Description
Berry Brûlée is a delightful and elegant no-bake dessert featuring fresh mixed berries topped with luscious whipped cream and a crisp caramelized sugar crust achieved through torching. Perfect for summer and quick to prepare, this French-American inspired treat balances sweetness and freshness with a satisfying crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Berries
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 4 teaspoons turbinado sugar (or raw sugar) for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Berries: Wash the mixed fresh berries gently and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Divide the berries evenly among 4 small ramekins or heat-safe dessert dishes.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. The whipped cream should be smooth and hold shape but still be light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Dessert: Spoon or pipe the freshly whipped cream over the berries in each ramekin, smoothing the top evenly to create a clean surface for caramelizing.
- Add the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of turbinado sugar evenly over the top of the whipped cream in each ramekin. Make sure the sugar layer is uniform for even caramelization.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully brûlée the sugar topping by moving the flame back and forth until the sugar melts, bubbles, and turns a golden brown color. This creates a crisp, caramelized crust.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brûléed sugar topping to harden for a few minutes. Serve the dessert immediately to preserve the contrast between the crunchy sugar crust, creamy whipped topping, and fresh berries.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for the whipped cream for a tangier and slightly denser texture.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the ramekins under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning the sugar.
- Make sure berries are well dried before assembling to prevent soggy whipped cream.
