Is there anything more summery than strawberries and cream? This Wimbledon strawberries and cream recipe is super simple: the juiciest strawberries, a pour of rich cream just thick enough to coat them, and... that's it. Pure, sweet-tart, creamy bliss.
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Have you ever heard of Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream? Maybe you've even tried it? Or - lucky you - tasted it while watching a match live?
The Wimbledon Tradition
If you've ever been to Wimbledon, chances are you couldn't miss this iconic tennis dessert. Every year, nearly 200,000 bowls of strawberries and cream are enjoyed during the tournament, and the number keeps growing! (It's tricky to pin down the exact stats, but some reliable sources, like this one, this one, and this one, give a good idea.)
The tradition goes back more than a century and has become one of Wimbledon's most beloved rituals.
Big win: as of 2019, Wimbledon catering also offers a vegan version of the dessert.
How I Discovered This Recipe
I have to admit, I've never actually been to Wimbledon (one day!), but I do know that strawberries and cream are absolutely delicious. It's been a staple in my husband's family for years.
Funny enough, I didn't even know about this dessert before I met him. I'd seen strawberries dipped in whipped cream or layered into cake, but just ripe, juicy strawberries swimming in liquid cream? It seemed almost too simple to count as a real dessert.
Then I tried it, and wow, it just works.
In his family, this dish is so iconic that they simply call it "strawberries." Whenever someone said, "We're having strawberries for dessert," everyone knew exactly what that meant: a bowl of fresh strawberries drenched in cream.
When I started researching the recipe, I discovered that this simple dessert is actually a classic British treat famously associated with Wimbledon.
Interestingly, something very similar also exists in northern Germany, where it's simply called strawberries with cream.
And honestly, that's part of the charm. It feels a little fancy despite being so simple. And maybe - just a little bit - because the British Royals are said to enjoy it too.
Tips for the Perfect Wimbledon Strawberries & Cream
This recipe is as simple as it gets. Just two main ingredients (right, strawberries and cream :). Which means both need to be the best you can find.
- Strawberries: These are the star of the show, so go for the freshest, sweetest, most vibrant ones you can get your hands on. Think: ripe, scarlet red, juicy, and super flavorful. At Wimbledon, the strawberries are picked that very morning; isn't this some next-level freshness?
- Cream: Traditionally, they use heavy cream (aka double cream in the UK), sometimes just poured straight on, other times lightly whipped. I personally love the lightly whipped version for a little extra texture, it clings better to the strawberries. I've got some tips below on what to look for in a vegan whipping cream.
- Sugar: Totally optional. If your strawberries are sweet enough on their own, skip it. But if you feel like they need a little boost, just add a tiny sprinkle.
- Vanilla: Same deal as the sugar, it's optional. A tiny bit in the cream can be a nice touch, but it's not a must.
- Serving: Typically, it's served in individual bowls.
The Best Vegan Cream to Use
Vegan cream options have seriously come a long way. These days, the refrigerated section at the grocery store actually has some good stuff.
For the Wimbledon strawberries and cream recipe, you're looking for the creamiest, dreamiest whipping cream you can find. If you're not planning to whip it at all, a vegan cooking cream works too, as long as it's got enough fat content.
Traditional heavy cream (or double cream) usually has at least 36% fat. In the US, that would be heavy whipping cream (same fat content).
My go-to in Germany is the Rama vegan whipping cream. It's got about 31% fat, which isn't quite as high as the classic stuff, but it works. It's creamy, not sweetened, and doesn't have a weird aftertaste.
One thing I'd skip: coconut-based creams. They're awesome for some recipes, but here, not so much. The coconut flavor (even if just barely noticeable) overpowers the strawberries. We want the berries to shine!
What to look for in vegan cream:
- High fat content (at least 30%)
More is better! If you can't find one that high, try mixing in a tablespoon of cashew butter to thicken it up (just know it might be less liquidy).
- Unsweetened
So you can sweeten it to your liking (or skip it altogether).
- Neutral flavor
No coconut.
- Whippable
Just in case you want it a little fluffy instead of completely liquid.
🍽 Recipe
Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream Recipe (vegan)
Ingredients
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 250 ml heavy cream (double cream), chilled. For vegan cream, aim for one with at least 30% fat.
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar (icing sugar) optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground vanilla or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional (for flavoring the cream)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional (traditionally omitted at Wimbledon, but I love the pop of green)
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries in halves or quarters, depending on size. Divide them between individual serving bowls or glasses.
- If using, stir the powdered sugar and vanilla into the cream.
- Optional step: Lightly whip the cream. At Wimbledon, the cream is usually just poured over, but if you prefer a bit more body, whisk it by hand or with a mixer until it thickens slightly - just before it forms soft peaks. Keep it pourable!
- Spoon or pour the cream generously over the strawberries.
- Garnish with a mint leaf, if you like.
- Best enjoyed the same day! If preparing ahead of time, store in the fridge and serve within a few hours.
Other Desserts Recipes in a Bowl
If you liked this Wimbledon strawberries recipe, you might love the following dessert recipes:
- Cherry & Sweet Potato Pudding
- Tropical Stewed Rhubarb Recipe
- Juicy Plum Compote With Cozy Spices
- Watermelon Raspberry Ice Cream
- German Apple Snow Recipe
- Chocolate Coco Pudding With Sour Cherries
Enjoy,
Ramona
PS: If you try it, tell me in the comments how it turned out. I'm always curious how recipes travel.
♥
Ovidiu says
Super. Magic is really the word to describe it. No one can resist. But... why to fight? Better enjoy the pleasure. Red and white are very pleasing to the eye. Be serious, no game deserves that much.Maybe a ballroom. Small possible suggestion: honey :). Maybe white, red and gold. You reminded me that a friend used to make strawberry cream cake in May.This fruit is representative of this late spring month when summer is knocking on the door. Thanks.
Ramona says
Thanks for your lovely words — red, white, and a touch of gold sounds just perfect! And yes, strawberries really do capture that sweet spot between spring and summer. Honey is a lovely addition for non-vegans; for me as a vegan, I’d go with maple syrup or agave (though that wouldn't be the classic Wimbledon recipe anymore!).