Strawberry Atole (Atole de Fresa)

This delicious strawberry atole or “atole de fresa” in Spanish is just what you need to warm you up during the chilly fall and winter weather. This is a hot and filling Mexican beverage that both kids and adults will enjoy. If you want a shortcut version of atole, check out this maizena atole.

If there ever was a perfect drink for winter strawberry atole is it.

It will warm you up and help keep you full.

What is atole de fresa?

Atole de fresa is a Mexican beverage that is made from masa harina and flavored with a strawberry puree.

I use the masa harina from the brand Maseca. It looks like this.

Amarillo means yellow.

So this is the yellow masa harina but there is also a regular white one.

Use which ever you prefer.

Just make sure you don’t accidentally get the Maseca that is made specifically for tamales.

There are many variations of atoles.

There’s atole de vainilla and champurrado.

Champurrado is atole but with chocolate!

Champurrado was my first introduction to atoles and I’ll never forget it.

I immediately fell in love with it.

One of my favorite atoles is atole de avena but it isn’t made with masa harina. Instead it’s made with oats.

If you love anything strawberry flavored then you’re going to love today’s atole recipe!

Ingredients needed for atole de fresa

Strawberries

You’ll definitely want to use fresh strawberries for this recipe. Fresh strawberries lend a much better taste and flavor than frozen strawberries.

Instant corn masa flour

Also known as masa harina, instant corn masa flour is a staple in my kitchen. I use it in a variety of recipes such as picaditas, masa dumplings and pupusas. I use the Maseca brand. Either the white or the yellow one will work fine.

Milk

I use 2% but if you want it creamier go for whole milk.

Brown sugar

Brown sugar adds a delicious caramel like flavor to the atole. If you want something more authentic you can use piloncillo instead.

Mexican vanilla blend

For a touch of vanilla flavor. I use the Molina brand.

How to make strawberry puree for atole

Before starting on the atole, I make a strawberry puree first.

I do this by macerating strawberries in brown sugar and then I blend the macerated strawberries along with their juices.

Start with 1 1/2 lbs of strawberries

Hull the strawberries

Then chop them and put them in a bowl and add two tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir in the sugar until dissolved and let the strawberries macerate for about 45 minutes.

Macerated strawberries are a great topping for homemade vanilla ice cream.

Transfer the macerated strawberries and their juices to a blender.

Blend until pureed.

Now set aside the pureed strawberries for later use.

How to make atole de fresa

Add the masa harina to a pot and slowly stir in the water until there are no more lumps.

Turn heat to medium high and stir in the milk and brown sugar.

Bring mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Now it’s time to strain the strawberry puree into the atole.

Make sure to use a strainer to prevent the seeds from getting into the atole.

Stir in the strawberry puree then add a teaspoon of a Mexican Vanilla blend such as Molina. Stir well.

Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Now the atole is ready to be served.

Be careful it’s hot!

Strawberry Atole Recipe

This comforting strawberry atole recipe is a must try!

It’s super delicious when served as a part of breakfast and will surely warm and fill you up!

If you liked this recipe please give it a rating below.