Fresas con Nata (Strawberries and Cream)
An international favorite because of its simplicity and delicious flavor, fresas con nata (strawberries and cream) is a healthy dessert popular in Spain in the spring and summer.
Servings: 4 bowls
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Equipment
- Immersion blender
- Electric beater
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries
- 1 cup heavy cream pre-chilled
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or other sweetener like maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the strawberries
- Wash the fresh strawberries, dry them, and remove the stems. You can use a straw to help remove the stems by pushing the straw up through the bottom of the strawberry and out the top center.
- Cut the clean strawberries into slices or small pieces, as desired. The strawberries can be served as-is or sweetened before adding the cream.
- To sweeten the strawberries, sprinkle sugar on the strawberries and toss them until all the berries have been coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw moisture from the surface of the strawberry.
Make the whipped cream
- Next, prepare the cream by pouring the cold heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer (of choice), beat the cream until soft peaks form. (While you can continue to beat the mixture to get stiffer peaks, don't beat too long or you'll end up with butter.)
- Add sugar or another sweetener, to taste. Optionally, add some vanilla extract for added flavor.
Notes
Some people like to place the cut strawberries in a bowl and gently stir in some lemon juice. The lemon juice helps prevent discoloration of the strawberries while allowing them to retain their color. This step, however, isn't necessary.
Serving
Some people like to layer the strawberries and cream into a more parfait-like dessert in a pretty glass. Others serve the sweetened strawberries covered with whipped cream and strawberry syrup, sundae style. You can also serve the strawberries and cream separately and let guests mix the two together themselves. Normally, here in Spain, the serving presentation is as simple as the dessert itself. The cut strawberries are served in a bowl with a dollop of cream on top. To eat the dessert people usually fold in the strawberries by hand and eat the strawberries and cream together.Variations
Try using other fruits such as peaches, raspberries, kiwis, or mangoes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different flavors of cream. Try vanilla, chocolate, or coffee-flavored cream by adding some vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or instant coffee to the whipped cream. You can also substitute the cream for ice cream or yogurt.Storage
While it is best made fresh, soon before eating it, strawberries and cream can be made ahead of time. If you plan on making the dessert in advance, store the cut strawberries and finished whipped cream in separate, airtight containers in the fridge. The strawberries will keep longer if all moisture is removed from them before storing them. You can place a folded paper towel or clean, dry cloth in the bottom of the container to help absorb any excess moisture. They will also keep longer if cut into larger pieces or if you cut them at the last minute. For best results, don't make it more than a day or two in advance.Nutrition
Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 883IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
Calories: 251kcal