Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream: A Luscious (Vegan) Fresas con Crema Recipe

Indulge in the refreshing sweetness of Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream, a delightful plant-based rendition of the beloved Mexican dessert, fresas con crema. This exquisite recipe marries the vibrant flavor of fresh, ripe strawberries with a velvety, non-dairy cream that is perfectly balanced—sweet, subtly tangy, and wonderfully light. Effortless to prepare, it stands as the ultimate treat for sunny days, offering a guilt-free pleasure that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Growing up, one of my fondest culinary memories involves my mom quickly whipping up a batch of “fresas con crema” for us. Her simple, yet utterly satisfying, method involved nothing more than fresh strawberries mixed with sour cream and a sprinkle of sugar. That cherished childhood favorite, along with countless other traditional Mexican versions of this classic dessert, became the inspiration for this dairy-free variation that I’m thrilled to share with you today. It’s a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of the original while catering to dietary preferences.

By thoughtfully selecting non-dairy ingredients, particularly our homemade coconut condensed milk, we achieve that unmistakably tangy, sweet, and rich cream that beautifully complements the vibrant freshness of strawberries. This plant-based approach ensures that everyone can enjoy this iconic dessert without sacrificing its authentic taste and luxurious texture.

If you’re exploring the delightful world of non-dairy desserts, you’ll be happy to know there are many more delicious options to try! Be sure to also check out my Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake for a truly indulgent experience, or cool down with my Strawberry Coconut Cream Paletas. Each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy classic flavors with a dairy-free twist.

For two similar non-dairy dessert recipes that are equally refreshing, consider trying my delightful Duraznos con Crema (Peaches and Cream) or my versatile Berries with Cream, which allows for a mix of your favorite seasonal berries.

Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream Recipe

This dairy-free version of Fresas con Crema is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy to your palate and convenience to your kitchen. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a household favorite:

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create this impressive dessert. With a short list of simple ingredients and minimal preparation steps, you can have this delightful treat ready in no time. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or when a sweet craving strikes.
• Perfectly Dairy-Free: Whether you’re lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy, or simply choose to avoid dairy for health or ethical reasons, this recipe is your answer. It allows everyone to savor the classic taste of fresas con crema without any dairy, making it inclusive and enjoyable for all.
• Incredible Flavor Profile: Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavors. This dessert achieves the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and lusciously creamy in every single bite. The richness of the coconut-based cream beautifully complements the natural tartness and sweetness of the strawberries, creating a truly irresistible combination.
• Fresh, Light, and Refreshing: This isn’t a heavy dessert that leaves you feeling sluggish. Instead, it’s wonderfully fresh and light, making it an ideal choice for warm weather entertaining or a satisfying finish to any meal. Its refreshing qualities will cool you down and invigorate your senses.
• Indulgent Yet Wholesome: When it comes to desserts, this one strikes a fantastic balance. By utilizing fresh fruit and nutrient-rich coconut yogurt, it offers a healthier alternative to many conventional sweets. Plus, you have complete control over the amount and type of sweetener used, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs and preferences.
• Excellent for Any Gathering: Planning a party or a family get-together? This recipe is incredibly adaptable. It can be easily doubled or even tripled to serve a larger crowd, making it a stress-free and crowd-pleasing option for any celebration. Its beautiful presentation also makes it a fantastic centerpiece.

Essential Ingredients for Dairy-Free Fresas con Crema

Crafting this delightful dairy-free dessert starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the signature taste and texture of fresas con crema:

• Fresh Strawberries: The star of our show! Opt for ripe, vibrant red strawberries as they naturally provide the most intense sweetness and flavor, reducing the need for excessive added sweeteners. Look for berries that are plump and fragrant. Refer to our “How to Choose Ripe Strawberries” section below for expert tips to pick the best ones.
• Coconut Yogurt: This non-dairy hero is a fantastic substitute for the traditional sour cream found in classic fresas con crema. It lends a wonderfully creamy texture and a delightful hint of tanginess, which is essential for balancing the sweetness of the dish. Make sure to choose plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt to control the overall sweetness.
• Coconut Condensed Milk: This ingredient is key to achieving the silky smooth consistency and rich sweetness of the cream. Our Homemade Coconut Condensed Milk recipe is highly recommended for the best flavor and quality, but a good store-bought version can also work. It adds an unparalleled depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Creamer (Nutpods Original or Coconut Cream): I personally love using Nutpods Original for its neutral flavor and creamy texture, which mimics evaporated milk or *media crema* commonly used in dairy versions. It’s a blend of almonds and coconut cream, providing a smooth richness without overpowering other flavors. If Nutpods isn’t available, full-fat canned coconut cream (the thick part from the top of a chilled can) is an excellent alternative, offering a similar luxurious body.
• Sweetener (optional): The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries combined with the coconut condensed milk might be sufficient for your palate. However, if you find the dessert isn’t sweet enough for your liking, feel free to add a couple of tablespoons of your preferred sweetener. Options include coconut sugar, cane sugar, or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener. Adjust to taste.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): A small splash of vanilla extract can beautifully enhance and complement the other flavors in the cream, adding a warm, aromatic note. While optional, it can elevate the overall dessert experience.

For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down the page.

Possible Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is quite versatile, allowing for several modifications to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Yogurt Alternatives: While coconut yogurt is recommended, you can also achieve a delicious cream using unsweetened almond milk yogurt or soy milk yogurt. The flavor profile might change slightly, but the creamy texture will remain.
• Mixed Berries: Don’t limit yourself to just strawberries! For a delightful variation, consider adding or substituting other berries such as juicy blueberries, tart raspberries, or even sliced bananas. This can introduce new layers of flavor and color to your dessert.

