Fruit flan

Berry Cream - a delicious and refined dessert

If you are looking for a dessert that impresses with both appearance and taste, you have found the perfect recipe! Berry cream is a delicate dessert with a creamy texture and a crunchy contrast that will captivate you from the very first bite. The combination of milk, eggs, and frozen fruits, caramelized at the end, transforms this dish into an unforgettable culinary experience. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, ideal for moments when you want to indulge yourself or surprise a loved one.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 6 egg yolks
- 1 liter of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 65 g cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 300 g frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or a mix)

Preparing the berry cream:

1. Preparing the milk base: Start by placing the milk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Wait until the mixture reaches boiling point, then remove from heat. The flavors will combine perfectly, giving you a delicious base for your cream.

2. Mixing the cornstarch: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold milk (about 3-4 tablespoons) until a smooth paste forms. This step is essential to avoid lumps in your cream.

3. The yolks and combining: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a whisk. Then, pour the cornstarch mixture into the yolks, stirring constantly. This will help stabilize the mixture and achieve a smooth cream.

4. Thickening the cream: Pour the yolk and cornstarch mixture into the flavored milk pot, stirring continuously. Place the pot back on the heat and continue to stir until the cream thickens. It is important not to let the cream boil, just to reach a dense consistency. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Preparing the fruits: While the cream thickens, take the frozen berries out of the freezer and let them thaw. Make sure to drain them well to avoid diluting the cream. You can use a paper towel to dry them and remove excess water.

6. Assembling the dessert: Once the cream has thickened, remove the cinnamon stick. In small dishes (preferably ramekins or individual bowls), add a generous layer of berries, followed by the warm cream. Make sure each dish is filled to the brim, leaving a little room for caramelization at the end.

7. Cooling: Let the dishes with the cream cool at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine and to achieve the perfect texture.

8. Final caramelization: At the time of serving, sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top of each portion of cream. Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar, forming a golden, crunchy crust. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use the oven set to broil, being careful to watch the dessert so it doesn’t burn.

9. Serving: Serve the berry cream immediately after caramelization, to enjoy the contrast of textures - creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. I recommend pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for an extra treat.

Useful tips:

- You can experiment with different types of fruits: strawberries, peaches, or even tropical fruits. Each variant will bring a unique flavor to your dessert.
- If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can also add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the final cream.
- The cream can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it ideal for special occasions or parties.

Nutritional benefits:

This berry cream is an excellent source of protein due to the egg yolks, while also providing calcium from the milk. The berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a healthy diet. The calories for one serving are approximately 250, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of sugar.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use lactose-free milk?
- Yes, you can replace regular milk with lactose-free milk without affecting the taste or texture of the cream.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
- You can try replacing the egg yolks with a mix of flaxseed or chia seeds and the milk with a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk.

3. How can I store the cream?
- It is recommended to keep the cream in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. Gently reheat before caramelizing the sugar on top.

This berry cream is more than just a simple dessert - it is a culinary experience that brings joy and refinement. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, you will find that every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends or to try variations to adapt it to your tastes. Enjoy!