Description
Bavarian Cream with Berries is a classic and elegant dessert featuring a silky smooth custard base that’s lightened with whipped cream and set with gelatin. Paired with fresh berries, it offers a beautiful balance of richness and freshness. This chilled dessert is perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or anytime you want something that feels refined yet comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 ½ cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for berries)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean (if using) over medium heat until just steaming but not boiling. If using vanilla extract, wait to add it later.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Stir the softened gelatin into the warm custard until fully dissolved. If using vanilla extract instead of the bean, add it now.
- Transfer the custard to a clean bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold it into the cooled custard until smooth and airy.
- Spoon or pipe the mixture into serving glasses or molds.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Before serving, toss fresh berries with powdered sugar if desired. Spoon the berries on top of the set Bavarian cream.
Notes
- You can prepare this dessert up to a day in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
- For an extra touch, add a drizzle of berry coulis or a sprig of mint before serving.
- If you prefer to unmold the cream, lightly oil the molds before filling and dip them briefly in warm water before turning out.
- This dessert pairs beautifully with crisp cookies or delicate sponge cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg