What is a Strawberry Sando?
Though it may seem unusual at first, fruit sandwiches have been a longtime trend in Asian food culture, tracing back to Japan as its main origin.
These sandwiches are an incredibly popular item in Japanese cafes and convenience stores, adored by many for their cute aesthetic as well as its delicious taste.
These fruit sandwiches are filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream between slices of Japanese milk bread, also known as shokupan.
Symmetrically shaped strawberries or other fresh fruits make the centerpiece of the sandwich, as well as the sweetened whipped cream that truly makes it all heavenly.
Every bite of this sandwich is a burst of sweet and juicy flavor, which makes it one of the most refreshing sandwiches to indulge in during the summertime.
Strawberry sando in particular reminds me of strawberry shortcake but in sandwich form, making it to be the most convenient way to satisfy that cake craving at 8 am.
How do you make a Japanese Fruit Sandwich?
- Prepare the whipped cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract (if using) until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Prepare the fruits:
- Wash, peel, and slice the fruits as needed. It’s best to use fruits that are fresh, ripe, and slightly firm to maintain a good texture in the sandwich.
- Assemble the sandwich:
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on one side of each slice of bread.
- Arrange the fruits on one slice of bread, pressing them gently into the whipped cream. You can be creative with the arrangement, placing different fruits in a pattern or cluster.
- Add more whipped cream on top of the fruits to fill any gaps and ensure the fruits are evenly covered.
- Form the sandwich:
- Place another slice of bread on top, whipped cream side down, to form a sandwich.
- Press gently to secure the sandwich, being careful not to squeeze out too much cream.
- Chill and cut:
- Wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the sandwich hold its shape and makes it easier to cut.
- Once chilled, unwrap and slice the sandwich diagonally or into smaller pieces to reveal the colorful cross-section of fruits and cream.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve the sandwich immediately while the fruits are fresh and the cream is still fluffy.
A Strawberry Sando, or Strawberry Sandwich, is a popular Japanese treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious. It’s a simple yet elegant combination of fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan), fresh strawberries, and lightly sweetened whipped cream. The sandwich is light, fruity, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for a snack or dessert.
Total Time:
10 mins
Ingredients
- 9 strawberries more or less depending on the size of the bread
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 2 slices milk bread (can substitute with any soft, white bread)
Instructions
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Step 1: Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream and sugar on high speed until medium peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
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Step 2: Spread a generous amount of whipped cream, top with hulled strawberries, then finish off by spreading whipped cream on top and the sides, ensuring there are no empty spots.
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Step 3: Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
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Step 4: Carefully remove the sandwich from the plastic wrap, and cut the crusts off (optional). Slice into 4 equal portions and enjoy!