
- 2 cup Mexican cream
- 8 tablespoons condensed milk or sugar*
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries and dry them with a paper towel.
- After your strawberries are clean, cut them into thin slices and place them aside.
- Then, mix the cream, condensed milk (or sugar), vanilla, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl to make the sweet cream sauce.
- Add a few tablespoons of the cream mixture in each cup and layer some of the sliced strawberries on top.
- Repeat this step until the cream and strawberries are placed in each cup.
- Add a sprig of fresh mint or your favorite garnish.
Notes
- Strawberries are found year-round, but to better enjoy this recipe, use sweet and juicy strawberries from peak season.
- Sweetened condensed milk “La lechera brand,” is the most popular choice in Mexico, but any other brand will work for this recipe.
- You can use either the condensed milk or the sugar to sweeten the Fresas con Crema; you must adjust the amount depending on the strawberries’ tartness.
- You can substitute the Mexican cream by mixing ¾ cup sour cream with ¼ heavy cream. Some creams sold as “Mexican” creams have added salt, so please read the ingredients on the label before buying, as the salty taste can ruin the dessert.
- For other alternatives to Mexican crema, try evaporated milk, light or nonfat sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or creme fraiche; the mixture's flavor will be different but still delicious.
- Even, though not typical, other fruits that can be used as substitutions in this recipe are blueberries, raspberries, and peaches.
- If you don’t have a sprig of mint for garnish, another option is a dollop of whipped cream with a whole strawberry for a finishing top.
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Stephanie
Hello how can I make it thicker? I have whipping cream lechera and media crema.
Mely Martínez
Hello stephanie,
Use Mexican cream, the one that has a texture similar to sour cream or use heavy whipping cream, whip it first.
Maricela Waen
Thank you for such an amazing tutorial. It was my first time trying this recipe. I made it for our 4th of July picnic, everyone loved it.
dolores
Hi Mely, question-when you say Mex. Crema, is that the one we use to put on regular food, or is it a different Crema? thanks for your time. I want to make this dessert for a baby shower
mmartinez
Hello Dolores,
Yes, the mexican table cream, or if you can find it use a mix of sour cream and heavy cream.
Frida Concrema
Can you use La Lechera and whipped cream as Mexican Cream?
mmartinez
Hello Frida,
Absolutely! You can combine them an add the flavorings the same and enjoy your Strawberries and cream! Provecho!
Tiffany
Hi Mely!! In some fruiterias they have a certain kind of granola or oatmeal mixture, can you tell me what it is??Thank you always!!
Mely Martínez
Hola Tiffany,
Yes, they add granola, the simple one that is made of roasting oatmeal mixed with oil, and sugar. There is the regular granola that includes shredded coconut, raisins, and nuts. But the one the vendors use is just toasted oatmeal as I mention.
Unknown
Do you need sour cream to make it or not reallg
mmartinez
Hello,
Only if you don't find the Mexican Cream in your area. Some people live in cities where latin foods are not available, and then they have to use whatever they can find to substitute the authentic ingredients. In this case Mexican Crema Fresca. Happy cooking!
Daniela Saldes
Can I Use media crema?
mmartinez
Hello Daniela:
Claro que si! Of course you can! Enjoy!
Anonymous
do I need to whip the Mexican cream before mixing it with the condensed milk and everything else?
mmartinez
Hello,
Only mix the cream with the condensed milk and everything else. Enjoy!
Catherine Passano
Do you need cinnamon and vanilla ?
mmartinez
Hello Catherine,
If you don't have cinnamon and vanilla at home, don't worry. Just mix the cream and sugar and add to the strawberries. My mom makes them that way at home. This recipe is the popular version sold in stands.
Unknown
Can you use sour cream as a subsitute for the mexican cream
mmartinez
Hello,
Of course you can use sour cream. If you want it to be a little bit less thick add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk.
Enjoy!