A special tip for Nutpods lovers: Use my code EVERYDAYLATINA to receive 15% off your first order on nutpods.com. This is a great way to stock up on your favorite dairy-free creamer!

Selecting the Perfect Strawberries for Your Dessert

The quality of your strawberries directly impacts the deliciousness of this dessert. While Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream can be enjoyed year-round, it truly shines when strawberries are in peak season, typically from late spring to early summer. Here are essential tips to help you pick the freshest, most flavorful strawberries, regardless of the season:

• Look for Bright Red Color: The best strawberries will have a uniform, bright red hue across their entire surface. Avoid berries with white or green patches near the stem, as this indicates they were picked before fully ripening and won’t be as sweet or flavorful.
• Firm but Slightly Soft to the Touch: Gently touch the strawberries. They should feel firm but yield slightly to pressure. This texture indicates ripeness and juiciness. Overly hard strawberries are often underripe, while very soft or mushy ones are likely overripe.
• Avoid Mushy or Soft Spots: Steer clear of any strawberries that appear bruised, shriveled, or have noticeable soft spots. These are clear signs of overripeness or damage, which will negatively affect the taste and texture of your dessert.
• Sweet and Fragrant Smell: Trust your nose! Ripe strawberries will emit a distinctly sweet, fruity, and fragrant aroma. If they don’t smell like much, they probably won’t taste like much either. A strong, pleasant scent is a reliable indicator of good flavor.
• Medium to Large Size is Ideal: Generally, medium to large strawberries tend to be sweeter and juicier. Very small strawberries can sometimes lack flavor, while excessively large ones might be watery or overripe. Aim for a good balance.
• Check the Greens: The green caps (calyxes) should be fresh, bright green, and firmly attached. Wilted or brown caps can indicate older berries.

1. Prepare the Luscious Cream Base

• In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the coconut yogurt, coconut condensed milk, your chosen dairy-free creamer (Nutpods or coconut cream), and the optional vanilla extract.
• Using either a rubber spatula or a whisk, thoroughly mix all ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. Ensure everything is well incorporated to create a consistent, velvety cream.

2. Chill for Optimal Flavor and Texture

• Once your cream mixture is smooth, cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
• Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. This crucial chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the cream a chance to thicken slightly, resulting in a more luxurious texture when served.

3. Clean and Prepare the Strawberries

• Place your whole, unhulled strawberries into a large bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water, ensuring the strawberries are fully submerged.
• Add ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the water. This vinegar bath helps to gently clean the strawberries and extend their freshness without imparting any noticeable taste.
• Allow the strawberries to soak for 5 minutes. Afterward, drain the water and rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold running water to remove any lingering vinegar residue.

4. Slice the Strawberries

• Once clean and dry, remove the green tops (hulls) from the strawberries.
• Slice or quarter the strawberries, depending on your preferred size and how you like them in your dessert. Uniform pieces will make for easier layering and eating. Set the prepared strawberries aside.

5. Assemble Your Dairy-Free Fresas con Crema

• Retrieve your chilled cream mixture from the refrigerator.
• Begin assembly by spooning a couple of tablespoons of the cut strawberries into individual serving glasses or bowls.
• Follow with a generous scoop of the dairy-free cream, creating a delightful layer.
• Continue layering strawberries and cream, alternating each component until your glass or bowl is beautifully full.
• Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture. Enjoy this vibrant and creamy dessert!

How to Serve This Delightful Dessert

Dairy-Free Fresas con Crema is best enjoyed chilled, immediately after assembly. This ensures the strawberries retain their fresh, firm texture and vibrant flavor, preventing them from becoming too soft within the cream. The contrast between the cool, rich cream and the juicy fruit is what makes this dessert truly special.

For a personal touch, serve individual portions in elegant glasses or small bowls, showcasing the beautiful layers of red strawberries and creamy white. If you’re hosting a larger gathering or party, simplify serving by mixing the cream and sliced strawberries together in a large, decorative serving bowl. Place a serving spoon alongside and allow guests to help themselves. This casual approach makes for an inviting and easy dessert station.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

To keep any leftover Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality for 1 to 2 days. However, for the absolute best experience, it’s highly recommended to avoid mixing all the strawberries with the cream if you anticipate having leftovers. Once strawberries are mixed into the cream, they tend to release their juices and soften much faster, diminishing their crispness and fresh appeal. Ideally, store the cream and sliced strawberries separately, then combine them just before serving.

Tips and Creative Variations for Your Dairy-Free Fresas con Crema

Elevate your Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream with these helpful tips and delightful variations:

• Enhanced Flavor and Toppings: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon over each serving. The warm spice beautifully complements the sweet strawberries. Alternatively, top your dessert with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch), or even a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce. Shredded coconut also makes for an excellent topping!
• Versatile Serving Options: This dessert is wonderfully versatile. Enjoy it simply on its own as a light and satisfying treat. Or, get creative by using it as a topping! It makes a fantastic addition to dairy-free pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or even as a fruity layer in a trifle.
• Quick Dairy Version: If dietary restrictions are not a concern and you’re looking for a quick, traditional version, you can easily adapt this recipe. Simply replace the coconut yogurt with regular sour cream, the coconut condensed milk with regular sweetened condensed milk, and the dairy-free creamer (Nutpods) with evaporated milk or Mexican *media crema*.
• Tropical Twist: Add a layer of diced mango or pineapple along with the strawberries for a vibrant tropical twist that enhances the natural sweetness and tanginess.
• Citrus Zest: A tiny bit of orange or lime zest mixed into the cream can brighten the flavors and add an aromatic lift.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream

I truly hope you enjoy this delightful Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream recipe! If you give it a try, please take a moment to leave me a comment with a star rating below – your feedback is incredibly valuable. Also, don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay updated on new recipes and culinary inspiration. And for exclusive content and updates, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter.

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