Chef John's Fresh Berry Fool

Chef John's fresh berry fool recipe starts with a lemon-sugar-macerated trio of fresh berries, whipped crème fraîche and heavy cream, and shortbreads.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 646 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh blackberries, broken in half
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 cup chilled heavy cream
• 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies
• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup creme fraiche

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place some cookie crumbs in the bottom of each serving dish. Spoon in some macerated berries and a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers, ending with a sprinkle of cookie crumbs.

Step 2

Place raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries in a bowl. Add ¼ cup sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice; stir until sugar is mixed with berries and juices begin to release. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Place heavy cream and crème fraîche in a cold bowl. Add remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and vanilla extract; whisk until soft peaks and sharp lines form, 5 to 8 minutes.