We’re well into springtime now. That means that the days are getting warmer, the clouds are parting, and the sun is shining. The flowers outside are in full blossom, and I wake up each day to sun-dappled shadows coming through the curtains.
Some days have been downright hot! It already feels like summertime when the weather here starts to roast. When that happens, I start thinking about my favorite summertime foods—BBQ on the grill, corn on the cob, baked beans, salad, watermelon …. And for dessert, strawberries! There is nothing more delicious and mouthwatering than the sweet, refreshing taste of strawberries on a hot summer day. I never imagined there are so many yummy desserts I can make with strawberries!
This year I want to be ready. So I’ve gone ahead and hunted down the most exciting strawberry recipes that I could find. Any of these will go over great at my next summer cookout—and I am looking forward to making the rest of them for myself and my family!
Strawberry Jello Cake
This is exactly what I look for in a summer strawberry dessert recipe! As its chef Vera says, “Strawberry Jello Cake is very light, fluffy, not too sweet and it’s so easy to assemble.” Vanilla sponge cake is layered with cheesecake filling and then topped with strawberry jello and fresh strawberries. Basically it looks like strawberry shortcake for jello lovers. I cannot wait to try this one!
Instructions and Source: omgchocolatedesserts
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
How could I forget to list lemonade along with my other summer food favorites? Well, this recipe looks like the perfect refreshing summer pairing of lemonade and strawberries—and it’s frozen! As its creator Elena mentions, you could easily transform this into a cocktail by adding just a dash of rum, vodka, tequila, or wine.
Instructions and Source: aseasyasapplepie
Fruit Pizza with Strawberries
If you are looking for a refreshing, light, and easy dessert, here is a recipe for one I have actually tried. It is a simple fruit “pizza” with strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries in a sugary glaze. I like this dessert because it is relatively flat and not overwhelming if you are already full from eating your dinner. And again, it is super quick and easy to make!
Instructions and Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything
Strawberry Dole Whip
If you’ve been to Disneyland (or another Disney property), you may have tried pineapple Dole Whip. This is the same thing, only it is a strawberry version. You only need a few simple ingredients to make it—and it looks totally amazing!
Instructions and Source: chocolatecoveredkatie
Skillet Strawberry S’mores
Here are two summer foods I never would have thought of putting together—but the recipe looks incredible! Skip the campfire and just use a basic skillet instead; use s’more fixings along with fresh strawberries, and you end up with classic gooey goodness with a refreshing twist.
Instructions and Source: beginwithinnutrition
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Most recipes that use strawberries use them as an ingredient in something else … but with this recipe, you are stuffing the goodness inside the strawberries themselves! These look totally gourmet—and with the red, white, and blue, perfect for a Fourth of July party!
Instructions and Source: dessertnowdinnerlater
Strawberry Mousse
The delicious light creamy texture of mousse … I can’t think of the last time I’ve had a chance to indulge in it. I am looking forward to making this strawberry mousse recipe this year as soon as I get a chance. I’ve never actually had strawberry mousse, and it looks deliciously amazing!
Instructions and Source: simplystacie
Flag Cupcakes
Here is another creative recipe for the Fourth of July. These flag cupcakes use similar ingredients to the recipe above—once again you have delicious blueberries, cream, and strawberries, but this time you add in a cupcake. These are no less artfully designed though—I love the way she has the strawberries standing up in the cream.
Instructions and Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything
“Starbucks” Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino
One of the best things about Starbucks is their seasonal beverages. If you enjoy their Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino and wish that you could make your own at home (and save $4), then you have just found the recipe of your dreams. This is fast and easy and tastes remarkably like the real thing!
Instructions and Source: frugalcouponliving
Layered Jello Cups
These layered jello cups were invented as a Valentine’s Day treat, but they would be perfect to serve at summer parties. I have to say, not only do they look scrumptious, but they are absolutely beautiful just from a visual perspective. All those gorgeous layers!
Instructions and Source: thefirstyearblog
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Previously I shared a recipe for stuffed strawberries which I thought looked just incredible, and now I have another to show you. These strawberries are stuffed with softened cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar, and topped with graham cracker crumbs. My mouth is watering just looking at them!
Instructions and Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything
Strawberry Bouquet
If you want to really blow the minds of all your guests at your next summer party, then learn how to make a “bouquet” of strawberries. Each of them has been cut to look remarkably like a flower, complete with petals. I am absolutely in awe here—what a stunning (and edible) project to decorate a table!
