Japanese Strawberry Sandwich
20 August 2023
The famous Japanese fruit cream sandwich
This beloved Japanese convenience store classic combines pillowy soft bread with fresh fruit and lightly sweetened cream to create a refreshing and visually striking sandwich. Perfect for warm days or when you want something light yet satisfying.
Fruits in sandwiches? I know. But trust me when I tell you these are so light, fluffy and delicious; super addicting and definitely a must-try. If you’ve been to Japan then you know exactly what I’m talking about. They’re highly popular and commonly found in most of Japanese convenient stores, such as 7-11 and Family Mart. I’m not in Japan right now but this is one way to bring Japan to me!
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of soft milk bread, whipped cream, and fresh fruit creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The extended refrigeration time allows the cream to set and the flavors to meld, while also making the sandwich easier to cut cleanly.
Understanding Key Components
- Japanese bread: Japanese milk bread (shokupan) provides the perfect foundation with its soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness. The bread needs to be fresh and soft to complement the creamy filling and delicate fruit. Commonly found in Asian grocery stores. However, I know they can be hard to find outside of Japan, so use traditional white sandwich slices if it’s not readily available to you. Substitutions:
- Thick regular white sandwich bread
- Brioche is also a good option for a richer taste
- Avoid whole grain or crusty breads
- Fruit: Fresh, ripe strawberries provide both flavor and visual appeal. The fruit should be similar in size for even distribution and presentation when sliced. Most commonly eaten are strawberries, however, I’ve seen people use different fruits, such as kiwis and oranges! I don’t recommend you use hard/stone fruits like apples.
- Cream: just your regular whipped cream that is slightly sweetened. Lightly sweetened whipped cream binds the sandwich together while adding richness without overwhelming sweetness. There’s a higher emphasis on the taste of the strawberry and dairy, not so much on the sweetness. No substitution.
Tips!
- You could transfer your whipped cream into a piping bag to ensure the gaps between the fruits are filled with cream
- Wrap tightly to maintain shape
- Remove all stems and leaves from fruits
- Allow enough time for the cream to set in the fridge, otherwise the sandwich will fall apart.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate completed sandwich for minimum 3 hours before cutting
- Can prepare up to 24 hours in advance if properly wrapped and kept refrigerated
- Store fruit separately if prepping ingredients ahead
- Whip cream just before assembly for best results
- Keep chilled until ready to serve
Ingredients
2 slices of Japanese milk bread (use traditional white sandwiches if you can’t find)
9 strawberries, stems off
250 ml of heavy/thickened cream
1-2 tbsp sugar, adjust to taste
Vanilla extract, optional
Method
- To make the whipped cream, combine the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl. With an electric mixer, whisk until the cream is whipped (in-between a stiff and soft peak).
- Place a large piece of plastic wrap onto your working surface and place 1 slice of bread onto the plastic wrap.
- Spread a thick layer of whipped cream onto the bread, then arrange the 9 strawberries on top of the cream. Use more cream to fill in the gaps and close with the 2nd slice of bread.
- Wrap the sandwich with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Slice in half to expose the strawberries and serve.
Japanese Strawberry Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices Japanese milk bread (use traditional white sandwiches if you can't find)
- 9 strawberries, stems off
- 250 ml heavy/thickened cream
- 1-2 tbsp sugar, adjust to taste
- Vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- To make the whipped cream, combine the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl. With an electric mixer, whisk until the cream is whipped (in-between a stiff and soft peak).
- Place a large piece of plastic wrap onto your working surface and place 1 slice of bread onto the plastic wrap.
- Spread a thick layer of whipped cream onto the bread, then arrange the 9 strawberries on top of the cream. Use more cream to fill in the gaps and close with the 2nd slice of bread.
- Wrap the sandwich with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Slice in half to expose the strawberries and serve.