Description
This classic French dessert combines a silky smooth Bavarian cream with fresh mixed berries, creating a light and elegant treat perfect for summer or any special occasion. The creamy custard is set with gelatin and gently folded with whipped cream, then chilled until perfectly set and topped with vibrant berries for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Custard
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)
Topping
- 1 ½ cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften and bloom.
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until just steaming, but not boiling.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Cook the Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling.
- Add Gelatin and Vanilla: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract until completely dissolved.
- Cool the Custard: Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Fold Cream into Custard: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard until smooth and fluffy.
- Chill the Bavarian Cream: Spoon the mixture into serving glasses or molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Serve with Berries: Just before serving, top each portion with fresh mixed berries and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For an elegant presentation, layer the Bavarian cream and berries alternately in glasses for a parfait-style dessert.
- Enhance the flavor by adding citrus zest like lemon or orange to the custard or a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier.
- Ensure the custard has cooled completely before folding in whipped cream to maintain a light texture.
- The dessert can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
