Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream

Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream Recipe from Bavaria with Strawberries and Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Region / culture: Bavaria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream is a delightful and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet and tangy taste of strawberries. This creamy and luscious dessert is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself.

History

Bavarian cream, also known as crème bavaroise, is a classic French dessert that dates back to the 19th century. It is a type of custard-based dessert that is light and airy, thanks to the addition of whipped cream. The addition of chocolate and strawberries in this recipe gives a modern twist to this traditional dessert.

Ingredients

1 package (10 oz / 283 g) frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed OR 1 cup sweetened sliced fresh strawberries
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
0.5 cup sugar
1 cup HERSHEY'S MINI CHIPS semi-sweet chocolate
2.25 cups milk, divided
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (0.5 pt / 237 ml) cold whipping cream
strawberry cream (recipe follows)
Fresh strawberries (optional)

How to prepare

Lightly oil a 5- or 6-cup mold and set it aside.
Drain the strawberries and reserve the syrup.
Add enough water to the syrup to make 0.75 cup.
Sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid and set it aside.
Refrigerate the drained berries.
In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, small chocolate chips, and 0.5 cup of milk.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and very hot.
Add the gelatin mixture, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining milk and vanilla.
Pour the mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until it mounds when dropped from a spoon.
Beat the whipping cream until stiff and fold it into the chocolate mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared mold and refrigerate until firm.
Unmold and garnish with strawberry cream and fresh strawberries, if desired.

Strawberry cream

Mash or puree the reserved strawberries from the Bavarian cream recipe to make 0.5 cup.
Beat 1 cup (0.5 pt (237 ml)) of cold whipping cream and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until stiff.
Fold in the strawberry puree and 2 to 3 drops of red food color.
Makes about 2 cups of topping.

Variations

Substitute the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, to the chocolate mixture for an extra kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the mixture until it mounds when dropped from a spoon to ensure that the Bavarian cream sets properly.

- Be sure to fold in the whipped cream gently to maintain the light and airy texture of the dessert.

- Garnish with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream chilled with a dollop of strawberry cream on top and fresh strawberries on the side for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the chocolate mixture constantly over low heat to prevent burning.

- Refrigerate the Bavarian cream mixture until it mounds when dropped from a spoon to ensure proper setting.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh strawberries instead of frozen if they are in season.

- Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve. The strawberry cream topping can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Unmold the Bavarian cream onto a serving platter and garnish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the dessert to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cream) and chocolate, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of proteins. It is also a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Summary

Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and strawberries in a light and airy custard. This recipe is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Mary for the summer. Aunt Mary was known throughout the family for her incredible baking skills, and I was always eager to learn from her.

One afternoon, as I sat in her cozy kitchen, flipping through an old recipe book, I stumbled upon a page that caught my eye. The page was yellowed with age, and the handwriting was faded, but the words "Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream" jumped out at me. Intrigued, I asked Aunt Mary about the recipe.

She smiled warmly and began to tell me the story of how she had learned to make this decadent dessert. It all started many years ago, when Aunt Mary was a newlywed and living in a small town in France. She had always been passionate about cooking, and she was determined to master the art of French cuisine.

One day, while browsing through a local market, Aunt Mary stumbled upon a stall selling fresh berries and chocolate. The vendor, an elderly woman with a kind smile, noticed Aunt Mary's interest and struck up a conversation. She told Aunt Mary that she had a special recipe for a dessert that combined the rich flavors of chocolate with the tartness of fresh berries.

Intrigued, Aunt Mary begged the woman to share her recipe. The woman hesitated at first, but then she saw the eager look in Aunt Mary's eyes and relented. She carefully dictated the ingredients and instructions, making sure Aunt Mary understood each step.

Aunt Mary rushed home that day, eager to try out the recipe. She gathered all the ingredients, including the ripest strawberries, juiciest raspberries, and the finest dark chocolate she could find. She followed the instructions to the letter, carefully melting the chocolate, whipping the cream, and folding in the berries.

The result was a masterpiece. The Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream was light and airy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Aunt Mary's husband took one bite and declared it the best dessert he had ever tasted.

From that day on, Aunt Mary's Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream became a staple in her household. She would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and just because. And now, all these years later, she was passing the recipe down to me.

As Aunt Mary finished telling me her story, she handed me the recipe card she had written out. My heart swelled with pride as I read the familiar words, knowing that I now held the key to recreating this beloved dessert in my own kitchen.

I thanked Aunt Mary profusely for sharing her recipe and vowed to make it for my own family. And true to my word, I did just that. The first time I made Aunt Mary's Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream, it was a hit. My family raved about the decadent dessert, just as Aunt Mary's husband had all those years ago.

As I watched my loved ones enjoy the dessert, I couldn't help but think about the elderly woman at the market who had shared her recipe with Aunt Mary. I silently thanked her for passing down this delicious tradition, allowing it to live on through the generations.

And so, the recipe for Choco-Berry Bavarian Cream continues to hold a special place in my heart. It is not just a dessert, but a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the love and generosity that has been passed down from one generation to the next. And for that, I am forever grateful.