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Italian

Fresh Berries with Mascarpone Cream

Jewel-toned fresh berries served with sweetened mascarpone cream for dipping

cold_biteEasyItalian
Prep15 min0Total15 minServes16Tempcold
✓ vegetarian✓ gluten-free
⚠ Contains: 🥛 Dairy
Recipe
Ingredients
  • 1 pintstrawberries(hulled, halved if large)
  • 1 pintraspberries
  • 1 pintblueberries
  • 1 pintblackberries
  • 8 ozmascarpone cheese(softened)
  • 0.5 cupheavy cream
  • 3 tbsppowdered sugar
  • 1 tspvanilla extract
  • 1 tsplemon zest
  • 2 tbspfresh mint(chiffonade, for garnish)
Make Ahead

Mascarpone cream can be made up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate. Berries should be washed and arranged just before serving.

Instructions
  1. 1Gently wash and thoroughly dry all berries
  2. 2Arrange berries on platter, grouping by type for visual impact
  3. 3Beat mascarpone until smooth
  4. 4In separate bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form
  5. 5Fold whipped cream into mascarpone
  6. 6Add lemon zest and fold gently
  7. 7Transfer cream to serving bowl
  8. 8Garnish berries with mint chiffonade
  9. 9Place cream bowl on platter with berries
  10. 10Serve immediately with small spoons or forks
Notes
Pro Tips

Use the freshest, ripest berries available - this dish depends on quality ingredients. The mascarpone should be at room temperature for smooth mixing. Don't over-fold or the cream will deflate. A drizzle of aged balsamic over the berries adds sophisticated depth.

History & Origin

This elegant dessert draws from the Italian tradition of fresh fruit with sweetened cream. The mascarpone adds richness beyond regular whipped cream while maintaining a light, fresh feel perfect for concluding a brunch celebration.

Cocktail Pairings
Pairs Well With
mimosabelliniproseccochampagne
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Italian◆Easy