Strawberry & Cream Raspado (Shaved Ice)

Craving something refreshing and indulgent to cool off on a hot day? Look no further than my Strawberry and Cream Raspado! This delicious Mexican treat is similar to shaved ice but with tons more flavor, the strawberry twist makes for the perfect flavorful and fruity summer treat. Finely shaved ice is layered with a strawberry sauce and a blend of Real California Condensed milk, heavy cream, and drinkable yogurt that makes for a luscious and creamy raspado. Blend some fresh sun kissed strawberries to the base and top with a drizzle of condensed milk. Whether you’re enjoying it as a midday snack or serving it at your next summer gathering, this easy to make treat is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

Raspados instantly transport me back to my childhood . I remember standing in front of the colorful lineup of flavors, watching with full excitement as the vendor at the raspado cart poured them over a mountain of finely shaved ice, filling the cup to the brim. The toughest decision back then? Deciding which flavor to pick. It is really amazing how many memories are engrained in us over food. So excited for you to try this raspado, that captures a little bit of the heart of a Mexican summer.

Where do Raspados originate?

The origins of raspados can be traced back to Mexico and parts of Latin America. This timeless but simple and delicious treat has spread all over the world. Every corner makes it their own, with a different spin. Raspados are commonly sold in Mexico, as a street food. Originally, vendors would have a big block of Ice and a handy tool called “raspador” This tool fits in the palm of the hand and allows the ice to be shaved straight off the block. Raspar means to scrape hence, where the name “raspados'” originated from. There are endless flavors of raspado syrups, getting more and more elaborate as time has gone by. Flavor syrups are either water or milk based and most times include some type of fresh fruit or toppings. Some of my favorites include strawberry, coconut, nuez (pecan), tamarindo and rompope (eggnog). Other variations include a spicy twist with chili powder and tajin. There is a color and flavor profile for everyone. This Strawberry and Cream Raspado (shaved ice) is a spin on one of the classics!

What type of ice to use?

A great raspado starts with the texture of the ice, it makes all the difference. The ice should be finely shaved. When it’s just right, it holds the strawberry milk base and sauce and gives you that smooth icy spoonful that melts in your mouth. Although classic raspado shavers are available for purchase, we are also spoiled with blenders that can finely crush ice at the push of a button. Use what you have, the key is to avoid big pieces of ice for the best consistency. Go for and even texture, whether you are using the electric blender or manual ice shaver. I am using an electric shaved ice machine that makes it simple to get perfect fluffy ice. Prepare the ice right before serving to ensure it doesn’t clump together.

Best fruits to use:

I am using fresh strawberries because they are in season and at their peak of flavor. They make this raspado pop with brightness and sweetness from those plump juicy strawberries. One of the best ways to enjoy fruits and veggies at their absolute best is to look for what’s growing in your area. Eating seasonally will not only make for flavorful meals but will be more cost effective and you get to support local farms too! Other fruits that work well in raspados are: Mangos, guavas, peaches, pineapple….the list goes on. If you want a tart spin-lemon, hibiscus, tamarind, are other common water bases that lend that sweet and tart flavor that is refreshing and delicious. You can get creative and make the combinations using your favorite fruits.

Strawberry sauce:

Making the strawberry sauce for this Strawberries and Cream Raspado couldn’t be easier. In a medium saucepan add the clean strawberries with a bit of water and sugar. On medium heat let them simmer and release their juices for about 10-15 minutes. Let them sit and cool before using for the raspados. The sauce will thicken up as it sits. The sauce is not overly sweet and really lets the strawberries pop!

Making the base:

The base of this Strawberry and Cream raspado is made silky smooth by the blend of Real California Milk products that offer flavor and richness that makes for a great raspado. Look for the Real California Milk seal when shopping for dairy, to ensure you are purchasing the best quality products. Real California Milk products are made with locally sourced and sustainably produced milk from family farms. They include everything from milk, ice cream, sour cream, cottage cheese, milk and more. When you purchase products with the seal, you can be sure you are supporting families that are working on farms that have sometimes been passed down for generations! Many farms use renewable energy, water recycling, and waste reducing practices to protect the environment.

“California dairy farmers are more than halfway to a statewide goal of 40% less cow methane emissions by 2030. Projects to capture dairy methane are creating renewable electricity and fuels to power homes, vehicles and equipment.“

Indredients:

Real California Heavy Cream

This rich, creamy ingredient is one of the secrets to giving your raspado that smooth, velvety texture. The natural richness of the cream elevates this treat and that balances perfectly with the icy base.

Real California Strawberry Drinkable Yogurt

This yogurt adds a tangy and sweet twist to the raspado, enhancing the strawberry flavor while giving the treat an even more creamy and smooth consistency.

Real California Condensed Milk

Condensed milk is almost always found in any great creamy raspado. Its thick and rich and provides sweetness! Most of the moisture has been removed and sugar has been added. The result is a thick and deliciously sweet milk product that is shelf stable and a staple for this raspado.

Real California Milk

Fresh milk helps to smooth out the mixture of cream and yogurt, adding just the right amount of richness without being too heavy. It brings everything together.

Strawberries – Fresh

Fresh, juicy strawberries bring a bright, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that pops in every bite. Their natural sweetness and juiciness make them the perfect fruit for a strawberry and cream raspado, and they add vibrant color to the treat.

Vanilla Extract

A few teaspoons of vanilla extract enhances the creamy elements and adds warmth to this raspado..

Salt

Enhances all flavors, a little pinch to balance out the sweetness.

Sugar

Sweeten the raspado to your linking. Our icy treat has sweetness coming in from the condensed milk and strawberries, but I find that this extra bit makes everything pop and remember with cool treats a little extra sweetness is needed to really cut through the ice.

Preparing and Storage:

Like any icy and cold treat, they are to be prepared right before serving. When making raspados for a few people I like to shave the ice and place it in a metal bowl that keeps it nice and cool while I work on assembling the raspados. To assemble, place a bit of the strawberry sauce to the bottom of the serving cup, pile the cup high with ice and pour the strawberry cream base over the ice. Let the ice soak up all the goodness and add one more layer of strawberry sauce. To finish off this raspado drizzle with a bit of condensed milk. Serve with a straw and spoon, and enjoy!

This Strawberry and Cream Raspado is perfect to make ahead. Store the strawberry sauce and creamy base in an airtight container and place the fridge and use as needed. It stores in the fridge for about a week.

I hope this strawberries and Cream raspado makes its way to your kitchen this summer. It really highlights so much of what California has to offer. Dairy from farmers that are striving for a sustainable future and making sure they deliver quality products day in and day out. As well as delicious in season fruit. This raspado brings back sweet memories of my childhood and culture and it makes me so happy to share it with you guys!

This post was created in partnership with Real California Milk. I’m proud to collaborate with a brand that supports sustainable, family owned dairy farms and high quality ingredients. Recipe and opinions shared are entirely my own.