Description
Creamy Strawberry Vanilla Delight is a decadent no-bake dessert featuring layers of fresh, juicy strawberries and a smooth, luscious mascarpone cream infused with vanilla. This easy-to-make treat combines refreshing fruit with rich creaminess, complemented optionally by a crunchy graham cracker base, making it perfect for a quick yet indulgent finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
- Optional: a sprinkle of sugar to sweeten strawberries
Creamy Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crunchy Base (Optional)
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries then place them in a bowl. For extra sweetness and juiciness, sprinkle a little sugar over them and let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.
- Make the creamy filling: In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Assemble the dessert: If using, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on the bottom of serving glasses or bowls. Start layering with a spoonful of the creamy mixture, followed by a layer of fresh strawberries. Repeat the layers until the containers are filled.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the cream to set slightly. Serve chilled, garnished with extra fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint if desired.
Notes
- For a sweeter strawberry layer, macerate the strawberries with sugar before assembling.
- The dessert can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh strawberries at peak ripeness for the best flavor.
- Optional graham cracker crumbs add a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
- Substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for a tangier flavor, though texture may differ slightly.