Instructions and Source: ashandcrafts
Patriotic Strawberry Trifle
I’ve never actually eaten a trifle before—so I didn’t know what one was, perhaps because trifles are British. A trifle like this one consists of sponge cake and fruit along with some combination of jelly, custard and cream. Basically, this is another alternative way to make something resembling strawberry shortcake—and as you can see, with the blueberries it is patriotic for the Fourth of July.
Instructions and Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything
Strawberry Puffcakes
This recipe was inspired by taking the idea of chocolate-dipped strawberries … and trying to interpret it as a cupcake—quite successfully I might add. These are chocolate cupcakes with a dollop of strawberry frosting. Coating the frosting is a topping of melted and cooled chocolate chips—the texture comes out a bit like a dip cone from Dairy Queen. These look beautiful and scrumptious!
Instructions and Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything
Strawberry Sauce
When you need strawberry sauce, do you head out to the store to buy it, only to lament you got something loaded with corn syrup and other nastiness? This recipe will teach you how to make fresh strawberry sauce yourself with real strawberries and cane sugar. You can use this sauce as an ingredient in desserts, or you can spread it on toast and waffles. This is easily one of the most versatile recipes for summer!
Instructions and Source: wickedgoodkitchen
Easy Strawberry Pie
This strawberry pie was inspired by the pie served at Shoney’s restaurant. It looks like a light, refreshing, sweet and delicious recipe which is perfect for a hot summer day. Usually making pie is something that intimidates me, but this recipe makes it look very approachable, so I will be giving it a go!
Instructions and Source: cincyshopper
Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
These cupcakes look delicious—they have a crust made of graham cracker along with cream cheese frosting. They look relatively simple, but once again, light, refreshing and perfect for summer!
Instructions and Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything
Homemade Strawberry Roll-Ups
Looking at this recipe, I am zooming back to my own childhood in the 90s when fruit roll-ups were all the rage and you couldn’t walk two feet without running into them. Personally, I was never a huge fan of fruit roll-ups; I liked the idea of them, but not the artificial flavors. Well, now I can make fruit roll-ups at home myself using real strawberries. How awesome is that?
Instructions and Source: shutterbean
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries Stuffed with Mascarpone Cheese
You knew there was going to be a recipe in here for chocolate-dipped strawberries, right? I mean, how could I skip that? These aren’t your standard chocolate-dipped strawberries, though—they are stuffed with a mild Italian cheese called Mascarpone! Once again, here is a recipe which looks absolutely beautiful—I can’t imagine how great it tastes!
Instructions and Source: cookingclassy
Chocolate Strawberry Parfait
Here is a strawberry dessert which looks just spectacular! All those beautiful layers of pound cake and strawberries and chocolate cream! At first I was daunted by the idea of making a parfait, but having read the instructions I would say this is probably much easier than the end result makes it appear.
Instructions and Source: atreatsaffair
Strawberry Salsa
All I’ve featured in this list so far is dessert … but how about a savory strawberry recipe for summer? This is a refreshing fruity salsa with strawberries, onions, jalapeno peppers, cilantro and lime juice. Check it out—I think it looks delicious!
Instructions and Source: gimmesomeoven
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
Previously I shared a recipe with you for frozen strawberry lemonade; now I want to share a recipe for fresh (non-frozen) strawberry lemonade! Follow the instructions and you will see that this is a very fast and easy summer treat. You an also switch the lemon juice with lime juice if you would prefer strawberry limeade.
Instructions and Source: deliciouslysprinkled
Strawberry Colada Smoothie
Here is another beverage you can make using fresh strawberries, along with frozen pineapple, a banana, and some coconut Greek yogurt and coconut milk. Just reading those ingredients is making my mother water. I love the way the ingredients are swirled together too—this beverage is very appealing to the eye.
Instructions and Source: cookingclassy
Strawberries & Cream Mile-High Pie
This is a light and fluffy dessert which sits high on your plate like a pink puffy cloud—despite looking like a lot of food, it will be gone faster than you know it. This stuff just looks ridiculously good; I can’t wait to try it!
Instructions and Source: leeshandlusrecipebox
No-Bake Strawberry Chocolate Tart
I enjoy cooking, but I know not everyone has the space in their kitchen, time or equipment to make all of the recipes in here. That is why I wanted to share at least one no-bake recipe with you for a delicious summertime dessert! This tart has a crust made out of Oreo cookies and is topped with chocolate cream and strawberries along with a smattering of chopped nuts (you an use pistachios, almonds, or anything you want). This delicious treat is easy to make even without an oven!
Instructions and Source: homecookingadventure
Strawberry Banana Bread
And here is a recipe that is all about baking! Who doesn’t love banana bread? Now you can add a dash of extra sweetness and flavor by adding strawberries to the mix. There are step-by-step instructions to follow complete with images for each—so even if you are not a baking expert, you should have no difficulty following along!
