Ingredients
For approximately 6–8 servings:
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 400 ml heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 200 g sweetened condensed milk
- 200 g plain Greek yogurt or thick natural yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar, optional
- 1 tablespoon strawberry gelatin powder, optional, for a firmer texture
- Extra fresh strawberries, for decoration
The strawberries should be ripe and fragrant. If they are naturally very sweet, you may need little or no additional powdered sugar.
Preparing the Strawberries
Begin by washing the strawberries under cool running water.
Do not soak them for a long time because strawberries can absorb water and become soft.
Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Remove the green tops and set aside several attractive strawberries for decoration.
Cut the remaining strawberries into small pieces.
For the dessert shown in the image, a combination of finely chopped and slightly larger pieces works particularly well. The smaller pieces blend into the creamy mixture and give it a beautiful pink color, while the larger pieces provide juicy bites throughout the dessert.
Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl.
Add the lemon juice and gently stir.
Let the strawberries sit for approximately 5–10 minutes. The lemon juice enhances their natural flavor and provides a pleasant balance to the sweetness of the cream.
Making the Strawberry Mixture
Take about half of the chopped strawberries and place them in a blender or food processor.
Blend until you have a mostly smooth strawberry puree.
You can leave a few small pieces if you prefer a more rustic texture.
Pour the strawberry puree into a large bowl.
Add the Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining chopped strawberries.
Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
At this stage, taste the mixture.
If your strawberries are tart, you can add a little powdered sugar. If the strawberries are already very sweet, additional sugar may not be necessary.
Preparing the Whipped Cream
Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl.
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken.
Gradually increase the speed and continue whipping until soft-to-medium peaks form.
Be careful not to overwhip the cream.
You want the whipped cream to be thick enough to hold its shape but still smooth and creamy.
Cold cream whips much more easily, so keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
For an especially fluffy dessert, you can chill the mixing bowl and beaters for several minutes before whipping the cream.
Combining Everything
Once the whipped cream is ready, add about one-third of it to the strawberry mixture.
Gently fold it in with a spatula.
Then add the remaining whipped cream in two additions.
Fold carefully after each addition.
Avoid vigorous stirring because you don’t want to remove all the air from the whipped cream.
The finished mixture should be light, creamy, and beautifully pink, with visible pieces of strawberry throughout.
This is what gives the dessert the fluffy appearance seen in the photograph.
Optional Gelatin Addition
If you want a firmer dessert that holds its shape particularly well, you can add a small amount of strawberry gelatin.
Prepare the gelatin according to the package directions, but allow it to cool until it is no longer hot before combining it with the strawberry mixture.
Gradually incorporate it while stirring gently.
Do not add hot gelatin directly to whipped cream because heat can deflate the mixture and affect the final texture.
For a simple refrigerated dessert served in glasses or bowls, gelatin is completely optional.
Chilling the Dessert
Once everything has been combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 3–4 hours.
For the best texture, chilling it overnight works wonderfully.
As the dessert chills, the cream becomes firmer and the strawberry flavor develops.
If you’re serving the dessert in individual glasses, you can portion it before refrigerating.
This is particularly convenient for parties because every serving is ready to place on the table.
Individual Strawberry Dessert Cups
For an elegant presentation, spoon the strawberry mixture into small dessert glasses.
Fill each glass almost to the top.
Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to smooth the surface.
Refrigerate the glasses until chilled.
Just before serving, garnish each one with sliced strawberries.
You can place one strawberry slice along the edge of the glass or arrange several thin slices on top.
A small mint leaf can also add a beautiful finishing touch.
Serving in a Large Bowl
If you’re preparing dessert for a family meal, simply transfer the mixture into a large serving bowl.
Arrange sliced strawberries over the top.
You can also add a few whole strawberries in the center for decoration.
Keep the dessert refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Serve it with a large spoon so everyone can help themselves.
How to Make It Less Sweet
Sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and creaminess, so this dessert can be quite rich.
If you prefer a less sweet result, use slightly less condensed milk and increase the amount of plain Greek yogurt.
