If you’re looking for a simple yet absolutely delightful dessert, this Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. The fresh, vibrant sweetness of ripe strawberries perfectly complements the cool, aromatic mint whipped cream, creating a light and refreshing treat that feels both elegant and effortlessly homemade. It’s one of those dishes that instantly lifts your mood and turns an ordinary day into a special occasion, with every bite bursting with freshness and a hint of creamy indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each one plays a key role—fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and color, while the cream is infused with mint to add that subtle, cooling twist.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved): Use ripe and juicy berries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The rich base for the whipped cream that carries the mint flavor beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cream and fruit.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cream’s flavor with a warm, familiar note.
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish): Fresh mint is key for infusing the cream with a bright, herbal aroma and taste.
How to Make Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
Start by gently heating the heavy cream with fresh mint leaves in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. It’s important to heat just until steaming without boiling, which helps the mint release its delicate oils without cooking off the freshness. Then, cover the pan and let the mint steep for 15 to 20 minutes to create a fragrant infusion.
Step 2: Chill the Cream
Once the mint has infused, strain out the leaves and discard them. Place the cream in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly. Cooling the cream ensures it whips up light and airy later on.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
After chilling, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This creates a fluffy mint-infused whipped cream that’s the perfect texture to spoon over strawberries.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries
While your cream is infusing and chilling, hull and halve your fresh strawberries. Keeping them fresh and juicy is key so they pair beautifully with the cream.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the mint whipped cream generously over the prepared strawberries. Garnish with extra mint leaves for a fresh, colorful finish that also hints at the flavor waiting in every bite.
How to Serve Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra mint on top as a garnish not only looks stunning but reinforces that fresh herbal note. For some fun texture, consider sprinkling a few crushed shortbread cookies or meringue pieces, which add a lovely sweetness and crunch to the dish.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands wonderfully on its own, but it also pairs well with light and crisp white wines or a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon. If you want to extend the meal, a simple green salad or a cheesy cheese board serves as a perfect contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve your strawberries and mint-infused cream in delicate glasses or small porcelain bowls. Layering the strawberries and whipped cream creates a beautiful visual effect. You can even add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few fresh blueberries for extra flair and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strawberries and mint-infused cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume within 2 days as the mint flavor and berry freshness will be at their peak during this time.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze the whipped cream, do so before adding the strawberries. Freeze the whipped cream in a sealed container, and thaw it gently in the fridge before using. Strawberries do not freeze well once cut as they lose their texture.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to bring the cream back to room temperature, let it sit out briefly, then re-whip lightly to restore fluffiness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe because they retain their texture and vibrant flavor, but if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid making the dish soggy.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute chilled full-fat coconut cream for the heavy cream. It whips up nicely and works beautifully with the mint for a dairy-free version.
How long can I refrigerate the mint-infused cream before whipping?
Chill the cream for at least a couple of hours up to overnight for the best whipping results. The longer the cream chills, the more easily it whips and holds its structure.
Can I use other herbs instead of mint?
Mint is ideal for its fresh, bright flavor, but you could experiment with basil or lemon verbena for interesting flavor twists. Just keep the herbs fresh and use them sparingly.
What’s the best way to hull strawberries quickly?
Use a small paring knife or a strawberry huller tool to gently remove the stem and core without wasting the berry. This keeps the strawberries looking neat and ready for serving.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate simple, fresh ingredients with a touch of elegance. It’s refreshing, light, and perfect for warm days when you want a dessert that feels indulgent but not heavy. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how effortlessly vibrant and delicious it is. Treat yourself and share it with friends—the smiles it brings are priceless.
Print
Strawberries with Mint-Infused Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and elegant dessert featuring fresh strawberries topped with mint-infused whipped cream. The cream is gently heated with fresh mint leaves to infuse a delicate herbal flavor, then chilled and whipped with sugar and vanilla for a light, fragrant topping perfect for summer.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Mint-Infused Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Infuse the Cream: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and fresh mint leaves. Heat gently over medium-low heat until just steaming and small bubbles start to appear at the edges, but do not let it boil. This gentle heat will help release the mint flavor into the cream.
- Steep the Mint: Remove the saucepan from heat, cover it with a lid, and let the mint steep in the warm cream for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the cream to fully absorb the fresh mint aroma and taste.
- Strain and Chill: After steeping, strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve to remove the mint leaves. Discard the leaves and transfer the mint-infused cream to a bowl. Refrigerate the cream until it is thoroughly chilled, which helps it whip properly.
- Whip the Cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the chilled mint cream with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This means the cream should hold gentle peaks when the beaters are lifted but remain smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Divide the fresh strawberries into serving dishes. Spoon or pipe the mint whipped cream over the strawberries. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves to enhance the presentation and aroma.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the heavy cream with chilled full-fat coconut cream, which also whips well and complements the mint flavor.
- To add extra texture and sweetness, serve with a sprinkle of crushed shortbread cookies or meringue pieces on top.
