Italian Recipes

Silky Vanilla Bavarese: A Creamy Italian Custard Dessert

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Bavarese Recipe: A Deliciously Smooth and Creamy Italian Dessert

Indulge in the creamy, delicate flavors of Bavarese, a traditional Italian dessert that combines the richness of fresh cream with the smooth texture of a custard-like base. This dessert is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat to end your meal. On “Love With Recipes,” we bring you a step-by-step guide to creating this mouthwatering dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients for Bavarese

Ingredient Quantity
Fresh liquid cream 200g
Whole milk 150g
Egg yolks 55g
Sugar 60g
Gelatin sheets 6g
Vanilla bean 1

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 4g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 9g
Fiber 0g
Sugars 16g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on one serving.


Instructions for Preparing Bavarese

Bavarese requires patience and precision, but the end result is absolutely worth it. Follow these steps for a flawless dessert:

  1. Soak the Gelatin:
    Begin by placing the gelatin sheets in cold water to soak. Let them sit for about 5-10 minutes until soft and pliable.

  2. Prepare the Vanilla Infused Milk:
    While the gelatin is soaking, split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Using the back of a knife, scrape out the seeds from the vanilla bean and set them aside. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk with both the vanilla bean pod and its seeds. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it just to the verge of boiling, but do not allow it to fully boil. Stir occasionally to ensure the vanilla infuses the milk.

  3. Make the Egg Mixture:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they become pale and slightly thickened.

  4. Combine Milk and Egg Mixture:
    Once the milk is hot, remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine sieve into the egg and sugar mixture. This step will remove the vanilla pod and any impurities. Whisk the mixture together thoroughly to combine.

  5. Cook the Custard:
    Pour the egg and milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. It is crucial to keep the heat gentle so the eggs do not scramble. Continue cooking the custard until it reaches a temperature of 82°C (180°F), which will ensure the eggs are fully cooked and the custard thickens.

  6. Incorporate the Gelatin:
    Once the custard reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Squeeze the excess water from the gelatin sheets and stir them into the hot custard until fully dissolved. Be sure to mix well to ensure that the gelatin is evenly incorporated.

  7. Cool the Custard:
    Next, strain the custard once more through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of undissolved gelatin. Place the bowl containing the custard in a larger bowl filled with ice water to cool it down quickly. Stir the custard occasionally until it has cooled to room temperature.

  8. Whip the Cream:
    In a separate bowl, pour the fresh cream and whip it until it reaches soft peaks. You want the cream to be thickened but not fully whipped. This will help it blend smoothly with the custard without breaking.

  9. Fold the Whipped Cream into the Custard:
    Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture, using a spatula and a delicate motion to maintain the lightness of the cream. Be careful not to deflate the mixture. Continue folding until fully combined, creating a smooth, airy batter.

  10. Mold the Bavarese:
    Pour the Bavarese mixture into a round mold or a 12 cm diameter cake pan (with 9 cm sides) that has been lightly greased or lined with plastic wrap. Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure an even distribution of the mixture.

  11. Chill the Bavarese:
    Cover the mold with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill and set for 3-4 hours, or until firm to the touch.

  12. Unmold and Serve:
    To release the Bavarese from the mold, briefly dip the bottom of the mold in hot water for just a few seconds to loosen it. Carefully flip the mold over onto a serving plate, and the Bavarese should slide out easily.

    Garnish the Bavarese with fresh fruit such as raspberries, or add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a richer flavor. You can also top it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to make it even more decadent.

Tips and Variations for Bavarese

  • Flavored Bavarese: You can experiment with different flavors by infusing the milk with various herbs or spices like cinnamon, citrus zest, or even coffee for a more robust flavor profile.

  • Serving Suggestions: While Bavarese is a treat on its own, you can pair it with fresh berries, citrus compote, or even a tangy fruit coulis to balance the richness of the dessert.

  • Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for preparing ahead of time. The Bavarese can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

  • Vegan Option: For a vegan version of Bavarese, substitute the egg yolks with a plant-based thickening agent such as agar-agar, and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the dairy.


Conclusion

Bavarese is a classic Italian dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any dinner party or family meal. The silky texture and delicate flavor make it an unforgettable treat for both children and adults alike. Follow our step-by-step guide on “Love With Recipes,” and you’ll have a perfect Bavarese ready to impress your guests in no time.

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