11 Delicious Strawberry Dessert Recipes to Try This Summer

Summer is synonymous with the sweet and vibrant flavor of strawberries, making it the perfect time to indulge in delightful strawberry desserts. From classic shortcakes to innovative cakes with a matcha twist, the possibilities are endless.

In this article, I’ll share 11 unique strawberry dessert recipes that are bound to make your summer gatherings unforgettable. These recipes range from simple to sophisticated, each offering a new way to enjoy this cherished fruit.

1. Strawberry Coffee Cake with Matcha Filling

There’s something magical about combining the delicate sweetness of strawberries with the earthy richness of matcha. This strawberry coffee cake does just that, creating a harmony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.

Inspired by traditional coffee cakes, this version adds a flavorful twist with roasted strawberries and a decadent matcha filling, making it an ideal centerpiece for any summer brunch.

Ingredients:

Coffee Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Roasted Strawberries:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Matcha Filling:

• ¼ cup matcha powder
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the coffee cake base: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and eggs, and mix until a smooth batter forms.
2. Roast the strawberries: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast for 15 minutes. Let cool.
3. Create the matcha filling: In a separate bowl, blend the matcha powder, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the cake: Grease an 8- or 9-inch cake pan. Spread half of the cake batter into the pan. Layer with the matcha filling, then add the roasted strawberries. Top with the remaining cake batter and smooth the surface.
5. Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.

2. Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Cupcakes meet cheesecake in this delightful recipe that brings the tang of cream cheese together with the sweet burst of strawberries. These are perfect for summer parties, offering a two-bite indulgence that’s both fun and sophisticated.

Ingredients:

Cupcake Base:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling and Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Strawberry Reduction:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Bake the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the cream cheese filling and frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Chill until ready to use.
3. Create the strawberry reduction: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Let cool completely before using.
4. Assemble the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, top with a generous swirl of the cream cheese frosting and a spoonful of strawberry reduction.

3. Strawberry Rhubarb Galettes

These rustic galettes bring the best of both worlds with the sweet-tart combination of strawberries and rhubarb nestled in a nutty rye puff pastry. A perfect balance for the warmer months, they offer a refreshing bite that screams summer.

Ingredients:

Rye Puff Pastry:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rye flour
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ cup ice water

Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup rhubarb, chopped
• ½ cup granulated sugar

For Topping:

• Sparkling sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rye puff pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose and rye flours. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water gradually, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Assemble the galettes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Divide the dough into 4–6 portions and roll each into a small circle (about 5–6 inches). In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries, rhubarb, and sugar together. Spoon the filling into the center of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the edges over the fruit, pleating slightly to form a rustic shape. Sprinkle the crust with sparkling sugar, if using.
3. Bake: Place the galettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.

4. Strawberry Cake with Strawberry-Flavored Gelatin

This cake is a nostalgic favorite, utilizing strawberry-flavored gelatin to amplify the natural sweetness of the fruit. It’s a brilliantly pink and moist cake that captures the essence of carefree summer days.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 (3 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs

Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup mashed fresh strawberries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
3. Make the icing: In a mixing bowl, beat the powdered sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the mashed strawberries and continue beating until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

5. Fast Summer Berry Pie

This quick pie is ideal for those spontaneous summer gatherings. The combination of melted butter pie crust and berry filling ensures a quick yet sumptuous dessert that embodies the spirit of the season.

Ingredients:

Pie Crust:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Berry Filling:

• 2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pie crust: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, and sugar until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
2. Cook the berry filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir continuously and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble and bake: Pour the berry filling into the prepared crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Cool before serving.

6. Strawberry Bostock

Bostock, a French toast-like treat, takes on a sweet summer vibe with strawberries. Transforming stale milk bread with a rich frangipane layer and juicy strawberries creates a dessert that’s both creative and comforting.

Ingredients:

Milk Bread:

• 4 slices milk bread (brioche or challah also works well)

Frangipane:

• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Macerated Strawberries:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the frangipane: In a bowl, mix the almond flour, sugar, and softened butter until smooth and spreadable.
2. Macerate the strawberries: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10–15 minutes until juicy.
3. Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread a layer of frangipane on each slice of bread, then top with macerated strawberries. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and the edges are crisp.

7. Strawberry Shortcake

Perhaps the most classic of summer desserts, strawberry shortcake is all about simplicity and freshness. Perfect for warm-weather evenings, these cakes highlight the sweetness of peak-season strawberries with rich, flaky biscuits and homemade whipped cream.

Ingredients:

Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Fresh Strawberries:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions:

1. Make the biscuits: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add just enough cold water (about ¼ cup) to bring the dough together. Roll out and cut into rounds. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
2. Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
3. Assemble the shortcakes: Slice the biscuits in half. Layer with strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Top with the biscuit lid and more cream and berries if desired.

8. Strawberry Ice Cream

Homemade strawberry ice cream is a creamy delight that celebrates the luscious berry flavor like nothing else. Perfect for hot summer days, this recipe can be enhanced with a splash of high-proof liquor to prevent iciness and improve texture.

Ingredients:

Strawberry Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon vodka or other high-proof neutral spirit (helps prevent iciness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the strawberry mixture: In a blender or food processor, blend the strawberries with sugar until fully dissolved and smooth. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Make the ice cream base: Stir in the heavy cream and milk. If using, add the vodka. Mix well to combine.
3. Churn and freeze: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 3–4 hours, or until firm.

9. Super-Simple Strawberry Cake

For those days when you’re craving something sweet but short on time, this super-simple strawberry cake delivers wonderful flavor with minimal effort. The addition of sour cream adds tanginess, while nutmeg brings a hint of warmth.

Ingredients:

Cake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Sour Cream Whip:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, sour cream, eggs, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and well blended.
2. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch round or square cake pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
3. Make the sour cream whip: In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Serve alongside or dolloped on top of each slice.

10. Warm Strawberry Puff

For a breakfast-inspired dessert, the warm strawberry puff offers a soufflé-like texture that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. With its quick homemade strawberry jam and a dollop of crème fraîche, it’s an adventurous fusion of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

Pancake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs

Quick Jam:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

To Serve:

• Crème fraîche

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pancake batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, and eggs until smooth. Do not overmix.
2. Cook the puff: Heat a lightly greased nonstick or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour in the batter and cover. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed, set, and golden on the bottom. Alternatively, finish in a 400°F oven for extra lift.
3. Make the quick jam: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Let cool slightly.
4. Serve: Slice the puff into wedges and serve warm with strawberry jam and a spoonful of crème fraîche.

11. Lemon-Ginger Strawberry Pie

For a dessert with a zing, this lemon-ginger strawberry pie promises a refreshing blend of spicy ginger and tart lemon with juicy strawberries. It’s a fantastic way to elevate the typical strawberry pie with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients:

Pie Crust:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Strawberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Lemon-Ginger Mixture:

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pie crust: In a bowl, cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2–4 tablespoons cold water, one at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and grated ginger. Stir gently to mix.
3. Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out the chilled dough and place into a pie dish. Fill with the strawberry mixture. Optionally, add a lattice or top crust. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let cool before slicing.

Final Thoughts

The variety of strawberry dessert recipes highlighted here showcases the incredible versatility of strawberries in bringing a touch of summer to our tables. Whether you’re trying these for the first time or rediscovering classics with a twist, these recipes offer opportunities to experiment and indulge.

I invite you to try out these delightful creations and maybe even share your favorite strawberry desserts or experiences with us. There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with the taste of strawberries!