Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No baking required – minimal hands-on time for a delightful treat
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Elegant appearance – looks as beautiful as it tastes, perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea
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Adaptable and versatile – classic strawberries or experiment with seasonal fruits
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Thick slices of Japanese milk bread (shokupan) or any fluffy white bread
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Heavy whipping cream (30–36 %)
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Granulated or icing sugar
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Fresh ripe strawberries
directions
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Prepare the strawberries – wash, hull, and halve them. Choose ones similar in size for a neat presentation
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Whip the cream – using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip cold cream with sugar until firm peaks form
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Trim the bread – remove crusts for a clean, aesthetic edge
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Assemble – spread whipped cream on one slice, carefully arrange strawberries in a row (cut side facing out), fill gaps with more cream. Top with the second slice
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Chill – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1–2 hours is ideal) to let the cream set
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Cut and serve – slice diagonally with a sharp serrated knife, wipe down cut edges for a polished finish
Servings and timing
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Yields: 1 sandwich (serves 1–2 depending on size)
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Prep time: ~15 minutes
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Chill time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
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Total time: ~45 minutes
Variations
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Dairy-free: replace whipping cream with chilled full-fat coconut milk cream
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Fruit mix: add kiwi, peaches, grapes, or mango for a mosaic-style fruit sando
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Cheesecake style: blend mascarpone with the cream for richer filling
storage/reheating
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Best eaten the day it’s made; store wrapped in fridge for up to 2 days
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Not ideal for freezing—cream and bread may become soggy or grainy
FAQs
What bread works best for sandos?
Japanese milk bread (shokupan) is ideal—soft, airy, and slightly sweet. Thick-cut white bread is a good substitute.
Can I use low-fat cream?
No. Use at least 30% fat heavy cream; lighter creams won’t whip to stiff peaks.
How do I get firm whipped cream?
Chill the cream, bowl, and beaters beforehand; whip on medium-high until just-stiff peaks form.
Do I need to remove the crusts?
For the authentic look and neat edges, yes—but it’s optional if you prefer.
How long can it sit in the fridge?
Up to 2 days—with tight wrap. Any longer and the bread may turn soggy.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended—cream texture changes and bread becomes mushy.
Can I make ahead?
Yes—assemble and wrap, refrigerate overnight; cut just before serving.
How to keep strawberries from leaking?
Use firm, ripe strawberries and pat dry; trim, don’t slice too thin. Fill gaps with cream to seal edges.
How to get that mosaic look inside?
Arrange fruit slices cut-side against plastic, then sandwich so cross-sections show at the edges.
Is it a dessert or snack?
Both! Popular as a picnic treat, tea-time indulgence, or light dessert.
Conclusion
Strawberry Sando is a simple yet elegant no-bake treat combining soft milk bread, airy whipped cream, and luscious strawberries. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refined solo indulgence, it can be dressed up with different fruits or made dairy-free. With minimal prep and maximum appeal, this sandwich brings a touch of Japanese cafe culture straight to your kitchen.

Strawberry Sando
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich (serves 1–2)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and elegant Japanese-style fruit sandwich made with fluffy milk bread, sweet whipped cream, and fresh ripe strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
2 thick slices of Japanese milk bread (shokupan) or fluffy white bread
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (30–36%)
1–2 tablespoons granulated or icing sugar (to taste)
4–6 fresh ripe strawberries (similar size, hulled and halved)
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and halve the strawberries. Choose ones of similar size for neat presentation.
- In a chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream with sugar until firm peaks form.
- Trim the crusts from the bread slices to create clean edges.
- Spread whipped cream evenly on one slice of bread.
- Arrange strawberry halves cut-side down in a neat row over the cream. Fill gaps with more whipped cream.
- Top with the second slice of bread, pressing gently.
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to set.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the sandwich diagonally. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
- Use chilled tools for best whipped cream texture.
- Best eaten the day it’s made, but can be stored in fridge for up to 2 days.
- Not suitable for freezing – cream and bread will lose texture.
- For dairy-free version, use chilled full-fat coconut milk cream.
- Try other fruits like kiwi, mango, or grapes for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 sandwich
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg