Strawberry Delight - Bake from Scratch

      A wonderful indication of spring in the southern United States and summer in the northern regions, strawberries signal the arrival of warmer weather and longer sunny days. Delight in their vibrant red color, fragrant aroma, and juicy sweetness through this plentiful array of cakes, bars, and pies.

      STRAWBERRY TIPS

      🍓 While strawberries are available in grocery stores throughout the year, like all fruits, they are at their finest during their peak season. In the South, strawberries reach their prime in March, April, and May. In the North, look for them during June and July, while in the West, the harvesting period spans from April to July.

      🍓 A ripe strawberry emits a sweet, floral scent and flaunts a deep red color—the richer the shade, the sweeter the fruit. Strawberries ripen from tip to stem, so any white areas near the stems may suggest they were not allowed enough time to mature on the plant. Remember that strawberries do not continue to ripen once picked, so select those that are at your preferred ripeness.

      🍓 A reliable sign of freshness is the strawberry's cap. If the leaves are a vibrant green, the strawberries are likely to be fresher.

      🍓 Whenever possible, opt for locally grown strawberries. Those shipped over long distances are often picked before they are fully ripe to withstand transport, resulting in bland or tart berries.

      🍓 Smaller strawberries usually offer more juice and flavor compared to larger ones. Bigger berries often contain more water, which can dilute their taste. Although larger strawberries may seem like a better bargain and less hassle, the flavor of smaller ones makes them worthwhile.

      🍓 Keep strawberries in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator in their original clamshell container or in a loosely sealed plastic bag. They will remain fresh for about five days.

      🍓 Avoid washing strawberries or removing their caps until you’re ready to eat or utilize them.

      Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

      Do you remember the Shoney’s restaurant chain? If they are still operating in your area, you’re fortunate! Our editor-in-chief has fond memories of savoring their signature pie as a child. This recipe evokes those familiar flavors, made even better. The blind-baked cream cheese pie crust remains intact, and its slight tang complements the sweet and jam-like filling beautifully.

      Strawberry-Almond Custard Cake

      This cake, dotted with fresh strawberries and topped with a creamy berry-infused layer, features soft, spongy layers filled with smooth custard and brushed with an almond syrup to ensure each bite is moist and fluffy.

      Strawberry-Pistachio Layer Cake

      This decadent cake is a beautiful fusion of flavor and sophistication, ideal for special celebrations. Each layer of moist pistachio cake is enriched with a light nuttiness, which pairs fabulously with fresh strawberries and a delicate, creamy frosting. The vibrant colors and varied textures make this cake as eye-catching as it is delicious.

      Strawberry-Lime-Coconut Lamingtons

      Originating from Australia, lamingtons are a layered sponge cake dipped in sauce (commonly chocolate) and coated in desiccated coconut. Our version provides a refreshing spring twist on this classic dessert. Featuring lime-infused cake layers and a sweet strawberry glaze, these lamingtons are an elegant treat you won’t want to skip.

      Strawberry-Pretzel Bars

      If you’re not from the Southern or Midwestern United States, you may not be familiar with strawberry-pretzel salad, which inspired these bars. Although “salad” is in the name, there are no vegetables or savory dressings here. Traditional strawberry-pretzel salad consists of a pretzel (and sometimes nut) crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, and a topping of strawberry gelatin. Our take presents a slightly caramel-tasting sweet-salty crust, a fluffy citrus-infused filling, and a fresh berry topping.