You can also choose naturally tart strawberries.
Avoid adding powdered sugar until you taste the mixture.
This is especially important during strawberry season because ripe strawberries can already be very sweet.
How to Make It More Strawberry-Flavored
For a stronger strawberry flavor, increase the amount of fresh strawberry puree.
You can also add a small amount of strawberry extract, although fresh strawberries generally provide a more natural flavor.
Another option is to create a strawberry sauce.
Blend a few strawberries with a teaspoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice, then gently cook the mixture for several minutes until slightly thickened.
Allow it to cool completely before drizzling it over the finished dessert.
Tips for the Best Results
Use ripe strawberries with a strong aroma and bright color.
Dry the strawberries thoroughly after washing.
Keep the heavy cream cold before whipping.
Do not overwhip the cream.
Fold the whipped cream gently into the strawberry mixture.
Taste before adding extra sugar.
Allow enough time for the dessert to chill.
For the prettiest presentation, add fresh strawberry slices immediately before serving.
If preparing the dessert for guests, individual glasses make serving especially easy.
Adding Other Fruits
Although strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits.
Raspberries can be added for a slightly more tart flavor.
Blueberries provide a beautiful color contrast.
Peaches can create a sweet summer variation.
Bananas can make the dessert richer and creamier, although they should be added close to serving because they can darken over time.
A combination of strawberries and raspberries is particularly delicious.
Chocolate Strawberry Version
For a chocolate variation, add a little unsweetened cocoa powder to the creamy base.
You can also fold in finely chopped chocolate or sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top.
Chocolate and strawberries are a classic combination, and the slight bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the dessert.
Another option is to drizzle melted chocolate over the individual servings just before serving.
Allow the chocolate to set slightly before adding the strawberry garnish.
No-Bake Summer Dessert
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it requires no oven.
That makes it especially convenient during hot weather when you don’t want to heat the kitchen.
Prepare the dessert earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and serve it cold after dinner.
It is also a great recipe for beginners because there is no cake batter, complicated baking temperature, or difficult decoration required.
The main technique is simply whipping the cream and gently folding the ingredients together.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This dessert is ideal for making ahead.
You can prepare it several hours before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
For the best presentation, wait until shortly before serving to add the final strawberry slices.
If you prepare the dessert in individual glasses, cover them carefully with plastic wrap or reusable lids before refrigerating.
Keeping the dessert cold also helps maintain its creamy texture.
Storage
Store leftover dessert in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Because it contains fresh fruit and dairy products, it should remain refrigerated.
For the best quality, enjoy it within a few days.
The strawberries may release some liquid as they sit, which is normal. A gentle stir can help redistribute the mixture, although the texture may become slightly softer over time.
Do not leave the dessert at room temperature for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide the best texture. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using them.
Can I use regular yogurt?
Yes. Plain yogurt can be substituted for Greek yogurt, although Greek yogurt gives the dessert a thicker consistency.
Can I make this dessert without condensed milk?
Yes. You can use powdered sugar or another sweetener instead, although the texture and sweetness will be slightly different.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Prepared whipped topping can be used for convenience, although freshly whipped cream gives a more natural dairy flavor.
How long should the dessert chill?
At least 3–4 hours is recommended. Overnight chilling gives an even firmer and more developed texture.
Can children help make this dessert?
Absolutely. Children can help wash and slice strawberries, measure ingredients, and decorate the individual cups. Adult supervision is recommended when using knives or an electric mixer.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Strawberry Dessert is proof that an impressive-looking dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, yogurt, and sweetened condensed milk come together to create a soft, creamy, fruity treat with a beautiful pink color.
The chopped strawberries distributed throughout the mixture make every spoonful more interesting, while the whipped cream keeps the dessert light and airy. Serving it in individual glasses makes it perfect for parties and special occasions, while a large bowl is ideal for a relaxed family dessert.
For the best results, use ripe strawberries, keep the cream cold, fold everything gently, and give the dessert plenty of time to chill. Add fresh strawberry slices just before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.