Strawberry Fool is a classic British dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make. This light and airy treat combines sweet, juicy strawberries with rich whipped cream, creating a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The name “fool” is believed to come from the French word “fouler,” meaning to mash or press, which perfectly describes the preparation of the fruit. The strawberries are gently mashed or pureed, then folded into the whipped cream, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for summer, this dessert is best served chilled, making it a refreshing end to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices. Mash the strawberries lightly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.
- Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold the mashed strawberries into the whipped cream, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to create a marbled effect with streaks of strawberry throughout the cream.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon the strawberry fool into individual serving glasses or bowls. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Enjoy your Strawberry Fool as a light, refreshing dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fresh strawberries!
