Strawberry Dessert: A Taste of Sweet Bliss
There’s something magical about strawberries. Their
vibrant red color, juicy texture, and natural sweetness make them the star of
countless desserts. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a cozy winter evening, a
strawberry dessert never fails to impress. Today, I’m sharing my all-time
favorite strawberry dessert recipe that’s not only delicious but also
surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Layer:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Mint leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the
Base
1.
In a medium-sized
bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix
well until the texture resembles wet sand.
2.
Press the mixture
firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Use
the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to compact it.
3.
Refrigerate the
crust for about 20 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the
Cream Layer
1.
In a large mixing
bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2.
Gradually add
powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
3.
In a separate bowl,
whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4.
Gently fold the
whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated.
5.
Spread the cream
layer evenly over the chilled crust and return to the refrigerator.
Step 3: Prepare the
Strawberry Layer
1.
In a saucepan,
combine strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat,
stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices (about 5
minutes).
2.
In a small bowl,
dissolve cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the
saucepan.
3.
Continue cooking
until the sauce thickens (another 2-3 minutes).
4.
Allow the strawberry
mixture to cool slightly before pouring it over the cream layer.
5.
Spread the sauce
evenly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Serving and
Presentation
Once the dessert is set, carefully remove it from
the springform pan. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a few fresh
strawberry slices, and a sprig of mint for a touch of elegance.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent
lumps.
- Whip the cream just enough to form stiff peaks, but don’t overdo
it.
- Allow the strawberry layer to cool before adding it to the cream
layer to maintain texture.
Variations to Try
- Berry Medley Delight:
Substitute half of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
- Chocolate Strawberry Twist: Add
a layer of melted chocolate on the crust before the cream layer.
- Strawberry Shortcake Parfait:
Layer the cream and strawberry mixture in individual glasses for a
stunning presentation.