The strawberry season is one of the most delightful times of the year, where the air fills with the scent of these vibrant, juicy berries. A fantastic way to enjoy strawberries is by integrating them into your slow cooker meals. Here are five delicious crockpot strawberry recipes that you'll absolutely adore.
Strawberry Cheesecake
If you're looking for a dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries, look no further. Here's how to make a crockpot strawberry cheesecake:
- 1 cup of crushed graham crackers for the crust
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 2 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries for the topping
Steps:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Top with sliced strawberries after cooling.
🔍 Note: You can use parchment paper at the bottom to easily lift out the cheesecake. Keep your cooker lid slightly ajar to prevent condensation from dripping onto your cheesecake.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Embrace the tartness of rhubarb and the sweetness of strawberries with this easy crockpot dessert:
- 4 cups of sliced rhubarb
- 2 cups of strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces
Steps:
- Mix rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- Spread this mixture over the fruit in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Strawberry Butter
Imagine spreading a creamy, homemade strawberry butter on your morning toast. Here's a simple recipe:
- 2 cups of strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup of softened butter
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Steps:
- Place strawberries in the crockpot, cook on high for about 1 hour until very soft.
- Mash or blend strawberries until smooth, mix in butter, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Continue cooking on low for another hour, stirring occasionally.
This butter can be stored in the refrigerator and is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet accompaniment to biscuits.
Strawberry Lemonade
Beat the heat with this refreshing crockpot strawberry lemonade:
- 1 lb of strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups of water
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high until the strawberries have broken down and the lemonade has infused with their flavor (about 2-3 hours).
- Strain the lemonade, cool it down, then serve chilled with ice.
🌞 Note: For a more concentrated flavor, blend some of the strawberries before cooking.
Strawberry Barbecue Sauce
Try something different with this savory strawberry barbecue sauce:
- 2 cups of strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
Steps:
- Purée strawberries in a blender. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Use this sauce as a marinade or glaze for meats, especially chicken or pork. Its unexpected sweetness from strawberries paired with traditional BBQ flavors is a true delight.
In concluding, these crockpot strawberry recipes provide an assortment of ways to enjoy strawberries in both sweet and savory dishes. Each recipe offers a unique twist on how to incorporate this juicy berry into your meals, adding color, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party with a strawberry cheesecake or cool off on a warm day with a homemade lemonade, strawberries are versatile and wonderfully adaptable in the slow cooker. So, grab your berries and start experimenting with these recipes for a taste of summer any time of the year!
Can I use frozen strawberries for these recipes?
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Yes, frozen strawberries work well. However, they might release more water, so adjust the cooking time and possibly reduce other liquids in the recipes.
How long can I store strawberry butter in the fridge?
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Homemade strawberry butter can last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Can I make these recipes vegan?
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Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese with vegan alternatives, use a plant-based butter or oil, and ensure your other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
