Blueberry Fool: A Light, Creamy Dessert with Whipped Cream & Fresh Berries
If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent dessert, look no further than the Blueberry Fool. This delightful dessert is a beautiful combination of rich, fluffy whipped cream and fresh berries, with just a hint of orange zest to elevate the flavor profile. It’s an easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. A fresh, fruity finish, topped with crunchy shortbread crumbles, makes it irresistible. Here’s how to make this delicious dessert in under an hour!
Ingredients for Blueberry Fool
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream | 360 ml |
| Icing sugar | 50 grams |
| Orange zest (rind) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh orange juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
| Fresh blueberries (or any berries in season) | 250 grams |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Caster sugar | 50 grams |
| Blueberries (for garnish) | As desired |
| Shortbread cookies (for garnish) | Crumbled, as desired |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Cuisine
- Continental
Course
- Dessert
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions for Blueberry Fool
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Sauce
To create the vibrant blueberry base, begin by making the blueberry sauce. Start by placing the blueberries, caster sugar, and pinch of salt into a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture begins to heat up. Continue stirring until the blueberries soften and the mixture takes on a syrupy consistency, which should take about 5 minutes.
Once the blueberries are soft and the sauce has thickened, lower the heat to a simmer. Stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and orange liqueur (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Allow the sauce to cool completely, as it will thicken further as it cools. You can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
While the blueberry sauce cools, whip the cream for the dessert. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the chilled heavy whipping cream and icing sugar. Begin whisking the cream on medium-high speed. Continue whisking until the cream reaches soft peaks and becomes fluffy and thick. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can become too stiff and start to separate.
Once the cream is ready, stop whisking and set it aside. The texture should be airy and light.
Step 3: Prepare the Garnishes
For the garnish, crumble shortbread cookies into small pieces. This will add a deliciously crunchy texture to the Blueberry Fool and contrast nicely with the smooth cream. Set the crumbled cookies aside.
Additionally, set aside a handful of fresh blueberries to use as a garnish.
Step 4: Layer the Dessert
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert. Take 4 to 6 individual dessert bowls (depending on how large you want the servings) and layer the ingredients. Start by spooning a dollop of the whipped cream into the bottom of each bowl, followed by a spoonful of the blueberry sauce.
Alternate between layers of whipped cream and blueberry sauce, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Continue layering until you have filled the bowls, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Refrigerate
To finish off the dessert, sprinkle the top with crumbled shortbread cookies and a few fresh blueberries for a pop of color. These garnishes not only enhance the look of the dessert but also provide a delightful crunch.
Once your Blueberry Fool is assembled, place the bowls in the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for about 4 to 5 hours to let the flavors meld together and the dessert set. The cooling time is essential for the perfect texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Once the Blueberry Fool has chilled and set, it’s ready to serve. This light yet creamy dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a satisfying meal pairing, try serving it after Savoury Crepes with Za’atar Spiced Chicken or a refreshing plate of Chickpea & Oats Falafel.
This dessert is perfect for any gathering, from casual dinners to more special occasions like holiday meals, and can easily be made ahead of time to save you prep work on the day of serving.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Fool
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Berry Options: While this recipe calls for blueberries, you can substitute them with any other seasonal berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. A mixed berry version is a great option for added color and flavor.
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Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by adding more or less icing sugar, depending on your preference.
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Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead. In fact, letting it chill overnight will enhance the flavors even more, so it’s great for meal prep or potlucks.
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Gluten-Free Option: If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily make the dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free shortbread or other gluten-free cookies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~2g |
| Carbohydrates | ~32g |
| Sugars | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12g |
| Sodium | ~40mg |
| Cholesterol | ~65mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Enjoy the sweet simplicity of this Blueberry Fool – a dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Light, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor, it’s the perfect end to any meal!
