28 Strawberry Recipes, From Simple Summer Salads To Stunning Centrepieces

By Madeleine Crutchley
Viva
How do you like your strawberries? Eaten whole and fresh, or wedged within tiny, precise sponge cakes? Photo / Babiche Martens

This summer berry is one we wait all year for. Make the most of the season with a myriad of strawberry-filled recipes.

Is there a symbol of summer more ubiquitous than the strawberry?

Whether you’re heading to a field, basket in hand, to pick them yourself, or cracking open a

This collection sees every subtle note of the summer berry explored, from its slight tart taste to the mouthwatering sweetness found at peak ripeness. To take full advantage of the summer season, you’ll want to work your way through a series of recipes and savour all that the berry has to offer.

But where to start? You could keep it simple, with an earthy, basil-tossed salad; a spread of sweet and sticky jam; or a stack of pancakes. Or, turn to a more extravagant dessert, such as a towering and wobbly jelly ring or a fluffy sponge cake.

Photo / Eleanor Ozich
Photo / Eleanor Ozich

This recipe allows the summer berry to shine, with a couple of additions to enhance its sweet, floral flavour.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

Need to use some leftover croissants? A quick oven-bake sees them meld with a vanilla cream and a smattering of jammy strawberries.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

Skip fussy pie crust and turn to this breezy recipe for a dessert centrepiece. A mix of apples (preferably green) adds a tart note.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

Keep the taste of summer for longer with this sticky and sweet jam (pick your favourite plums and add a hint of vanilla).

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This homemade gelato is a luscious and rewarding weekend project — waffle cones are a must-have to make these feel extra special.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

These fruity cups benefit from a sprinkle of earthy herbs (mint is an especially welcome addition).

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

Lift a hearty buckwheat porridge with a medley of fresh fruit — strawberries pair well with passionfruit.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

A vanilla-flavoured custard makes a rich base to a layer of fresh berries in this stunning tart.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

Flecks of pink make this creamy dessert both pretty and delicious.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

These boozy, vintage-inspired desserts will be a welcome nightcap for a festive celebration. Serve in your most opulent glasses.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This lush and decadent dessert benefits from a stark visual contrast — bright red berries and pomegranate seeds against deep dark chocolate.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

A splash of brandy and a dollop of mascarpone makes this fresh dessert feel very lavish.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This simple citrus cake is topped with a tart glaze and super-sweet fresh fruit. It’s a lovely pair with Earl Grey tea or your favourite coffee order.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

A dusting of cocoa and a splash of coffee make this invigorating dessert a great prelude to a night of dancing.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This zesty granita is best enjoyed on a balmy day in the sun. Garnish with a few sprigs of mint.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

A tangy icing provides moreish contrast for these sweet mini cakes (and thin-cut strawberries are a bright and cheery topping).

Photo / Sally Greer
Photo / Sally Greer

Go foraging for eye-catching, edible flowers to decorate this vegan cake (as well as herby and earthy basil).

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

If you’re looking for a series of wow’s from dinner party guests, this is the dessert you should choose. It’s ideal for warmer weather too (you’ll just have to eat quickly!).

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

A topping of sugar floss makes these desserts feel whimsical. Add a few more berries if you want a bigger hit of freshness.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

A scattering of pistachios and a heavy helping of strawberries give this cake a subtle festive feel.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This towering dessert is best served on a dish that emphasises its impressive height. A few crumbles of freeze-dried strawberries can add another textural element.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This light and crumbly sponge cake pairs well with fluffy cream and zingy jam, and lots of berries.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

Place these three layers into clear glasses for a simple and pretty dessert.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

These pikelets are perfect for stacking and sandwiching a sweet and floral coconut yoghurt.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This pillowy layer cake is a fluffy bed for a big collection of summer fruit — think strawberries and cherries.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

These soft and delicate desserts are lovely mini cakes to pair with a tart drink.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

Stir through a couple of mint leaves through this sweet and syrupy pudding.

Photo / Babiche Martens
Photo / Babiche Martens

This coffee-filled dessert is made a little more lush, with segmented strawberries and a glug of vibrant limoncello.

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