Easy Strawberry Fool (The Best Strawberries and Cream)
Strawberry Fool is such an easy strawberry dessert recipe to make for Valentine’s Day. It’s basically strawberries and cream taken up a notch! A simple, yet delicious, way to use ripe strawberries!
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Easy Strawberry Dessert Idea
If you’re looking for a super simple, last-minute idea for dessert for Valentine’s Day, this Strawberry Fool is one of the easiest strawberry desserts you could make. I thought I would bump this recipe back up to the top and re-share it.
Essentially, a fool is nothing more than freshly whipped cream with mashed fruit folded in. For this particular recipe, I’ve used strawberries, making this a fancier take on strawberries and cream.
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What I Love About this Easy Recipe for Strawberries and Cream
What I love about this easy strawberry dessert is that it really highlights the flavor of the fruit. Plus, it’s 100% all-natural. It’s not quite as rich as ice cream, or as sweet.
Not Valentine’s Day? No problem!
This easy strawberry dessert can be served any time strawberries are in season. Last year we served it for a summer bbq dessert and it was fantastic!
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Tools Needed to Make Strawberries and Cream
You’ll need a few useful kitchen tools for preparing this easy strawberry dessert. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started with the recipe:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure the ingredients in this strawberry fool recipe.
- Medium Bowl – you’ll need a mixing bowl to make the whipped cream in, and another for the strawberries.
- Electric Mixer – a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer make whipping the heavy whipped cream a breeze. You can definitely whip it by hand with a whisk, but it will take more time.
- Knives – for slicing the fresh strawberries. You may want to read this to learn about how to sharpen knives if your knives are dull.
- Cutting Board – to cut the strawberries on.
- Dessert Dishes – to serve this easy strawberries and cream in.
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Strawberries and Cream Ingredients
This strawberries and cream recipe is so easy that any of our kids could make it themselves. It is even easier than making a pan of Homemade Fudgy Brownies, and it definitely makes less mess!
You’ll need four simple ingredients, and I bet you have most of them already. Here’s what goes into this easy strawberry dessert:
- Fresh Strawberries
- Heavy Cream (Heavy Whipping Cream)
- Sugar
- Vanilla Bean Paste
- Optional Ingredients: Grand Marnier, Chambord, or other fruit liqueurs
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
Step By Step Photos for How to Make this Recipe for Strawberries and Cream
How to Make Strawberries and Cream
This strawberries and whipped cream dessert couldn’t be simpler! Here are the basic steps to making strawberries and cream at home:
- First, beat chilled whipped cream until it becomes light and fluffy.
- If you’d like to add vanilla bean, chambord, or grand marnier to the whipped cream you can stir it in here. Then, place it back in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to use it.
- Next, mash the strawberries in a large bowl, along with the sugar and vanilla extract.
- After that, spoon the mashed strawberries into the whipped cream and gently fold them in. Reserve some of the mashed berries for serving.
- To serve this fruit dessert, spoon some of the cream mixture into serving glasses or dishes, top with some of the remaining mashed strawberries, and add another spoonful or two of the cream.
- Garnish each dish with a few sliced strawberries.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
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Recipe Tips
Making the Best Strawberries and Cream
This whipped cream dessert is really forgiving. You can change things up according to your preferences or what you have on had.
- Any type of berry works well, and a blend of berries is really tasty!
- You can even add different extracts to this fresh strawberry dessert or make it fancy by adding flavored fruit liqueurs, like Chambord or Grand Marnier.
- For a strawberry and lemon flavor, add a small amount of lemon juice (around 2 teaspoons) and some lemon zest to the strawberry mixture.
- This recipe for Easy Strawberry Fool is really pretty and colorful if you serve it in individual clear glass parfait dishes or cute jars (I love Weck Jars!).
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Strawberries and Cream FAQ
Got questions about how to make this simple, yet decadent dessert? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
Can I Use a Different Fruit?
Sure! You can substitute any type of berry or a combination of berries. Peaches would also be good!
What Can I Substitute for Vanilla Bean Paste
You can use double the amount and use vanilla extract instead. Another substitute would be a vanilla bean plus 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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Can I Make Strawberries and Cream with Frozen Strawberries?
Normally we make this easy fruit dessert when fresh fruit is plentiful during the summer and fall.
But, during the winter it can be harder to find quality fresh fruit, so using frozen fruit is perfectly acceptable. So feel free to turn this into a frozen or fresh strawberry recipe using whichever fruit is most easily on hand.
For frozen strawberries, you’ll need to thaw them first.
Can I Prep Strawberries and Cream in Advance?
Because this is a whipped cream dessert, it’s best enjoyed within 4 hours of making it. If you wait too long to serve strawberries and cream, the whipped cream will deflate and the dessert will be runny.
