My Mom’s Simple Strawberry Dessert Tastes Like Summer In a Bowl

There’s nothing like summer strawberries. My mom thought so, too, and she’d often include a stop at our local farm stand during the early summer months to pick up a pint or two. The sweet fragrance from those ruby red berries was so enticing that we’d often try “a few” on the car ride home. She’d turn the remaining strawberries into that night’s dessert.

Of course those strawberries were delicious on their own, but when my mom sliced them to create our favorite summer dessert, they became something special. She’d toss the sliced strawberries with a bit of granulated sugar and vanilla extract and leave them on the counter while we ate our dinner.

After the dishes were done, she would serve the slightly softened strawberries covered with spoonfuls of the delicious strawberry syrup that had magically appeared in the bottom of the bowl. She’d often serve the berries with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and sometimes, broken pieces of sugar ice cream cone. It tasted like summer in a bowl!

My mom still makes this dessert when we come for a visit, and if I’m lucky, she’ll serve it with a freshly made angel food cake she buys from a local bakery in her small town. And when the strawberries finally look good here in Chicago, I make this dessert for my family.

I’ve made some tweaks over the years, but I ultimately stay true to my mom’s simple approach. It’s a family favorite. No matter what summer meal you’ve just enjoyed, always feels like the perfect ending.

How To Serve This Simple Strawberry Dessert

My mom often served the strawberries over store-bought shortcakes, but my favorite was when she pulled out the carton of vanilla ice cream. I’d spoon the berries and their juices all over that ice cream and tilt my bowl to get every last drop. You can also serve it topped with whipped cream and sprinkles (my daughter’s favorite way) or as a topping for plain Greek yogurt. Any way you serve it, it’s delicious.

How To Make My Mom’s Simple Strawberry Dessert

To make four servings, you’ll need:

• 1 pint strawberries (about 12 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of flaky salt, for garnish
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving, optional

Hull and quarter the strawberries, then add them to a large bowl. Toss with the sugar and the vanilla extract and let sit at room temperature until juicy, at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. If your berries are especially sweet, you can add less sugar.

Toss again before serving, then portion into bowls and garnish with the salt. Serve as is or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Store leftover berries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.