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Learn how to make Strawberries and Cream just like at Wimbledon! This simple recipe is naturally gluten-free, light, and refreshing. Perfect as a summer dessert or snack. 

Close-up overhead photo of a bowl of Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream. Whole hulled small strawberries with cream and garnished with fresh mint and a voila edible flower.

Every summer, as Wimbledon kicks off in London, tennis fans and food lovers alike look forward to one thing: strawberries and cream.

Yes, there’s world-class tennis happening on Centre Court, but this simple, iconic dessert has become just as much a part of the tradition as the matches themselves.

When I visited London from California last spring, I was genuinely impressed by the freshness and flavor of the ingredients, especially the produce and dairy. The berries, in particular, were much fresher than what I can usually find at local supermarkets. 

So, with Wimbledon season upon us, I thought, why not bring a little bit of that magic home? 

Overhead food photography of two bowls of Wimbledon-style strawberries and cream garnished with mint and violas. Why Strawberries and Cream Are So Iconic at Wimbledon

Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream date all the way back to the 1800s, when the All England Croquet Club (before it became a tennis club) started serving this simple summer treat at their garden parties.

It became a tournament tradition when lawn tennis was introduced in 1877, and to this day, it remains considered “a true icon of The Championships.”

Fun fact: In 2024, nearly 2 million strawberries were served during the tournament! And while lunch at one of the club’s restaurants might cost over £130, a bowl of strawberries and cream remains a modest £2.70—a price that stayed almost unchanged for 15 years.

Overhead photo of strawberries on a wooden cutting board on a white marble counter alongside a small dish of granulated organic sugar and a small jar of cream.

The Secret is in the Ingredients

This recipe couldn’t be more straightforward. The key is choosing the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find and pairing them with really good-quality cream. If you’re lucky enough to find local, in-season strawberries at your farmers market, grab them. Small strawberries work best here as they are traditionally served whole. 

A beautiful cucumber cream cheese English tea sandwich on an afternoon tea platter.

 

What to Serve with Strawberries and Cream (Wimbledon Style)

At Wimbledon, strawberries and cream are often accompanied by something equally celebratory. Any dish from our list of Famous British Foods would work, but these are a perfect fit to serve alongside Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream. 

Here are a few traditional pairings:

  • Champagne or English Sparkling Wine:
    Nothing says summer tennis like a glass of bubbly. It’s the classic Wimbledon pairing, adding that little extra fancy touch.
  • Pimm’s Cup:
    Another Wimbledon favorite. This refreshing gin-based cocktail, loaded with citrus, cucumber, and mint, evokes the essence of a British summer in a glass.
  • Earl Grey or Afternoon Tea:
    If you want to lean into cozy British tradition, serve your strawberries and cream with a pot of tea. Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or even a light herbal blend all work beautifully. 
  • Lemonade or Elderflower Cordial:
    For a non-alcoholic option that still feels festive, serve with chilled homemade lemonade or a splash of elderflower cordial with sparkling water.
  • Tea Sandwiches: Cucumber or Coronation Chicken sandwiches would be an ideal savory snack. 
  • Classic British Scones: Go all-out afternoon tea by making Buckingham Palace’s Scones. 
Yield: 4-6 servings

Wimbledon Strawberries & Cream

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Bring a taste of Wimbledon home with this simple, elegant Strawberries and Cream recipe! Fresh, juicy strawberries are lightly sweetened and served with a drizzle of cold, pourable cream for the ultimate summer dessert. Perfect for entertaining, afternoon tea, or a quick and refreshing treat on a warm day. Naturally gluten-free with an easy dairy-free option.

An overhead photo of two silver coupes filled with Wimbledon style strawberries and cream garnished with mint and violas.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh, ripe strawberries (organic if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or more/less to taste)
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash, dry, and hull the strawberries. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with the sugar. Let the berries sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes until they start to release their juices. A white bowl with blue rim filled with strawberries lightly coated in sugar to macerate.
  2. In a cold mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it’s slightly thickened but still pourable. You’re not looking for whipped cream, just enough body so it lightly coats the berries. A vintage silver coupe glass willed with sugar coated strawberries with a small juice jar of cream in the foreground to make Wimbledon strawberries and cream.
  3. Spoon the strawberries into individual bowls or coupes. Drizzle generously with the cream. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired, and serve immediately. Close-up food photography of a bowl of Wimbledon strawberries and cream made at home and garnished with fresh mint and a viola.

Notes

For a subtle flavor twist, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or scrape in some fresh vanilla bean when whipping the cream, but traditionally it’s served plain to let the flavor of the strawberries shine.

For a dairy-free option, try Trader Joe’s Coconut Whipping Cream (lightly whipped until pourable) or use your favorite non-dairy creamer like Califia or Nutpods.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 165
© Marina Delio
Cuisine: British / Category: Dessert