Fresas con Crema Recipe

Strawberries: Fresh, hulled, and sliced strawberries are the star of this dessert, providing a juicy and sweet base.

Mexican crema: A rich and slightly tangy cream that adds a smooth texture to the dish.

Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet milk product enhances the sweetness and creaminess of the dessert.

Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant and flavorful note to the cream mixture.

When preparing strawberries, make sure they are fresh and fully ripe for the best flavor. To hull the strawberries, use a small paring knife or a specialized hulling tool to remove the green stem and the white core. This will ensure a sweeter taste and a more appealing texture in your fresas con crema.

• hulled and sliced fresh strawberries - Substitute with hulled and sliced fresh raspberries: Raspberries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• hulled and sliced fresh strawberries - Substitute with hulled and sliced fresh blueberries: Blueberries offer a different but complementary flavor profile and texture.

• mexican crema - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a suitable replacement.

• mexican crema - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is thick and creamy with a slight tang, closely mimicking the texture and taste of Mexican crema.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with evaporated milk and sugar: Mixing evaporated milk with sugar can replicate the sweetness and consistency of sweetened condensed milk.

• sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk and sugar: Coconut milk adds a unique flavor while the sugar provides the necessary sweetness.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor that can enhance the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• To store your fresas con crema, transfer the mixture to an airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness of the strawberries and the creamy texture of the dessert.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The fresas con crema can be stored for up to 2-3 days. Beyond this period, the strawberries may start to release too much juice, making the mixture watery.

• If you prefer a chilled treat, you can serve the fresas con crema straight from the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully when they have had a little time to rest.

• For freezing, it's important to note that fresh strawberries tend to lose their texture when frozen and thawed. However, if you must freeze, place the fresas con crema in a freezer-safe container.

• Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any freezer burn. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen fresas con crema, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps retain as much of the original texture as possible.

• After thawing, give the mixture a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated liquids. The dessert may not be as firm as when freshly made, but it will still be delicious.

• Avoid refreezing the fresas con crema once it has been thawed, as this can further degrade the texture and flavor of the strawberries and cream mixture.

• If you have leftover fresas con crema, it's best to enjoy them cold as reheating can alter the texture and flavor of the strawberries and cream mixture. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, follow these tips:
  • Microwave Method: Place the fresas con crema in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Stir gently and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary, but avoid overheating to prevent the cream from curdling.
  • Room Temperature Method: Remove the fresas con crema from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will take the chill off without compromising the texture.
  • Warm Water Bath Method: Place the container of fresas con crema in a larger bowl filled with warm (not hot) water. Let it sit for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This gentle method helps maintain the integrity of the cream mixture and strawberries.

Remember, the goal is to gently warm the dish without compromising its delightful texture and flavor.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the Mexican crema, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.

• Spatula: A tool used to gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cream mixture without crushing them.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the Mexican crema and sweetened condensed milk.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract precisely.

• Knife: Essential for hulling and slicing the fresh strawberries.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the strawberries.

• Refrigerator: Used to chill the dessert for 30 minutes before serving, if desired.

• Serving bowls: Small bowls or dishes used to serve the fresas con crema.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Hull and slice the strawberries ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Use pre-made crema: Opt for store-bought Mexican crema to save time on preparation.

Mix in one bowl: Combine the crema mixture and strawberries in a single bowl to minimize cleanup.

Chill efficiently: Place the dessert in the freezer for 10 minutes instead of the refrigerator for 30 minutes to speed up chilling.