FIVE-MINUTE STRAWBERRY SHORTCUTS

Sun's out, strawberries in! These sweet and juicy summer berries are heavenly on their own or smothered in cream – but we've also thought outside the punnet and dreamt up some deliciously different ways to enjoy them.

Scroll for five scrumptious strawberry ideas that take five minutes or fewer, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more in the sunshine.

5 fabulous strawberry shortcuts

From quick cocktails to speedy snacks, get ready to enjoy the fruits of your five-minute labour.

Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Dip in melted white, dark or milk chocolate, then chill to set. If you've dipped in dark or milk chocolate, add a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra swirl of deliciousness – and vice versa if you've dipped in white chocolate.

Vin Santo-soaked strawberries

Marinate chopped strawberries in Vin Santo – a sweet, Italian dessert wine – and serve with crunchy biscotti for an irresistible flavour pairing. Add a dollop of cream if you like.

Vin Santo-soaked strawberries

Marinate chopped strawberries in Vin Santo – a sweet, Italian dessert wine – and serve with crunchy biscotti for an irresistible flavour pairing. Add a dollop of cream if you like.

Five-minute martini

Blend a handful of strawberries and some ice with vodka or gin, plus some dry vermouth, and voilà – a refreshingly fruity martini. Garnish the side of the glass with a strawberry, if you like.

Easy Eton mess

For a quick spin on this traditional summer pud, blend strawberries with strawberry syrup then ripple through whipped cream and crushed meringue. Top with chopped strawberries, or stir them through.

Easy Eton mess

For a quick and easy spin on this traditional summer pud, blend the berries with strawberry syrup, then ripple the mixture through whipped cream and crushed meringue. Top with chopped strawberries, or stir them through the dessert.

Lemon tart glow-up

Cheat at dessert! Add sweetness to tangy lemon tart by topping generously with strawberries, then finish with a sprinkling of lemon zest and a dusting of icing sugar.

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Top strawberry tips

Tip #1
We recommend leaving strawberries to warm in the sun rather than eating straight from the fridge – the chill dulls their flavour and fragrance.

Tip #2
Sprinkle strawberries with sugar (and a splash of wine, if you like) then leave them for an hour or so – this draws the liquid out of the berries and creates a perfumed syrup.

Tip #3
Fan strawberries if using as a garnish. Thinly slice the berries lengthways from the bottom to slightly below the stem. Apply a little pressure to the stem and allow it to fan out.

This summer's sweetest shortcut

Have you seen our amazing Chocolate Strawberries? Emphasis on the chocolate – this delicious dessert is made from rich Belgian chocolate mousse, with crunchy biscuit balls and a juicy strawberry compote hiding inside.

Dig in

Easy strawberry ice cream recipes

These low-effort ice creams take just 20-25 minutes to prepare. Crunchy biscuit pieces, rich clotted cream and delicate rose water are the heroes of these stay-cool recipes – which will you choose?

No-churn strawberry cheesecake ice cream

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Cheat's strawberry & clotted cream ice cream

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No-churn strawberry & rose ice cream

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Easy strawberry salad recipes

Strawberries aren't just for pudding; they're also delicious in savoury summer salads. Pair with salty feta for an irresistible contrast of flavour, texture and colour.