Strawberry Bavarois (Bavarese alle Fragole)
Category: Desserts
Serves: 10
This luscious, creamy Strawberry Bavarois is the perfect dessert to enjoy during the warmer months. The combination of smooth vanilla custard, sweet strawberries, and fresh whipped cream creates a dessert that is light yet indulgent. The delicate balance of textures, from the soft bavarois to the fresh fruit topping, makes this an irresistible treat for any occasion. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to prepare a strawberry bavarois that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 200 ml |
| Egg Yolks | 3 |
| Granulated Sugar | 105 g |
| Vanilla Bean (or Vanilla Extract) | ½ |
| Lemon (zest) | ½ |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Strawberries | 1 kg |
| Gelatin Sheets | 18 g |
| Fresh Heavy Cream (for whipping) | 500 ml |
| Fresh Heavy Cream (for topping) | 150 ml |
| Powdered Sugar | 30 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Custard Base (Crema Inglese):
- Begin by preparing the base for your bavarois, which is a custard known as crema inglese. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the edge of a knife. Set aside the seeds and pod.
- Zest the lemon carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith, and set the zest aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar (65 g). Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and light.
- Heat the whole milk in a saucepan. Once warmed, gradually pour the milk over the egg yolk mixture, straining it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any bits of cooked egg.
- Stir the mixture gently with a spatula, then return the custard to the stovetop. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly but does not come to a boil.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and cool slightly. Place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice to chill the custard more rapidly. Add the vanilla seeds and lemon zest to the custard.
-
Prepare the Strawberry Coulis:
- Rinse the strawberries, removing the stems, and cut them into small pieces.
- In a blender or food processor, purée the strawberries with 40 g of the remaining granulated sugar until smooth.
- Transfer the strawberry mixture to a small saucepan and gently heat over low flame.
- Meanwhile, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for a few minutes until softened. Squeeze out the excess water and add the gelatin to the warm strawberry coulis. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Remove the coulis from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, gently fold the coulis into the prepared custard base.
-
Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the 500 ml of fresh cream until it holds soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the custard and strawberry mixture, using a spatula. The goal is to incorporate air into the bavarois while maintaining its smooth texture.
-
Chill and Set:
- Transfer the bavarois mixture into a mold or individual serving glasses. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the bavarois is fully set and firm.
-
Prepare for Serving:
- Once the bavarois has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Dip the mold briefly in warm water to loosen the edges for easy removal.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the remaining 150 ml of cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Use this to pipe decorative swirls or dollops around the bavarois.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- To serve, decorate the top of your strawberry bavarois with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a refreshing contrast.
- Slice and enjoy this elegant, delightful dessert with your loved ones!
Tips:
- You can substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean if preferred, though the flavor from the pod is more intense and aromatic.
- Make sure to chill the bavarois for enough time to set properly—it should be firm but still creamy when sliced.
- For an added touch of elegance, garnish with a few extra strawberries or even a drizzle of raspberry coulis.
This strawberry bavarois makes a delightful, sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for spring or summer gatherings. The combination of creamy custard, fresh fruit, and whipped cream is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Enjoy!
