This Japanese fruit sandwich, also called fruit sando or strawberry sando, is a Japanese sandwich made with fresh strawberries and other fruit, sliced white bread or milk bread (shokupan), and fresh whipped cream!
This Japanese fruit sandwich is the best snack or dessert that's perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. It's also called Japanese strawberry sandwich or strawberry sando because it's made with strawberries. Best of all, all you need is just four ingredients - fruit, bread, cream, and sugar!
Japanese fruit sando is a great summertime fruit sandwich because it shows off the beautiful, vibrant fruit that's in season. It tastes similar to Japanese Strawberry Shortcake, but more convenient because it's doesn't involve any baking which is perfect for summer!
What is Japanese Fruit Sandwich?
Japanese fruit sandwich or fruit sando (フルーツサンド) is a Japanese sandwich that's made with fresh seasonal fruit such as strawberries, kiwi, mango, and orange.
It's filled with fresh whipped cream and sandwiched between two layers of soft, fluffy milk bread, also known as shokupan in Japan. The crust is usually cut off and the sandwich is cut in half to reveal the fruit and cream filling.
They're commonly sold in Japanese cafes and convenience stores and are known for their colorful mosaic design that's revealed when cut in half.
A popular fruit to use is strawberry, which is then called 'Strawberry Sando'. Other fruits used are oranges, kiwis, mango, blueberries, and peaches.
In Japan, 'sando' is essentially short for 'sandwich' so Japanese fruit sando and strawberry sando refer to fruit sandwich and strawberry sandwich respectively.
Ingredients
- Strawberries - For strawberry sandos, use strawberries that are uniform in size and shape for the best presentation. Wash and dry them thoroughly then cut the stems off.
- Bread - I recommend using fluffy milk bread or Japanese shokupan but any sliced bread will do.
- Other fruit options - Mangos, oranges, kiwis, blueberries, or peaches make great fruit alternatives. Mix and match to your liking!
How to Make Japanese Fruit Sandwich (Strawberry Sando)
- Whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Don't over whip the heavy cream or it will become grainy.
- Apply a layer of whipped cream to a slice of bread and arrange the strawberries so that it will reveal the cross section when cut in half or quarters. Plan out ahead how you'd like the design to look.
- Cover the strawberries with the whipped cream, taking care to fill in any gaps between the fruit. Lay the slice of bread on top and tightly wrap with plastic wrap. Mark where the strawberries and other fruit are placed so you remember where to cut the sandwich.
- Place the fruit sando in the fridge for at least 20 minutes up to overnight to set.
- Unwrap and cut off the crust. Remember where to slice in half to reveal the mosaic fruit design.
FAQ
In Japan, 'sando' is essentially short for 'sandwich' so Japanese fruit sando and strawberry sando refer to fruit sandwich and strawberry sandwich respectively.
For best results, use fresh fruit that's in season and firm enough to hold its shape. Strawberries, mangos, oranges, kiwis, blueberries, or peaches make great fruit alternatives. Mix and match to your liking!
You can store it in the fridge for up to two days but afterwards the bread may get too soggy.
Yes! You can make this up to two days in advance but for best results, I recommend letting it set in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
I hope you enjoy this Japanese fruit sando (strawberry sando)! Please share, rate 5 stars, and comment below! I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for stopping by! -Jamie
More recipes:
Japanese Fruit Sandwich フルーツサンド (Strawberry Sando)
Equipment
Video
☑ Ingredients
- 4 slices bread
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ Tablespoons sugar - or to taste
- 14 strawberries - use 5 to 7 per sandwich
Instructions
- Prep strawberries: Wash and prep the strawberries or other fruit. Dry thoroughly and cut off the stems. Set aside.
- Whip cream: Using a hand held mixer or whisk, whip the heavy cream and sugar until it forms stiff peaks. It should be soft, and fluffy and hold a peak.
- Place strawberries: Spread the whipped cream on a slice of bread about ½ inch thick. Arrange the strawberries so that it reveals your design when cut.
- Cover strawberries: Spread more whipped cream on top of the strawberries to fill in the gaps. Top with another slice of bread.
- Wrap: (Optional) Tightly wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and let it set in the fridge. I recommend at least 20 minutes for easier slicing.
- Remove crust and serve: Unwrap the sandwich and remove the crust. Cut the sando in half or quarters while remembering the placement of your design. Serve immediately.
✎ Recipe Notes
- Other fruit options: For best results, use fresh fruit that's in season and firm enough to hold its shape. Mangos, oranges, kiwis, blueberries, or peaches make great alternatives. Mix and match to your liking!
- Make ahead - Fruit sandos can be made ahead up to two days in advance. Any longer and the bread may get soggy. Store in the fridge covered in plastic wrap until ready to serve.
- Don't over whip the cream - it will get grainy.
- Use vibrant, colorful fruit that's firm enough to use in a sandwich. Soft or overly ripe fruit will make the sandwich soggy.
- Keep presentation in mind when arranging the fruit so that when sliced in half or quarters, it's aesthetically pleasing.
- Remember where to cut. Use tape to mark where the fruit is placed.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.
Suzy
Really love how simple this was to make! Made them a day ahead and they were perfect!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I saw these in a Facebook video and they are just so pretty! Dessert for lunch, fabulous!
heather johnson
so simple but so delicious!!!! the strawberries and cream are perfect together!!!!
Sharon
This fruit sandwich is so easy to make and the perfect sweet treat to go with afternoon tea.
Beth
This sandwich was so delicious and great for Valentine's day! My daughter and I loved it. It's so unique and absolutely wonderful! I’ll definitely make this again!
Liz
The strawberries are a perfect add of color! Not to mention, I have a garden full of strawberries to use up!
Amy
What a lovely sandwich, it's just like a cake. Such and treat! My boys would love these, and its a great way to get them to eat more fruit!