Dessert with yogurt cream, whipped cream, strawberries, and biscuits

Dessert with yogurt cream, whipped cream, strawberries, and cookies

Who hasn't had an unexpected visit? When a friend calls to say she's coming over, and you find yourself without culinary inspiration? Don't worry, because today I will reveal a simple, quick, and delicious recipe: a dessert with yogurt cream, whipped cream, strawberries, and cookies. It's a perfect recipe for those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 5

Ingredients:

- 250 g yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamier texture)
- 200 g heavy cream (use high-fat cream for a rich taste)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjustable according to preferences)
- 250 g fresh strawberries (plus 3 for decoration)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional, you can also use natural vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (for an extra freshness)
- 150 g vanilla cookies (you can substitute with digestive biscuits for a healthier option)
- 50 g dark chocolate (for decoration, optional)
- Mint leaves (for decoration)

Preparing the dessert:

1. Making the cream: Start by whipping the cold cream with the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy and airy whipped cream. A crucial tip here is to ensure that the cream is very cold, as this will help achieve a perfect texture.

2. Incorporating the yogurt: Once you have whipped the cream, add the yogurt and gently mix until everything is well combined. This step is essential for creating an easily servable cream.

3. Flavoring: Add the vanilla extract and grated lemon zest. Gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing air in the cream. A fresh lemon flavor will make the dessert even more refreshing.

4. Chilling: Place the prepared cream in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will help thicken the cream, making it perfect for layering.

5. Preparing the strawberries: Wash the strawberries and remove the stems. Slice about 5 strawberries lengthwise into thin slices and cut the rest into small cubes. Here, you can also use other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blackberries to add a splash of color and variety.

6. Assembling the dessert: Take the cream out of the refrigerator and gently fold in the strawberry cubes. Now let’s play with the presentation! Prepare five dessert cups. At the bottom of each cup, place pieces of cookies, and along the edges, arrange the strawberry slices.

7. Layering: Add a generous layer of cream, followed by more cookie pieces and then cream again. These layers not only look good but also provide an excellent combination of textures.

8. Final chilling: Place the dessert in the refrigerator for another 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the cream to stabilize.

9. Decorating: Once the dessert has chilled, decorate each cup with halved strawberries and fresh mint leaves. This detail not only makes the dessert look spectacular but also adds a touch of freshness.

10. Melted chocolate: If you want to take the dessert to the next level, you can melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler. Use a teaspoon to drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over each cup. This combination of yogurt, strawberries, and chocolate is simply irresistible!

Serving suggestions: This dessert with yogurt cream, whipped cream, strawberries, and cookies is perfect served alongside a fruit tea or fresh lemonade. It can be a wonderful option for a party or a picnic outdoors.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of yogurt?: Of course! You can use plain yogurt or flavored yogurt, but Greek yogurt provides a creamier texture.

- Can I substitute the strawberries?: Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, which pair very well with the yogurt cream.

- Is this dessert suitable for vegans?: You can adapt the recipe using soy or coconut yogurt and plant-based cream.

Nutritional benefits: This dessert is not only delicious but also nutritious. Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which help with digestive health. Strawberries are rich in vitamins C and K, and the cookies add an extra energy boost. Overall, it is a balanced dessert, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without feeling guilty.

I conclude with one last recommendation: don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and put your personal touch on the recipe. Whether you add a splash of rum to the cream or another type of fruit, let your creativity shine. Enjoy!