Fresas con Crema

The blooming of strawberry flowers can mean only one thing: warm weather and an abundance of bright red and juicy strawberries is near. While popping a whole strawberry directly into your mouth is definitely a fun and delicious way to enjoy them, mixing fresh strawberries with cream might be the next best thing. And this fresas con crema recipe uses all the cream.

What is Fresas con Crema?

It seems that no matter where this fruit flourishes, it’s just as excitedly anticipated and used in every possible culinary manner. This traditional Mexican dessert is proof. Take a walk around the streets of Guadalajara from November through March (the height of Mexico’s strawberry season) and you’ll come across street vendors preparing fresas con crema on practically every corner.

They slice fresh strawberries and layer them with a blend of media crema (a cream similar to crème fraîche but with a thinner consistency and a noticeable earthy note), sour cream, and sweetened condensed milk, before topping (if you’re lucky) the parfait-like dessert with whipped cream and chopped nuts.

Where is Fresas con Crema From?

Some say the sweet strawberry and cream treat originates in Colombia while others are firmly on the side of its Mexican origins. Maybe because it’s reminiscent of a bionico—a Mexican fruit salad drenched in a similar cream mixture—or maybe because it’s so delectable that every country wants to take credit for its invention. After you’ve tried it, you probably won’t care where it came from as long as you know there’s another serving waiting for you.

Tips for Making Fresas con Crema

• Media crema is similar to crème fraîche (which can be used in a pinch) but has a thinner consistency at room temperature and a noticeable earthy note. It’s used in Mexican cuisine in both sweet and savory recipes. It can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores grouped with other canned dairy products.
• Be sure to blend the cream and vanilla mixture until smooth to achieve a silky consistency.
• If you like your desserts less sweet, try using 1 to 2 tablespoons less sweetened condensed milk.
• Topping fresas con crema with chopped nuts is recommended as it adds a contrasting texture.
• Storing prepared fresas con crema is not recommended as the strawberries become mushy and begin to release their liquids, changing the overall consistency and flavor of the dessert. Plan on serving fresas con crema right after preparing it.