Bavarian Cream and Fresh Berries Recipe
Bavarian Cream and Berries is a classic French dessert featuring a rich and velvety custard base blended with whipped cream for a light, airy texture. This elegant treat is molded and chilled to perfection, then served with fresh berries that add a burst of freshness and vibrant color. The dessert combines smooth creaminess with the tartness of berries, making it a sophisticated and refreshing choice ideal for special occasions or dinner parties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 3 egg yolks
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes pale and fluffy, which ensures a smooth and silky custard base.
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a jug, combine 8 tablespoons of freshly boiled water with the powdered gelatin. Stir well until the gelatin is fully dissolved, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk and vanilla extract into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk reaches a boil.
- Temper the Eggs: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Slowly incorporate all the milk into the eggs for a smooth custard mix.
- Cook the Mixture: Pour the egg and milk mixture back into the saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes while whisking constantly to slightly thicken the custard.
- Add Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the dissolved gelatin thoroughly until fully combined.
- Cool and Fold in Whipped Cream: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grease the dessert molds with butter or oil. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture to maintain airiness.
- Chill: Pour the combined Bavarian cream mixture into the prepared molds. Refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cream to set fully.
- Serve: To serve, carefully invert the molds onto individual plates. If the cream sticks, briefly dip the molds in hot water to loosen them. Garnish with fresh berries for a colorful and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use freshly boiled water when dissolving gelatin to ensure it fully activates.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks gently to avoid overbeating, which could cause it to become grainy.
- Folding the whipped cream delicately into the custard mixture keeps the dessert light and airy.
- Greasing molds well helps the Bavarian cream release cleanly after setting.
- Chilling overnight improves the texture and ease of unmolding.
- Fresh seasonal berries enhance both the appearance and taste of the dessert.
- If the cream doesn’t release easily, dipping the mold in warm water briefly can help.
Keywords: Bavarian Cream, Cream Dessert, French Dessert, Custard, Gelatin Dessert, Whipped Cream, Berries, Elegant Dessert, Make Ahead Dessert
