Why fruit salad with vanilla cream is a favourite
This Fruit Salad with Vanilla Cream is perfect because the natural sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the rich vanilla seeds. The double cream provides a smooth texture that makes the dish feel like a special treat. It is very versatile as you can use berries, stone fruits or tropical varieties depending on your preference. Serving the cream chilled ensures the entire dish remains fresh and crisp until the last bite.
Follow these 4 steps for fruit salad with vanilla cream
Prepare the fruit: Wash the strawberries and blueberries in cold water and pat them dry. Peel the kiwis, mango and banana carefully. Chop all the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces and place them together in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the vanilla: Use a sharp knife to split the vanilla pod lengthways. Scrape out the tiny black seeds from the inside of the pod. Add these seeds to a separate small mixing bowl with the double cream and icing sugar.
Whip the cream: Use an electric hand whisk to beat the cream mixture until it starts to thicken. Continue whisking until soft peaks form, being careful not to overbeat it into butter. The cream should be thick enough to hold its shape but still look smooth.
Combine and serve: Gently fold the prepared fruit into the vanilla cream or serve the cream as a topping on top of the fruit. Divide the mixture into four individual bowls or glasses. Serve the dish immediately while the fruit is at its best.
Important tips for fruit salad with vanilla cream
Using a real vanilla pod instead of extract will give your Fruit Salad with Vanilla Cream a much deeper flavour and beautiful dark flecks. Always choose fruit that is ripe but still firm so it does not become mushy when mixed. You can squeeze a little lemon juice over the bananas and mango to stop them from turning brown if you are not serving it instantly.
For the best texture, make sure the double cream is very cold before you start whisking. You can also experiment by adding a few fresh mint leaves for extra brightness. If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can replace half of the double cream with thick Greek yoghurt. This recipe is best enjoyed on the day it is prepared for maximum freshness.
Find more ideas here:
chicken noodle soup,
fried rice with duck or
carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.