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cold_biteEasyItalian

Fresh Berries with Mascarpone Cream

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

⏱️ Prep: 15min0⏰ Total: 15min👥 Serves: 16🌡️ cold
✓ vegetarian✓ gluten-free
⚠️ Contains: 🥛 Dairy

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

💡 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

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.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

mimosabelliniproseccochampagne