Blackberry Fool is a classic English dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and bursting with fresh, fruity flavor. This creamy, dreamy treat is perfect for a light dessert on a warm day, or any time you’re craving something a little bit special. The combination of sweet blackberries and tangy cream is simply irresistible!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Blackberry Fool recipe is a winner because it’s so quick and simple. There’s no baking involved, and you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking. The layers of fruit and cream create a beautiful presentation, making it a delightful dessert for both casual get-togethers and more formal occasions. Plus, using fresh, seasonal blackberries makes it extra special!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Blackberries
Gently wash the blackberries and remove any stems or leaves. Place half of the blackberries in a saucepan with 1/4 cup of the sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the blackberries have softened and released their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This creates a lovely blackberry compote.
Step 2: Make Blackberry Puree
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the blackberry mixture cool slightly. Then, use a blender or food processor to puree the cooked blackberries until smooth. If you prefer a smoother fool, you can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set the blackberry puree aside to cool completely.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, yogurt, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream mixture until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will become grainy.
Step 4: Assemble the Blackberry Fool
Now for the fun part! In individual glasses or a large serving bowl, layer the blackberry puree, whipped cream mixture, and the remaining fresh blackberries. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and fresh blackberries on top.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the Blackberry Fool and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the fool to set slightly. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if desired, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Blackberry Fool is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a light cookie or biscotti for a little extra crunch. For a more elegant presentation, serve the fool in stemmed glasses. This dessert is perfect for summer barbecues, garden parties, or any time you want a simple yet impressive treat. Consider serving it after a light lunch or dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Blackberry Fool can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the texture may change slightly as the cream softens over time. Reheating is not recommended, as it is best served cold.
Key Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Servings: 4-6
- Equipment: Saucepan, blender or food processor, electric mixer, serving glasses or bowl
Blackberry Fool
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gently wash the blackberries and remove any stems or leaves. Place half of the blackberries in a saucepan with 1/4 cup of the sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the blackberries have softened and released their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This creates a lovely blackberry compote.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the blackberry mixture cool slightly. Then, use a blender or food processor to puree the cooked blackberries until smooth. If you prefer a smoother fool, you can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set the blackberry puree aside to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, yogurt, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream mixture until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream will become grainy.
- Now for the fun part! In individual glasses or a large serving bowl, layer the blackberry puree, whipped cream mixture, and the remaining fresh blackberries. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and fresh blackberries on top.
- Cover the Blackberry Fool and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the fool to set slightly. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if desired, and enjoy!
