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gratin dish of berries in a creme brulee cream

Easy Berry Dessert with Elderflower Cream

Jill Colonna
A quick and easy berry dessert with fresh summer berries, vanilla elderflower cream and a lightly torched top. This lazy crème brûlée-style French gratin isn’t a set custard, but a warm, fruity dessert with all the joy of berries and cream - made in 30 minutes.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 4 people
Calories 242 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g (14oz) mixed fresh berries organic
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 50 g (1.75oz) sugar
  • good pinch vanilla powder (or ½ teaspoon extract)
  • 2 tablespoon elderflower cordial or syrup (or Saint Germain liqueur)
  • 100 g (3.5oz) heavy or whipping cream at least 30% fat

Instructions
 

  • Divide the berries between 4 ovenproof shallow dishes. Spread them in a single layer.
  • Whisk the yolks, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Whisk in the elderflower cordial or syrup, then the cream.
  • Spoon the cream over the berries. Place under a hot broiler or turbo grill (or use a culinary torch) for about 3-5 minutes, top bubbles and turns golden brown. Watch carefully.

Notes

To serve: Serve immediately warm or leave to cool and chill until ready to serve. They can be made ahead the day before - just keep chilled in the fridge. 
Use shallow dishes: This recipe works best in shallow crème brûlée ramekins. Deep ramekins make it harder for the broiler to heat the cream quickly and evenly.
Broiler or blow torch: A broiler gives a quick golden brown top. A blow torch gives more control and works well if your broiler is fierce. Choose your desired toastiness. I like them well fired to cook the creams more underneath (not like a crème brûlée but more of a sweet gratin)
Flavour swaps: Replace elderflower with violet syrup, rose syrup, or a crushed lavender flower.
Cream: Use heavy cream with at least 30% fat. In France, use crème liquide entière.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 17mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 3gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 673IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg
Keyword berry creme brulee, crème brûlée with berries, easy berry dessert, French berry gratin, mixed berries dessert, quick berry dessert
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