:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/victoria-spencer-1163-d111425_sq-8c1752e021184fdc9ad700c80f8e81d2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Lindsay-Tigar-c789518d90004b99bcabd253ead12745.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-napoleons-103346786-horiz-42a9daa28580408f977aa862b69b542d.jpg)
Marcus Nilsson
Everyone's favorite berry, the strawberry is also the first fresh berry to appear in markets, beating out raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries that all appear later in the year. The peak season for strawberries is April to June, which means these sweet, juicy berries star in many springtime dishes beyond dessert, playing a starring role in everything from cocktails to salads
Ready to start cooking with them? Enjoy your favorites all season long with these spectacular strawberry recipes.
Vanilla Sponge Cake With Strawberry-Meringue Buttercream
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vanilla-sponge-cake-with-strawberry-meringue-buttercream-102934733-horiz-3bb2908d20c740d8bb3db90de7d2f053.jpg)
A whopping three pounds of strawberries are called for in this showstopping cake—they're sandwiched between the layers, cooked down and added to the frosting, and used to crown the top.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-spinach-salad-1122-d112904_vert-87df6d2beeae43c9b13b4d5f80ecd2cb.jpg)
A simple, harmonious salad of strawberries, baby spinach, and feta in a white-balsamic vinaigrette. Toasted almonds and sesame seeds add a rich crunch.
Strawberry Salsa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-salsa-d184e00e-0620-onecms-c416b49966dd4d45af02e7d19caeffa3.jpg)
Grab the tortilla chips and try this fruity four-ingredient salsa in place of your usual tomato version. Red onion and jalapeño take strawberries into savory territory.
Tartlets With Yogurt Pastry Cream and Strawberries
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-tart-323-d112797-0416_vert-d416059c8c384ab9a8fff3c48d42746b.jpg)
Pastry cream lightened up with yogurt and whipped cream is paired with store-bought puff pastry and strawberries macerated with sugar and lemon juice in this company-worthy dessert.
Strawberry Shortcake With Basil
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mld107056_0411_shortcake_vert-127529e943be4c4a82d771d0e2ebe2af.jpg)
Here's a sophisticated take on a classic dessert. For this strawberry shortcake, basil leaves are simmered in heavy cream to add a subtle perfume to the whipped cream filling. Bake one large shortcake (or eight smaller ones, if you prefer) and top with sweetened strawberries, small basil leaves, and the basil whipped cream.
Watercress Strawberry and Toasted Sesame Salad
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/watercress-strawberry-toasted-sesame-salad-Aw7YXhAO4Rl97xeC6LMKBT-0421-onecms-ecf835a4c6564924971335ca133194b7.jpg)
If you’re a fan of opposing flavors and enjoy how they tickle your tastebuds, you’ll want to add this strawberry recipe to your collection. The peppery sesame and watercress flirt with sweet honey strawberries, creating a delicious and surprising side dish.
Quick Strawberry Jam
Strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice are all you need to make this easy strawberry refrigerator jam that cooks in just 10 minutes. Spread the jam on toast or biscuits, or use as filling for a layer cake.
Strawberry-Cucumber Gin-Elderflower Spritz
A light, fragrant spritz that's also make-ahead, just the thing for summer entertaining. The combination of strawberries, cucumber, and gin is magical.
Strawberry-Shortcake Sundaes
Transform the classic summer dessert into a knockout sundae by layering vanilla ice cream swirled with homemade strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries macerated with sugar and lemon juice, store-bought pound cake, and freshly whipped cream.
Strawberry-and-Toasted-Sesame-Scones
Here's a strawberry power breakfast: both fresh strawberries and freeze-dried are infused in this easy scone recipe, balancing out the flavor of the sesame seeds. It also makes a wonderful afternoon snack or a modern afternoon tea companion.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Rolled Pavlova
Rhubarb and strawberries are the perfect pair this time of the year to infuse a more elegant, tubular take on a traditional pavlova. Thinly layered, then baked at high heat only to be rolled up, sliced, and served. It can't get any easier!
Strawberry-Ginger Smash
Fresh ginger adds a pleasant kick to this effervescent strawberry cocktail. Perfect for any spring or summer soiree, you can easily swap the splash of vodka for soda water or sparkling lemonade.
Rhubarb-Strawberry Lattice Pie
Strawberries mellow out the sharp edges of rhubarb in this classic spring pie.
Waffle-and-Strawberry Trifle
You can make this out-of-the-ordinary dessert with frozen waffles to save time, but be sure to whip up your own creamy pudding. The rich flavor and silky texture are worth the extra effort.
Strawberries With Créme Fraîche and Sugar
This is one of the world's great finger foods. The three ingredients are thick crème fraîche, confectioners' sugar, and the most fragrant, perfectly ripe strawberries you can find. Dip, sprinkle, and eat to your heart's content.
Whole-Grain Strawberry-Cherry Crisp
We like this crisp for breakfast as well as dessert. Whole-wheat flour adds an earthiness to the crunchy oat-and-coconut topping which is scattered over lightly sugared strawberries and cherries and baked to the perfection.
Strawberry Cobbler
Teaming strawberries with a buttery biscuit topping is always a good idea. Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Strawberry Daiquiri
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-daquiri-0021-d112152_vert-959d9b1347b8433a8b895d34a21176fd.jpg)
To make this irresistibly fruity twist on the classic daiquiri, simply blend fresh lime juice, strawberries, white rum, a touch of sugar, and ice cubes.
Strawberry Crepes Flambe
Look no further for an easy yet spectacular dessert. Flambéing is one of those techniques you have to try at least once—and this strawberry, brown sugar, and rum sauce is the perfect excuse.
Tomato and Strawberry Salad
Nico Schinco
Sure, it's not exactly the summer pairing you had in mind, but both tomatoes and strawberries taste their best this time of the year—and the light, tangy vinaigrette will simply mesh their sweet flavors together.
Strawberries Cream Cake
Strawberries and cream are a flavor combo we all love but when combined with a pillowy vanilla cake, the result is comforting and delicious.
Martha's Strawberry Ice Cream
Ripe strawberries are pureed, then macerated with vodka or tequila, to create an unexpected grown-up take on this childhood's beloved ice cream flavor.
Strawberry Cupcakes With Strawberry Buttercream
Double the flavor, double the fun! Fresh strawberries go into the cupcake batter as well as in the buttercream—a treat so pretty, it'll be impossible to resist.
Strawberry Napoleons
Marcus Nilsson
Get ready to love these tangy, fragrant vanilla-and-strawberry ice cream sandwiches. With layers of puff pastry in between, it’ll be a sweet treat you look forward to after a hot, summer day.
Easy Strawberry Tart
Rachel Marek
Eight ingredients and only 30 minutes to get it together—you can't truly beat the simplicity of this classic strawberry tart featuring a plethora of textures and flavors.