The best way to save some time when preparing this easy strawberry dessert is to do some of the prep work ahead of time to save time. Here are my suggestions:
Make Ahead Tips
- Wash, dry, and slice your strawberries in advance.
- You can prepare the strawberry, sugar, and vanilla mixture a few hours in advance. For best results, store the strawberry mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you prepare the remainder of the recipe.
- You can prepare and assemble the dishes up to 4 hours ahead of time at most. Keep them refrigerated until serving time.
- You can also try making stabilized whipped cream if you need to assemble the dessert in advance. This will help the whipped cream keep its shape.
What Readers Are Saying About Strawberries and Cream
★★★★★
Readers say –
- “This is so simple, but I just know it’s delicious! Wow!” — Dessert for Two
- “I’m all about strawberries and cream. Yum!” — Dina
- “I love how simple this is! My kiddo would go nuts for this, thinking I’d spent a ton of time on dessert.” — Holly
Try this Strawberries and Cream Recipe at Home!
Next time you’re looking for a simple recipe to make with fresh strawberries, give this recipe for Strawberries and Cream a try!
Did you think it was the perfect dessert for strawberry season? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this easy dessert.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this Strawberries and Cream!
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More Easy Strawberry Desserts:
Looking for more ways to enjoy juicy strawberries! Here are some of our best desserts to to make with strawberries:
If you’re craving something a little more refreshing, make a batch of these Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles. They’re so easy to make, and kids love them!
These Basil Balsamic Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits are layered with strawberries soaked in a sweet balsamic and basil syrup, mini almond shortcakes, whipped cream, and sliced almonds.
Need to cool off? This Vanilla Frozen Yogurt is swirled with balsamic roasted strawberries and rhubarb. Bonus: it’s a no-churn recipe!
This No-Bake Mango Lime Cheesecake is topped with a strawberry fruit salsa. It’s tangy and sweet, and oh so delicious!
You’ll be surprised when you learn how easy it is to make this Strawberry Orange Granita at home. It takes just 10 minutes to prep!
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.
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What’s your favorite, easy go-to fruit dessert?
Strawberry Fool
Ingredients
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
For the Strawberry Mixture
- 3 cups sliced fresh Strawberries
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Extra Strawberries
Instructions
For the Whipped Cream
- Place chilled heavy cream and vanilla bean paste in a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Beat until light and fluffy, being careful not to overheat.
- Set aside or chill until ready to use. (You might need to whisk it or beat it again for a few seconds if you don't use it right away and it separates.)
For the Strawberry Mixture
- Place half of the strawberries in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and add vanilla extract.
- Mash the strawberries, leaving some larger chunks. Stir in the remaining strawberries. Let stand for a few minutes.
Preparing the Strawberries and Cream
- Add about 1/3 of the strawberry mixture to the whipped cream, swirling in with a large silicone spatula (it doesn't need to be completely blended).
- Reserve the remaining strawberries to use when assembling in the dessert dishes.
How to Assemble Strawberries and Cream
- Spoon some of the reserved strawberries into six serving glasses or dishes.
- Then, top with some of the strawberry cream mixture.
- After that, add another layer of the reserved strawberries mixture, and then another spoonful or two of the cream.
- Top with extra strawberries for garnish.
- Serve immediately, or place in fridge to chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Tips for Making Strawberries and Cream
- Make sure the heavy cream is very cold or it might not whip very well.
- Substitute other berries or fruit for the strawberries.
- For a little something extra, try adding some grand marnier, chambord, or lemon liqueur to the strawberry mixture.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 249Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 2g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy. This provided information is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
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Josie says
Where does it even say how much of each ingredient you need?
Katie says
At the top of the post slightly under the title is a button that says “jump to recipe” If you prefer to get the recipe without all of the extra tips and educational information about the recipe this button will take you directly to a free printable recipe card.
If you do not click that button, it says at several points in the post: “For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.” or “The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.”
If you are having a difficult time finding the printable recipe card, feel free to email me and I can provide a video tutorial for you.
Andrea Charles says
I love strawberries. I am sure my family will love this simple yet delicious recipe.
Wanda says
How long we’ll this hold?
Katie says
I typically make it just before serving. You can prepare it up to 4 hours ahead without any adverse consequences.
Daisy Dafadil says
Can you use half and half as a substitute for heavy cream?
Katie says
Half and half will not whip the same way that heavy cream will so I would not recommend it as a substitute.
Caitlyn says
Looks decadent! I love berries and fruit desserts. It’s never too late to try this out in any occasion 🙂
dina says
i’m all about strawberries and cream. yum!
DessertForTwo says
This is so simple, but I just know it’s delicious! Wow!
Holly Waterfall says
I love how simple this is! My kiddo would go nuts for this, thinking I’d spent a ton of time on dessert. My favorite simple dessert to whip up is fresh-fruit sherbet.