There is something irresistibly fresh and elegant about this Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any season. The bright, juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries paired with luxuriously smooth cream that carries a subtle hint of mint creates a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this delight is refreshingly simple yet endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one playing an essential role in creating that perfect balance between fruity freshness and creamy indulgence. The strawberries provide vibrant color and natural sweetness, while the mint adds a lovely herbal brightness to the whipped cream.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor and that beautiful red pop.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The foundation of the cream, delivering richness and the perfect whipped texture.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness without graininess, helping the cream fluff up nicely.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cream’s flavor with comforting warmth and depth.
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves: Infuses the cream with a subtle, refreshing herbal note.
- Optional: fresh mint sprigs for garnish: Provides a visually appealing touch and an extra hint of mint aroma.
How to Make Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe
Step 1: Gently Warm the Cream with Mint
Start by pouring the heavy whipping cream into a small saucepan and adding the fresh mint leaves. Warm everything slowly over low heat, making sure the cream never boils but just reaches the edge of simmering. This gentle warming draws out the delicate mint oils without overpowering the cream’s natural richness.
Step 2: Let the Mint Steep
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mint leaves to steep in the warm cream for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time deepens the mint flavor, infusing the cream with an aromatic freshness that’s just enough to complement the strawberries without overwhelming.
Step 3: Strain and Chill
After steeping, strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve to remove all mint leaves, leaving behind a beautifully scented cream. Transfer this mint-infused cream to the refrigerator and chill it for at least one hour. This step helps the cream to thicken slightly and get perfectly cold for whipping.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Once chilled, combine the mint-infused cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip with an electric mixer or by hand until soft peaks form—the cream should be smooth and airy, with just enough sweetness to enhance the berries.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberries
While the cream chills or just before serving, hull the fresh strawberries and cut them in half. The halving helps each piece soak up some of the cream while making it easy to eat and visually appealing.
Step 6: Assemble the Dessert
Place the halved strawberries in serving bowls or plates. Spoon or pipe the luscious mint-infused whipped cream over them generously, inviting everyone to savor each bite of creamy, fruity goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color and an added burst of mint aroma just before serving. Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor and perfect texture.
How to Serve Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh mint sprigs or a light dusting of powdered sugar give this dessert an elegant finishing touch. A few finely chopped pistachios sprinkled over the cream also add a lovely crunch and a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but can also be paired with light, crisp cookies such as biscotti or shortbread to add a contrasting texture. A refreshing iced tea or sparkling rosé complements the minty cream and strawberry sweetness wonderfully, making for a well-rounded treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, layer the strawberries and mint-infused cream in tall glasses or parfait dishes, alternating layers for a beautiful visual effect. You could even add a crumble of toasted almonds or granola between layers to add a delightful crunch that pairs nicely with the silky cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover strawberries with mint-infused cream should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 24 hours for the best flavor and texture, as the strawberries may release juice and the cream can lose its fluffy consistency over time.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, separate the components. Strawberries can be frozen separately, but the minted whipped cream does not freeze well and will lose its texture, becoming watery upon thawing.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be eaten cold and fresh, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve any leftovers chilled for the most enjoyable taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are ideal because they hold their shape and texture better, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess liquid from diluting the cream.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
Heavy cream is essential for the right texture and whipping properties. Using lighter creams or milk will not whip properly, so it’s best to stick with heavy whipping cream for this recipe.
How strong is the mint flavor in the cream?
The mint flavor is subtle and refreshing, providing a delicate herbal note without overpowering the natural sweetness of the strawberries and cream.
Can I prepare the mint-infused cream ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can infuse and chill the cream up to a day before whipping it. Just whip the cream and assemble the dessert right before serving for the best texture.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a naturally sweet and creamy treat with gentle mint flavoring that most kids enjoy. Just ensure the strawberries are fresh and ripe for maximum sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels both classic and a little special, this Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe is a keeper. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a fresh flavor combination that feels like a celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with people you love!
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Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and elegant dessert featuring fresh strawberries topped with mint-infused whipped cream. The cream is gently warmed and steeped with fresh mint leaves for a delicate herbal flavor, then whipped to soft peaks and sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla. Perfect for a light, flavorful treat or special occasion.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Mint-Infused Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 5–6 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Warm the cream and steep mint: In a small saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream together with the fresh mint leaves over low heat. Heat until just about to simmer, making sure not to boil the cream to preserve its texture and flavor.
- Infuse the mint flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mint leaves steep in the warm cream for 15-20 minutes. This allows the cream to absorb the fresh mint aroma and flavor.
- Strain and chill the cream: Strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves. Place the mint-infused cream in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 1 hour to cool thoroughly before whipping.
- Whip the cream: Once chilled, whip the mint-infused cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will create a light, fluffy, and sweetened whipped cream with a subtle mint flavor.
- Prepare the strawberries: Arrange the hulled and halved strawberries evenly in serving bowls or plates as the dessert base.
- Assemble the dessert: Spoon or pipe the mint-infused whipped cream over the strawberries, covering them generously for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish each serving with fresh mint sprigs to enhance the appearance and add a fresh aroma. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Do not boil the cream while warming to avoid curdling and loss of flavor.
- Steeping time can be adjusted to taste; longer steeping intensifies the mint flavor.
- The dessert is best served immediately after assembling for optimal freshness.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead by infusing and chilling the cream in advance.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
