And 5 Delicious and Simple Strawberry Dessert Recipes!
It’s that time of year again—the air is warming up, the days are getting longer, and strawberry picking season is just around the corner! Few things feel as quintessentially American as filling a basket with ripe, juicy strawberries fresh from the farm. Whether you’re whipping up a classic dessert, getting creative in the kitchen, or heading to one of the country’s best strawberry festivals, there’s no better way to enjoy these little bursts of sweetness.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite strawberry recipes that are perfect for celebrating the season. But first, I’ve rounded up ten of the best strawberry festivals across the United States where you can indulge in everything from strawberry shortcake to family-friendly activities!
Strawberry Festivals to Explore in the U.S.
Strawberry season isn’t just about desserts—it’s also the perfect time to visit strawberry festivals across the country. These festivals are a celebration of everything strawberry, featuring food, crafts, live music, and more.
Here are ten strawberry festivals worth checking out:
- 1. California Strawberry Festival (Oxnard, CA) – A family-friendly event with strawberry-themed treats, rides, and live entertainment.
- 2. Poteet Strawberry Festival (Poteet, TX) – One of the oldest strawberry festivals in the country, known for its live music and agricultural displays.
- 3. Pasadena Strawberry Festival (Pasadena, TX) – Famous for its massive strawberry shortcake and fun carnival atmosphere.
- 4. Baldwin County Strawberry Festival (Loxley, AL) – A local favorite featuring strawberry shortcake and live country music.
- 5. Troy Strawberry Festival (Troy, OH) – A charming Midwest festival with parades, games, and delicious strawberry treats.
- 6. Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (Ponchatoula, LA) – Known for its strawberry eating contests and vibrant parade.
- 7. Plant City Strawberry Festival (Plant City, FL) – A massive event featuring headline concerts, strawberry treats, and family fun.
- 8. West Tennessee Strawberry Festival (Humboldt, TN) – This historic festival has been delighting attendees since 1934 with parades, live music, a strawberry market, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
- 9. Cedarburg Strawberry Festival (Cedarburg, WI) – A scenic event offering fresh strawberries, artisan goods, and live music.
- 10. Bellevue Strawberry Festival (Bellevue, WA) – A community event with a focus on local strawberries, food trucks, and family activities.
1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a beloved dessert that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for showcasing fresh strawberries. This classic recipe layers buttery biscuits, macerated strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream for a dessert that’s as timeless as it is delicious.
What I love most about strawberry shortcake is how easy it is to make ahead. You can prep the biscuits and strawberries earlier in the day, then assemble everything just before serving for the freshest, most flavorful dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp sugar (for macerating)
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions: Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine strawberries and sugar in a bowl; let sit to release juices. For biscuits, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in cream until dough forms. Roll out, cut into rounds, and bake for 12–15 minutes. Split biscuits, layer with strawberries and whipped cream, and serve.
Things to Remember:
- Biscuit Cutter Set: Ensures perfectly shaped biscuits every time.
- Whipped Cream Dispenser: Makes topping your shortcakes a breeze.
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2. Fresh Strawberry Pie
This pie is summer in a dish! With a buttery crust, a sweet strawberry glaze, and fresh strawberries piled high, it’s the ultimate dessert for a warm afternoon. Serve it chilled for an extra refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 package strawberry gelatin
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Instructions: Bake the pie crust as directed. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook until thickened, then stir in gelatin. Cool slightly, then pour over strawberries arranged in the crust. Chill until set, about 3 hours.
Things to Remember:
- Pie Dish with Lid: Perfect for storing leftovers.
- Strawberry Huller: Speeds up prep for fresh strawberries.
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3. Strawberry Icebox Cake
Strawberry icebox cake is the no-bake hero of summer desserts. Layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and strawberries come together in the fridge to create a dreamy dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced
- 1 box graham crackers
Instructions: Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Layer graham crackers, whipped cream, and strawberries in a baking dish. Repeat until full, ending with whipped cream and strawberries on top. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Things to Remember:
- Glass Baking Dish: Ideal for layering and serving icebox cakes.
- Offset Spatula: Ensures smooth whipped cream layers.
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4. Strawberry Lemonade Bars
These zesty bars combine the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of strawberries, creating the ultimate summer dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust, they’re perfect for picnics, parties, or just because.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup strawberry puree
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter; press into a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and strawberry puree; pour over crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Things to Remember:
- Food Processor: Makes blending strawberry puree quick and easy.
- Zester: Perfect for adding fresh lemon zest.
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5. Simple Strawberry Syrup
This easy strawberry syrup is a must-have for summer mornings and beyond. It’s sweet, flavorful, and versatile, made with just a handful of ingredients. You can even store it for later, making it a time-saving treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract for added depth
Instructions: Combine strawberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice (and vanilla extract, if using). Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids. Let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to a bottle or jar.
Things to Remember:
- Glass Syrup Dispenser: Makes serving easy and mess-free.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Ensures a smooth, lump-free syrup.
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The Takeaway
Strawberry season is a time to celebrate one of nature’s sweetest gifts. Whether you’re making desserts at home or heading out to a local festival, there are countless ways to enjoy the flavor and fun of strawberries.
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Which dessert or festival will you try first? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your favorites!
Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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