Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible summer dessert that will make your friends beg for the recipe! This Tried True Tuesday Strawberry Lemon creation is not just a dessert - it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet juiciness of fresh strawberries with the bright, zesty punch of lemon, all topped with clouds of whipped cream. In just 15 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that looks like it came straight from a professional pastry kitchen. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a quick sweet escape, this recipe is about to become your new warm-weather obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then slice them into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and freshly grated lemon zest. Gently mix to coat the strawberries, allowing them to macerate and release their natural juices.
- Pour the fresh lemon juice over the strawberry mixture, stirring carefully to prevent crushing the fruit. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
- Whip the cream until it forms soft, billowy peaks. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can make the cream grainy.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry-lemon mixture, maintaining the light and airy texture of the cream.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and allow the mixture to set.
- When ready to serve, portion the strawberry lemon dessert into individual serving dishes, garnishing with additional lemon zest or a fresh strawberry slice if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Freshest Strawberries: Select ripe, vibrant red strawberries that are firm but not hard. The fresher the berries, the more incredible your dessert will taste.
- Zesting Technique: Use a microplane or fine grater when zesting lemons to get only the bright yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Maceration Magic: Letting strawberries sit with sugar helps draw out their natural juices, intensifying the fruit's flavor and creating a more luxurious texture.
- Whipped Cream Perfection: For the fluffiest cream, use cold heavy whipping cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand. Stop whipping as soon as soft peaks form to prevent over-beating.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers and colors of the dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
