Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream is a non-dairy version of the classic Mexican dessert fresas con crema. The dessert pairs fresh strawberries with a luscious cream that is sweet, tangy, and light. The recipe is easy to prepare and a perfect treat for the warm weather.
My mom used to make us a quick fresas con crema by simply mixing strawberries with sour cream and sugar. Inspired by this childhood favorite and other versions of the classic Mexican dessert, today I have a dairy-free variation that is absolutely delicious.
Using only non-dairy ingredients, such as coconut condensed milk, you still get the tangy, sweet cream that combines perfectly with fresh strawberries.
And if you enjoy this non-dairy dessert, be sure to check out my Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake and Strawberry Coconut Cream Paletas.
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For two similar recipes, check out Duraznos con Crema or Berries with Cream.
Why You'll Love This Strawberries and Cream Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort are needed to make this tasty dessert.
- Dairy-Free: If you are avoiding dairy for any reason, this recipe allows you to enjoy this classic dessert but without the dairy.
- Great Flavor: The perfect blend of sweet, tangy and creamy in every bite.
- Fresh and Light: A great dessert for the warm weather that's refreshing, sweet and light.
- Indulgent Yet Healthy: As far as desserts go, this one is pretty healthy as it uses fresh fruit and yogurt and you can easily control the amount of sweetener used.
- Great for Parties: Easily double or triple the recipe to serve at any gathering.
The Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries: Ripe strawberries will result in the sweetest, most flavorful dessert without the need of too much added sweetener. Check the section "How to Choose Ripe Strawberries" below for tips.
- Coconut Yogurt: Non-dairy coconut yogurt adds a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess and is a good substitute for sour cream, which is typically used in the original fresas con crema recipe.
- Coconut Condensed Milk: Use my Homemade Coconut Condensed Milk to add silkiness and sweetness to the dessert.
- Dairy-Free Creamer: Nutpods is a dairy-free creamer made of a combination of almonds and coconut cream that is a great substitute for evaporated milk or media crema that's usually used in the dairy version. I like to use the original Nutpods flavor to add a silky, creamy texture. If you are unable to find this creamer, you can use coconut cream instead.
- Sweetener (optional): The sweetened condensed milk may add all of the sweetness you'll need, especially if the strawberries are nice and ripe. However, if the dessert it is not sweet enough, add a couple tablespoons of your preferred sweetener such as coconut sugar, cane sugar, or monk fruit sweetener.
- Vanilla Extract (optional): If you like the taste of vanilla, add a splash of vanilla extract which enhances and complements the other flavors.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
You can also use almond milk yogurt or soy milk yogurt.
Add or substitute other berries such as blueberries or raspberries for another variation.
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How to Choose Strawberries
This is a great dessert for any time of the year but it is particularly best to enjoy from late spring to early summer when strawberries are in season. Here are some tips to help you pick the best strawberries whether in season or not:
- Select strawberries that are a bright red color with no white or green spots.
- Check that they are firm but slightly soft to the touch.
- Do not select strawberries that are mushy or have soft spots, as this indicates they are overripe.
- Ripe strawberries should have a sweet and fragrant smell.
- It is better to choose strawberries that are medium to large in size. Smaller ones may not be very sweet, while larger ones can be overripe and mushy.
How to Make Dairy-Free Fresas con Crema
1. Make the Cream
- Add the yogurt, condensed milk, creamer and vanilla to a large mixing bowl.
- Use a spatula or whisk to mix well until smooth.
2. Chill
- Cover the bowl.
- Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the cream to thicken.
3. Wash Strawberries
- Place whole strawberries in a large bowl and fill with cold water.
- Add ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Soak for 5 minutes then drain and rinse.
4. Cut Strawberries
- Slice or cut the strawberries in fourths.
- Set aside.
5. Assemble
- Add a couple of tablespoons of cut strawberries into glasses or bowls.
- Top with a scoop of cream.
- Continue layering with strawberries and cream until the glass or bowl is full.
- Serve.
How to Serve
Fresas con crema is best served chilled and as soon as the cream and strawberries are mixed to keep the strawberries from becoming too soft.
For a large group or gathering, you can also mix the cream and sliced strawberries in a large mixing bowl. Set the bowl out with a serving spoon and allow guests to serve themselves.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
If you can avoid mixing all of the strawberries with the cream before storing this will be better, since once mixed into the cream the strawberries will get soft and lose their freshness faster.
Tips and Variations
- For an added treat, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or top with dairy-free whipped cream, chopped nuts, or other toppings.
- Serve on its own or use as a topping for other desserts like cakes or pancakes.
- For a dairy version, replace the yogurt, coconut condensed milk and dairy-free creamer with sour cream, regular sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare fresas con crema ahead of time. However, it's best to add the cream mixture to the strawberries just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, however, be sure to thaw and drain the strawberries before using them as frozen strawberries do release more liquid than fresh ones.
Yes, you can customize fresas con crema by adding other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Recipe
Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- spatula or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
- 8 oz coconut condensed milk
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt coconut, almond or soy
- ½ cup original Nutpods or coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoon sweetener (optional) such as cane sugar or coconut sugar
Instructions
- Add the yogurt, condensed milk, creamer and vanilla to a large mixing bowl.
- Use a spatula or whisk to mix well until smooth.
- Cover the bowl. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the cream to thicken.
- Place whole strawberries in a large bowl and fill with cold water.
- Add ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Soak for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse.
- Slice or cut the strawberries in fourths. Set aside.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of cut strawberries into glasses or bowls.
- Top with a scoop of cream.
- Continue layering with strawberries and cream until the glass or bowl is full.
- Serve.
Notes
- You can omit the vanilla extract if you prefer.
- The sweetened condensed milk may add all of the sweetness you'll need. However, if the dessert it is not sweet enough, add a couple tablespoons of your preferred sweetener until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Add or substitute other berries such as blueberries or raspberries for another variation.
Lola
Love this dairy-free spin on the classic Fresas con Crema. Can't wait to try it.
Gemma
Thank you so much Lola!