Strawberries with vanilla cream
Summer dessert: Strawberries with Vanilla Cream
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6
Strawberries with vanilla custard is a simple yet elegant dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruit with the richness of a fine custard. This dish is perfect for warm summer days, when fruit is in peak season, and offers an explosion of flavors and textures. I'll show you step by step how to get the perfect result, sharing some tips and tricks that will turn your dessert into an unforgettable one.
A brief history of the recipe
Strawberries with vanilla cream is a classic dessert, loved all over the world. The combination of fruit with a rich cream became popular in the 18th century, when fruit and milk sweets began to be served at times of indulgence. Today, this dessert is often associated with moments of celebration and joy, recalling summers spent with loved ones.
Ingredients needed
To prepare this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
*For dessert:*
- 1 kg fresh strawberries or raspberries
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 50 g almonds (optional but recommended)
*For the vanilla cream:*
- 3 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
Making the dessert
Step 1: Prepare the fruit
Start by thoroughly washing the strawberries or raspberries under cold running cold water. After draining, cut the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle the powdered sugar on top. This will help release the juices from the fruit, boosting the natural sweetness. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes so that a delicious syrup forms.
Step 2: Roasting the almonds
If you choose to use almonds, you can toast them quickly. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the almonds on a baking tray in a single layer and leave in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful as they can burn quickly. Once cool, you can chop them finely or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Prepare the vanilla cream
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth and light in color. Add the flour and mix again. In a saucepan, bring the milk to the boiling point, then gradually pour it over the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. This technique is essential to obtain a smooth cream.
Place the resulting mixture over a low heat or water bath and cook, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Once you have your vanilla custard, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the dessert
In a serving dish, place a layer of strawberries or raspberries, sprinkling them with a little powdered sugar. Top with a layer of toasted almonds. Continue with another layer of fruit and finally pour the vanilla cream on top. Make sure it's evenly distributed for a nice look.
Step 5: Cool and serve
Leave the dessert in the fridge for at least 2 hours or, if you have time, you can also keep it in the freezer for an hour to get a firmer texture. Serve chilled, whether you choose to garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor.
Useful tips
- You can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits such as peaches or blueberries to vary the dessert.
- If you want a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use semi-skimmed milk or vegetable milk.
- Make sure you use quality ingredients, especially vanilla. A natural vanilla instead of artificial extract will make a big difference in taste.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but it is advisable to thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess water in the dessert.
2. How do I store leftovers?
The dessert can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to eat it as soon as possible to enjoy the freshness of the strawberries.
3. What drinks go best with this dessert?
A cold lemonade or a glass of sweet white wine are ideal pairings to complement this refreshing dessert.
4. Can I make vanilla custard ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cream the day before, and then assemble the dessert before serving.
Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants and are low in calories. This dessert not only satisfies sweet cravings, but also provides beneficial nutritional intake for the body.
Personal note
This dessert reminds me of summers spent with my grandparents, where fresh strawberries were the pick of the day. I recommend making it with loved ones, turning each bite into a sweet memory. You can serve it at a party or simply to treat yourself after a long day; it's a dessert that brings smiles.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and that it brings you as much happiness as it brought me! Enjoy!
Ingredients: kg strawberries or raspberries 3-4 tablespoons of powdered sugar some almonds Vanilla cream: 3 egg yolks 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 liter of milk 2 packets of vanilla sugar 1 tablespoon flour
