Buko Strawberry is a delicious, creamy, no-bake Filipino-inspired dessert made with fresh strawberries, tender young coconut strips, sweetened condensed milk, and rich cream. It’s cool, refreshing, fruity, and wonderfully sweet!
Every spoonful combines juicy strawberries with soft coconut and a smooth, creamy mixture. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a refreshing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Buko Strawberry
- No baking required: Simply mix, chill, and serve.
- Creamy and refreshing: A delicious combination of cream, coconut, and strawberries.
- Easy to prepare: Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Perfect for gatherings: Easy to make in a large serving bowl or individual cups.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and enjoy it chilled.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups young coconut strips (buko)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup strawberry yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup nata de coco, drained (optional)
- ¼ cup small strawberry pieces for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the stems and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Reserve a few slices for decoration.
2. Prepare the Coconut
Drain the young coconut strips well. If using fresh buko, make sure the coconut meat is tender and cut into thin strips.
3. Make the Cream Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, condensed milk, strawberry yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Fruit and Coconut
Gently fold the sliced strawberries, young coconut strips, and nata de coco into the cream mixture. Mix carefully so the strawberries keep their shape.
5. Chill
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dessert cups. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours until cold and creamy.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with the reserved strawberry slices and a little extra coconut. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Buko Strawberry
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Drain the coconut and nata de coco well to avoid a watery dessert.
- Chill the dessert for several hours before serving.
- Adjust the condensed milk depending on how sweet you like it.
- For extra richness, use full-fat cream.
- Add the strawberries gently to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Buko mean?
Buko is the Filipino word for young coconut. Its tender, soft meat is commonly used in refreshing Filipino desserts.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries are best. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture.
Can I make Buko Strawberry ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it the day before and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How long does Buko Strawberry last?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best texture and freshness.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes! You can add mango, blueberries, or other fruits you enjoy.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes! Divide the mixture into small dessert cups for an easy and beautiful presentation.
Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Buko Strawberry
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Filipino-Inspired
Method: No-Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups young coconut strips
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup strawberry yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup nata de coco, drained (optional)
Directions
- Wash, dry, and slice the strawberries.
- Drain the young coconut strips and nata de coco.
- Mix the cream, condensed milk, strawberry yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in the strawberries, coconut, and nata de coco.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra strawberries.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3–4 hours.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Enjoy this creamy and refreshing Buko Strawberry dessert!