Description
This elegant Bavarian Cream and Berries dessert features a smooth and creamy custard base enriched with gelatin, whipped cream, and fresh mixed berries. It’s a classic French no-bake dessert that’s perfect for summer, combining luscious textures and vibrant flavors topped with fresh berries and optional mint or powdered sugar garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Optional: mint leaves for garnish
- Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to fully absorb the liquid and soften.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the remaining 3/4 cup milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon without boiling to avoid curdling.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it is fully dissolved into the warm custard mixture. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, ensuring it doesn’t set prematurely.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Combine Custard and Cream: Gently fold the cooled custard mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated, maintaining the lightness of the cream without deflating it.
- Chill to Set: Pour the combined Bavarian cream into serving glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the dessert is fully set and firm.
- Serve with Berries: Before serving, top each portion with fresh mixed berries and optionally garnish with mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- You can prepare the Bavarian cream a day in advance and keep it chilled; add fresh berries just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- For a richer berry flavor, gently fold a spoonful of berry puree into the custard mixture before chilling.
- Be careful not to boil the custard mixture to prevent curdling the eggs.
- The dessert is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
