Dessert: Mexico – Bajio Mexico — Guanajuato – Fresas con Crema (Strawberries with Cream)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 45 min

Total 1 hr

Ingredients

- 2 lb (900 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered depending on size
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar (optional; use less or omit if strawberries are very sweet)
- 1 cup (240 ml) Mexican crema
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped toasted pecans or chopped Maria cookies for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Short Description:
Fresh Bajío strawberries tossed in a rich, lightly sweetened cream made from local dairy and condensed milk, chilled and served as a simple, traditional Mexican dessert.

Regional Notes:
This Bajío version highlights the region's especially sweet strawberries and uses local dairy textures—Mexican crema combined with whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk—for a creamy, slightly tangy, and very smooth finish. Compared with other regions, it leans on crema and condensed milk rather than only whipped cream or custard-style creams.

1. Wash strawberries, hull them, and slice into halves or quarters so pieces are uniform; place in a large bowl.
2. Sprinkle lime juice and optional sugar over the strawberries, gently toss to combine, and let macerate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the cream.
3. In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks with a whisk or electric mixer (about 2–3 minutes).
4. In a separate bowl, stir together the Mexican crema, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and optional ground cinnamon until smooth.
5. Fold the whipped cream gently into the crema mixture until fully combined and light, creating a rich but airy cream.
6. Pour about two-thirds of the cream over the macerated strawberries and fold gently to coat all berries; reserve the remaining cream for serving or layering.
7. Transfer the coated strawberries to a serving bowl or individual glasses, dollop or pipe the remaining cream on top, and chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
8. Just before serving, garnish with chopped toasted pecans or crushed Maria cookies if using. Serve chilled.