Hunting for more easy dessert ideas featuring summer’s best ingredients? Check out my Best Lemon Desserts, next!
22 Strawberry Desserts to Make This Summer
Are you ready? Because I’m about to sweeten up your summer! It’s strawberry season, and that means strawberry desserts. I’m slowly finding ways to work fresh, flavorful strawberries into all my baking these days. Zero regrets! Naturally, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite summer strawberry recipes to inspire you to do the same.
You’ll also sign up to get new recipes in your inbox. Δ These summer desserts are loaded with enough strawberries to make any berry lover swoon. From strawberry cakes to cool and creamy frozen treats, pies, strawberry shortcake, and more delicious recipes, there are so many ways to transform seasonal strawberries into the BEST desserts. These recipes have you covered from Memorial Day until Labor Day, all summer long. I’ve also thrown in some of my best tips for choosing the ripest strawberries when they’re in season, how to store them, and even how to freeze them!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Recipes
In case you couldn’t tell, I’m berry excited about the strawberry season. Here’s why you’ll love these recipes:
Easy to make. Who doesn’t love a dessert that tastes amazing, that’s also stress-free? These strawberry recipes keep it simple while oozing fresh summer flavors in every bite. Vibrant flavors. The ripest strawberries bring all sorts of delicious sweetness and freshness to these easy dessert ideas. Not to mention a pop of rosy color! Perfect for summer. Strawberries are a surefire sign that summer is here. Take these desserts along with you to cookouts, parties, or make them just because. These are the perfect recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth all season long.
When Are Strawberries in Season?
So, what are the best months for strawberries? For most of the US, strawberries are in peak season from mid-May to early June. This of course can vary a bit depending on which part of the country you’re in. As soon as berry season arrives, you best believe I’m first in line at my local farm stall.
How to Pick Strawberries at the Store
Get in, we’re going strawberry shopping! But how do you know if you’re picking the right berries? Below are my tips for choosing the very best strawberries:
Color and Plumpness: Look for bright, plump berries that are red from top to bottom. Unlike some other fruits, strawberries don’t ripen after they’re picked. If the strawberries have a lot of yellow and green shading, they’ll stay that way and won’t be as sweet. And if the berries look dry or shriveled at all, give them a pass. Leaves: Fresh green leaves = fresh strawberries. Dry, wilted leaves indicate that the berries were picked a while ago. Signs of Mold: It probably goes without saying, but if any of the strawberries are moldy, it’s best to pick another box. Mold means that the berries are going bad, even if some of them aren’t spoiled just yet.
How to Store and Freeze Fresh Strawberries
Now that you’ve selected the best strawberries of the bunch, make sure you store them properly. It’s easy to do:
Store: Store your strawberries in the fridge until you’re ready to wash and eat them. It’s best to leave strawberries whole and unwashed when you store them so that they aren’t exposed to moisture. To prolong the life of your fresh strawberries, store them in a single layer inside an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Properly stored strawberries can last in the fridge for a week (or sometimes longer). Freeze: Fresh strawberries can be frozen either whole or chopped. Before you freeze your berries, remove the stems, then flash-freeze the berries on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the frozen berries to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months. Frozen strawberries are perfect to use in everything from smoothies to pies. Wash: Place your fresh berries into a colander and give them a good rinse under cold water before you eat them.
My Favorite Strawberry Recipes
Below you’ll find all my best, brightest strawberry desserts and flavorful, summery treats made with my favorite berry. Looking for even more summer desserts and seasonal recipes? Find tons of ideas using my recipe finder! PIN for later:
