Dessert

Strawberry surprise! 10 ways with our favourite fruit

From baked brie to savoury rice paper rolls.

Strawberry season has finally arrived. Now’s the time to make this sweet and juicy fruit the hero of your summer salads, desserts and drinks. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fibre, this healthy superfruit adds fresh flavour and nutrition to dishes. Lucky for us, Victorian Strawberries grow an abundance of ruby red strawberries from November through to June for us to enjoy. These 10 unique recipes prove our favourite fruit is more than just a garnish or standalone snack.

01

Strawberry custard slice

Strawberry custard slice

This delicious slice is a pretty addition to high tea or brunch with friends. The homemade dough base is topped with custard and layers of bright strawberries brushed with raspberry jam. Cut into rectangular bites to create small morsels of sweetness.

02

Strawberry baked triple brie

Strawberry baked triple brie

Put a sweet twist on your appetiser with this simple, 15-minute recipe. Top your brie wheel with strawberries, honey and thyme and bake it in the oven until the cheese is puffed. This molten showstopper goes best with crunchy bread and crackers. The vibrant berries are the perfect addition in summer when Victorian Strawberries are plentiful, highly aromatic and delicious.

03

Strawberry and passionfruit frangipane cake

Strawberry and passionfruit frangipane cake

The best part of this frangipane cake is the top layer. Once baked, top with your homemade cream mixture, sprinkle coconut flakes and drizzle with passionfruit syrup. Juicy, orange liqueur strawberries add the final flair. Serve on a long platter to kick presentation goals.

04

Strawberry, lime and cranberry shrub

Strawberry, lime and cranberry shrub

A fruity drink is the perfect thirst-quencher on a balmy summer day. This classic shrub is a fruit-based vinegar syrup, concocted to be sweet, tangy and refreshing. It’s just the thing to whip up as a big batch when you’re hosting family friends so they can help themselves to a cool glass throughout the day.

05

Strawberry bliss bomb pizzas

Strawberry bliss bomb pizzas

Turn your ordinary weeknight pizza into a gluten-free dessert with a sweet and savoury flavour profile. Gluten-free pizza bases are sprinkled with homemade caramelised popcorn, buttery pecans and sweet strawberries dusted with icing sugar. Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of greenery.

06

Strawberry rice paper rolls

Strawberry rice paper rolls

Surprise guests with a burst of sweetness when they bite into these easy rice paper rolls. As strawberries are in abundance during the warmer months, these savoury favourites are a great lunch option for picnics and alfresco affairs. Just make sure you eat them on the day: they can be made up to four hours ahead and wrapped in plastic to prevent them from drying out.

07

Strawberry and elderflower cocktail

Strawberry and elderflower cocktail

This strawberry and elderflower mixture is a crowd-pleasing cocktail to serve at your next summer event. This vanilla-infused drink stirred with raw caster sugar, mint leaves and sparkling mineral water makes three litres and can be served in your choice of glassware.

08

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry and Elderflower Sauce

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry and Elderflower Sauce

These panna cotta desserts are a visual spectacle and promise to amaze your guests. The recipe is a brilliant combination of bright red berries, strawberry and elderflower sauce and vanilla cream. Scatter with baby basil leaves or edible flowers to up the wow factor.

09

Strawberries and cream shortcake

Strawberries and cream shortcake

To make this spectacular layered cake, place one shortbread round on a cake stand and top with pastry cream and fresh sliced strawberries. Repeat the layering three more times and drizzle with strawberry compote and syrup. Make on the day of your event to welcome guests into your home with the highly fragrant, sugary scent of berries.

10

Strawberry Chocolate Santas

Strawberry Chocolate Santas

These berry bites are a fun and festive treat to make with the kids. For the filling, simply pour hazelnut spread and cream into small piping bags, poke a hole in your strawberry base and fill it with the mixture. Create Santa by using extra whipped cream, hazelnut spread and strawberries, and you’ll have a bundle of charming treats to share or keep for yourself.

Brought to you by Victorian Strawberries.

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