Description
Creamy Strawberry Vanilla Delight is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring fresh strawberries layered with a rich mascarpone and whipped cream mixture, enhanced by vanilla and a touch of sweetness. Optionally, it includes a crunchy graham cracker base to add texture, making it a perfect, refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
- Optional: sugar for sprinkling (to sweeten strawberries)
Creamy Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Base
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional for a crunchy base)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Place them in a bowl. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of sugar over them and let sit for 10 minutes to release their natural juices and enhance sweetness.
- Make the creamy filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy.
- Add a crunchy base (optional): If using graham cracker crumbs, sprinkle them evenly into the bottoms of your serving glasses or bowls before assembling the layers.
- Assemble the dessert: Layer the dessert in the serving glasses by starting with a layer of the creamy mascarpone mixture, followed by a layer of fresh strawberries. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used and the glasses are filled.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the layered dessert for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the cream to set slightly. Serve chilled, garnished with extra sliced strawberries or fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For a sweeter strawberry layer, sprinkle with sugar and let sit to macerate before assembling.
- Mascarpone cheese adds a rich, creamy texture; if unavailable, cream cheese can be a substitute though flavor will vary.
- Graham cracker crumbs are optional but provide a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy layers.
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 30 minutes, but it can be chilled longer to deepen flavors.
- Fresh mint leaves make an excellent garnish for color and aroma.
- This dessert is best enjoyed the same day it is prepared for optimal freshness.
