Cream cups with strawberry coulis: the spoon dessert that disappears in seconds”
The cream cups with strawberry coulis are the perfect answer for those evenings when you want to wow everyone without spending hours in the kitchen. Three layers, two main ingredients, an applause-worthy result.
The cream cups with strawberry coulis are one of those desserts that win you over at the first glance and the first spoonful. The lightness of whipped cream pairs with the sweet-tart flavor of the coulis, creating a balance of flavors that is hard to forget. It’s not just a dessert: it’s a small visual work of art, with cream-colored and bright red layers alternating in a clear glass. Perfect for a dinner with friends, a birthday or simply to indulge in a daily treat, these cups require neither an oven nor special equipment. All you need are electric beaters, a small saucepan and a desire to enjoy something delicious. A classic of home cooking that never fails to make an impression.
The Secret to a Perfect Coulis
The strawberry coulis is the heart of this recipe. Slow cooking with lemon juice and a tablespoon of sugar allows the strawberries to release all their juices, concentrating the flavor into a dense, fragrant and naturally shiny sauce. Lemon not only enhances the fruit’s aroma but also helps preserve its vibrant color after cooking. For a smooth, velvety coulis, blend the strawberries after cooking; if you prefer a more rustic texture with visible fruit pieces, leave it as is. Both versions are delicious.
How to Assemble the Cups: Technique and Presentation
Assembling the cream cups with strawberry coulis is the most creative and also the most satisfying phase. Start with a generous layer of whipped cream at the bottom of the glass to create a soft base that holds the coulis without it sinking too quickly. The second layer of coulis, poured slowly with a spoon, settles with a spectacular color effect. Then more cream, and finally fresh strawberries as decoration. This step is not only aesthetic: raw strawberries add a fresh note and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cream’s softness. For a more elegant result, use a piping bag to distribute the cream evenly and professionally. Served cold, these cups are a complete taste experience.
Below are other sweet recipes with strawberries:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer and Autumn, Easter
- Energy 310.88 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 23.06 (g) of which sugars 19.18 (g)
- Proteins 2.10 (g)
- Fat 24.13 (g) of which saturated 0.02 (g)of which unsaturated 0.25 (g)
- Fibers 2.50 (g)
- Sodium 1.59 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 290 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (very cold, for whipping)
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)
- 14 oz strawberries (for the coulis) — about 2 1/2 cups
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for the coulis)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 strawberries (for decoration)
Tools
- Electric hand mixer Moulinex Filtra Vision, 1.2 kg Oil Fryer, with Large Window and Filtering Net, Modern Design, Family Capacity, Easy to Clean and Store, AF2541
Steps for cream cups with strawberry coulis
Prepare the coulis: Wash the strawberries (for the coulis) and cut them into pieces. Put them in a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (for the coulis) and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes.
Cool the coulis: Remove from the heat and let cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator. The coulis will thicken slightly as it cools.
Whip the cream: Pour the very cold heavy cream into a bowl and whip with electric beaters. When it begins to thicken, add the confectioners’ sugar and continue whipping until you obtain a firm, creamy whipped cream.
Assemble the cups: In each glass create the layers in this order: a layer of whipped cream, a layer of strawberry coulis, and another layer of whipped cream.
Decorate and serve: Finish each glass with fresh strawberries cut in half or sliced. Serve immediately or keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage, notes, tips for Cream Cups with Strawberry Coulis
For perfect whipped cream, make sure it is very cold before whipping — keep it in the fridge until the last moment.
For a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked strawberries with an immersion blender.
You can prepare the coulis the day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whipped cream is best prepared at the last moment to keep it firm.
Assembled cups can be kept in the fridge for a maximum of 4–5 hours before serving.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use frozen strawberries for the coulis?
Yes, absolutely. Frozen strawberries work very well for the coulis: once cooked with sugar and lemon, they release even more juice than fresh strawberries, yielding a particularly dense and flavorful sauce. The only precaution is to thaw them slightly before putting them in the pan to avoid excess water diluting the flavor. For the final decoration, however, always use fresh strawberries: they provide the freshness and slight crunch that make the cup irresistible.
