Strawberries and cream are a classic duo that never goes out of style. This dessert layers sweet strawberries, fluffy cream, and a crunchy graham cracker topping for a treat that looks fancy but is a breeze to make. Perfect for a dinner party or a casual weekend dessert, it’s as easy to whip up as it is to enjoy.

Strawberries and Cream by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit by Tessie’s Table

This recipe turns fresh strawberries into a sweet and flavorful sauce that layers beautifully with fluffy cream. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something extra special—all without breaking a sweat.

Why you’ll love this Strawberries and Cream Dessert

Quick and Easy:
No complicated steps or techniques here—just straightforward layering and a bit of whipping.
Customizable for Your Preferences:
Switch up the toppings or add a twist to the cream for a dessert that’s uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleaser:
The balance of sweet strawberries, creamy layers, and a crunchy topping is a hit with anyone who tries it.

A spoonful of crushed graham crackers being spooned on top of the Strawberries and Cream layers in a glass.

Layered Desserts Done Right

Let’s be honest: desserts with layers just look fancier, and this one is no exception. The combination of colors and textures makes it almost too pretty to eat—almost. Plus, there’s something fun about digging through the layers to find that burst of strawberry sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress without the stress.

Ingredients Needed for Strawberries and Cream

Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the show. Make sure to pick ripe, juicy berries for maximum flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Helps bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and creates a thick, glossy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Whips up into a fluffy, rich base for the cream layers.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream without making it grainy.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor to the cream.
Cool Whip: Keeps the cream light and airy while adding a touch of sweetness. Make sure it’s thawed before using.
Graham Crackers: Crushed for a crunchy topping that complements the soft cream and sauce.
Fresh Strawberries for Garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finishing touch to each serving.

How to make Strawberries and Cream

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Strawberries cooked down in a pot to make strawberry sauce.

Cook strawberries with sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens.

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Cool whip on top of the whipped cream in a bowl.

Gently fold Cool Whip into the whipped cream mixture until smooth and combined.

Filling the layers of Strawberries and cream into a glace.

Layer the cream mixture and strawberry sauce alternately in serving glasses or bowls, finishing with cream on top. Garnish with crushed graham crackers and fresh strawberries.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Option: Drizzle chocolate sauce between the layers or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a chocolate-strawberry vibe.
Tropical Twist: Add a layer of diced mango or pineapple for a bright, tropical flavor.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios between the layers for extra crunch and flavor.
Berry Medley: Mix raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry sauce.
Lemon Zest Kick: Add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream for a citrusy contrast to the sweet strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

Individual Glasses: Serve in clear glasses to showcase the layers.
Trifle Dish: Assemble in a large trifle dish for a stunning centerpiece.
As a Topping: Use the cream and strawberry sauce as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Over Cake: Spoon the layers over slices of pound cake or angel food cake for a more substantial dessert.
With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each serving for an extra indulgence.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Strawberries and Cream?

Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The layers may settle slightly, but the flavors will stay fresh.

Can I freeze Strawberries and Cream?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled dessert, as the cream layers can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the strawberry sauce separately for up to two months and thaw it in the refrigerator when ready to use.

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Three glasses of Strawberries and bream in a row.

Tips & Tricks

Pick the Best Berries: Choose the ripest, juiciest strawberries you can find. Fresh berries work best for flavor, but frozen strawberries are a great backup. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Cool the Sauce Completely: Allow the strawberry sauce to cool fully before assembling the layers. This prevents the cream from melting and keeps the dessert looking neat.
Whip the Cream Just Right: Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks, but don’t overdo it. Over-whipping can make the texture grainy, so stop as soon as the peaks hold their shape.
Layer with Care: Use a spoon or a piping bag to neatly layer the cream and strawberry sauce. Clean, even layers make the dessert visually stunning and easy to serve.
Add the Crunch Last Minute: Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers right before serving. This keeps them crispy and ensures the perfect textural contrast to the creamy and fruity layers.

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FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, frozen strawberries are a good substitute for fresh ones. Thaw them completely, drain off any excess liquid, and cook them a little longer to achieve the right consistency for the sauce.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip? You can replace Cool Whip with more whipped cream. Alternatively, add a small amount of softened cream cheese or mascarpone to homemade whipped cream to give it a similar texture.
How far in advance can I make this? You can prepare the strawberry sauce and whipped cream mixture up to a day ahead. Assemble the dessert the same day you plan to serve it to ensure the layers stay fresh and the crackers remain crispy.
Can I skip the graham crackers? Definitely. You can leave them out or substitute them with crushed shortbread cookies, digestive biscuits, or chopped nuts for a different crunch.
What if my cream doesn’t whip? Cold cream is key to successful whipping. Chill your cream and mixing bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before whipping. If it still doesn’t whip, you can fold in a store-bought whipped topping instead.
How do I prevent the layers from blending together? Chill both the strawberry sauce and whipped cream mixture before assembling the layers. This keeps them firm and distinct. Handle gently when adding each layer.
Can I make this dessert less sweet? Yes, adjust the sugar in the strawberry sauce and whipped cream to your taste. A little less sugar won’t compromise the overall flavor.
What else can I use the strawberry sauce for? The strawberry sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream, or even as a filling for crepes or cakes.