Instructions and Source: deliciouslysprinkled
Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
I know what you’re thinking—haven’t I already done stuffed strawberries three times now? But seriously, I have got to share at least one more with you gals—these ones are different because they are stuffed with chocolate cheesecake. I swear each stuffed strawberry recipe that I stumble across looks even more incredible than the last!
Instructions and Source: spendwithpennies
Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette
Amid all of these dessert recipes, I am trying to share at least a few healthy recipes with you! Earlier I shared a recipe for salsa; this one is for a salad topped with strawberries, blueberries, and a special vinaigrette made out of strawberries and lime. This looks like the most refreshing summer salad ever!
Instructions and Source: bakingwithblondie
Strawberry Crumb Bars
Dessert bars are something I just cannot get enough of, and these strawberry crumb bars look positively divine! Like all bars, there are a number of steps involved in making them, but looking at that mouthwatering photo, I know I will be up to the task!
Instructions and Source: flavormosaic.
Strawberry Scones
Looking for something tasty and amazing you can serve with tea this summer? How about some delicious strawberry scones topped with frosting?
Instructions and Source: bhg
Angel Food Cake French Toast with Strawberry Syrup
Remember that strawberry syrup recipe that I shared with you before? Here is one recipe that you could use it on—French toast made with angel food cake! This looks to be the perfect marriage between breakfast and dessert. As a bonus, there is a second recipe here for strawberry syrup, so you can try both and decide which you like best!
Instructions and Source:cookingclassy
Strawberry, Tomatillo, and Watermelon Salad
As promised, here is yet another healthy strawberry recipe for summer, a salad made with watermelon and tomatillo. Other ingredients include shallot, mint leaves, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. It looks like a really interesting combination of sweet and sour. This would be a great salad to serve at any summer cookout!
Instructions and Source: pickledplum
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
This is a pretty straightforward recipe for strawberry shortcake cupcakes. The strawberry filling is in the middle like a hidden gem of taste just waiting to be discovered. These look so light and delicious!
Instructions and Source: cakescottage
Strawberry Rolls with Vanilla Glazing
If you enjoy cinnamon rolls for breakfast but want a summery strawberry twist on an old favorite, then you will love this recipe for strawberry rolls with vanilla glazing. I actually think these look even more tasty than cinnamon rolls!
Instructions and Source: bakerbynature
No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert
I wanted to find another no bake recipe that I could share with you for a delicious strawberry dessert, and this is it! This is fast and easy to whip together with some fresh strawberries, pudding, and whipped cream. Crumbled golden Oreo cookies add a delightful crunch to every bite. You could easily customize this recipe to your heart’s content.
Instructions and Source: crazyforcrust
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans
Yes, it is time for another salad recipe, again with spinach and strawberries (it is impossible to go wrong with that taste combination). With this salad, you sprinkle on some candied pecans for a sweet, delicious crunch. Top it with some balsamic vinegar and you are good to go!
Instructions and Source: iwashyoudry
Rustic Strawberry Peach Galette
If you are not familiar with galettes, you can think of them as a simpler, easier version of a pie. This delicious, refreshing strawberry and peach galette has a flaky, buttery crust. As its creator describes it, “It sort of tasted like a biscuit. A fruit-filled, juicy biscuit.” I think it looks heavenly!
Instructions and Source: sallysbakingaddiction
Strawberry Covered in Frozen Yogurt
When I say “frozen yogurt,” I actually literally mean yogurt that has been frozen. To make this cold summertime treat, you need to dip strawberries in vanilla yogurt and then just put them on a pan and freeze them. It really is that simple. I always loved eating frozen strawberries (not too frozen of course), so this looks like a ingenious treat!
Instructions and Source: glamour
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Looking for a strawberry treat for this summer which is low in sugar and high in tastiness? Look no further than this recipe for frozen yogurt bark, which uses Classic Total Greek Yogurt to keep the sugar and calorie count down. Sweeten it up with honey or another natural sweetener!
Instructions and Source: myfussyeater
Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas
Chimichangas, which are essentially deep-fried burritos, are amazingly delicious … and what could be more perfect than turning them into a divine dessert food? These chimichangas contain a filling with cream cheese, sour cream, strawberries, cinnamon and sugar. I can only imagine how delicious these are—I will have to make these just as soon as I can!
Instructions and Source: omgchocolatedessert
Now you have 40 incredibly tantalizing strawberry recipes to make for summer—including desserts, salads, breads and more. Serve these to guests at your Fourth of July celebration or make them for your family to enjoy!
Becky Long
Looks beautiffully delicious!! Can't wait to fix it for my family. ?