Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe – Treat Indulgently

Servings: 8 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

When hosting a summer brunch or charming dinner gathering, the end-of-meal sweet treat can really elevate the occasion. There’s something special about serving a light and creamy Bavarian cream dessert alongside fresh berries or a tart raspberry coulis.

 The combination of velvety creaminess and tangy fruit creates a delightful contrast, making it a wonderful finish to any meal. Plus, your guests will think you’ve snuck off to culinary school!

Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe

Bavarian cream might sound fancy, but it’s a deceptively simple dessert. Originating from France and named after Bavaria, this dessert consists of a rich custard base thickened with gelatin, then folded with whipped cream for that dreamy texture.

 It’s time to show off this elegant sweet treat and impress everyone around your table. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it will become your go-to dessert for any occasion!

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What is Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe?

A Bavarian cream dessert is a silky and airy concoction that combines a custard base made with egg yolks, sugar, and milk, then added gelatin to provide stability. Whipped cream is gently folded in, giving it that luxurious texture. It’s served chilled and can be fashioned into molds or poured into cute glasses, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.

Why This Recipe Works?

This recipe stands out because it balances simplicity and flavor with a classic technique. The silky vanilla custard paired with rich whipped cream achieves a texture and taste that is utterly satisfying and comforting. It’s also versatile – you can flavor it with various extracts or add fruit purées to customize it to your liking.

How Does It Taste Like?

The moment you take a spoonful, you’ll experience a rich vanilla flavor melting in your mouth. The lightness from the whipped cream cuts through the richness, creating a perfect dessert that isn’t overly heavy. If served with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, it’s like a sweet hug for your taste buds.

What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe Variations?

Many Bavarian cream recipes use heavy cream and sometimes skimp on the quality of vanilla, but my version features high-quality ingredients and a touch of zestful lemon juice for a refreshing twist. This not only adds a bright note to the dessert but also helps balance the sweetness, making it feel less indulgent and more refined.

The Ingredients

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a spectacular Bavarian cream dessert:

1/2 cup cold water

2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

4 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice (to add brightness)

Zest of one lemon (for an aromatic touch)

Ingredients From :  allrecipes.com

How to Make Bavarian Cream Dessert?

Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this sweet treat to life! The steps below will guide you through the process, ensuring your Bavarian cream turns out perfectly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

Start by combining the cold water and unflavored gelatin in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then set it aside for about 5 to 10 minutes to let the gelatin bloom. This is a crucial step! Blooming stabilizes the gelatin so that it incorporates seamlessly later.

Step 2: Whisk the Yolk Mixture

Step 2: Whisk the Yolk Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. You want this mixture to be smooth and well combined. Take a moment to appreciate the golden color of the yolks—they’re the base for a luscious custard.

Step 3: Heat the Milk

Step 3: Heat the Milk

Bring the whole milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching. As soon as it begins to bubble, you’re ready for the next step!

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Once the milk is ready, pour it in a slow, steady stream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This temperature control prevents your eggs from scrambling. Ensure everything is well mixed before moving on.

Step 5: Cook the Custard

Step 5: Cook the Custard

Transfer the egg yolk and milk mixture back to the saucepan. You’ll want to cook it over medium heat while stirring continuously until the custard thickens slightly—about 5-7 minutes. You can test its readiness by checking if it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Incorporate the Gelatin

Step 6: Incorporate the Gelatin

Strain the hot custard through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any lumps. While the mixture is still warm, stir in the bloomed gelatin, pure vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. You want to make sure the gelatin dissolves completely.

Step 7: Cool the Mixture

Allow the custard to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial, as incorporating the whipped cream before the custard is too hot will deflate it. Patience is key here!

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until you reach medium-stiff peaks. Don’t over-whip it; you want that cream to be airy and light.

Step 9: Fold the Cream into Custard

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture. Use a spatula and be careful not to deflate the whipped cream completely. You want to maintain that airy texture for the final dessert.

Step 10: Pour and Chill

Immediately pour the mixture into parfait glasses, molds, or over cake layers. Make sure to level the tops with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow it to set properly.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality eggs and vanilla extract to elevate your dessert.

Watch Your Temperatures: Pay attention while heating your milk and cooking your custard to avoid curdling.

Cool Completely: Ensure the custard is cool before mixing in the whipped cream; this will maintain its fluffy texture.

Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to infuse the milk with other flavorings like almond or orange zest for a fun twist.

Presentation Matters: Serve with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate for a beautiful presentation that impresses.

How Do You Store This Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for about 3-4 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can enjoy the flavors for a few days if you have some left over. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent drying out.

Sides for Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe

Fresh Berries: A scattering of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries not only adds color but enhances the flavor with their tartness.

Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over your serving adds a decadent touch.

Mint Leaves: For a fresh garnish, mint leaves add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel gives a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.

Crushed Nuts: Chopped almonds or hazelnuts can provide an extra crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smoothness of Bavarian cream.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Egg Yolks: If you’re looking for an egg-free option, consider using a commercial custard powder as a thickening agent instead.

Gelatin: For a vegetarian substitute, use agar-agar, which is derived from seaweed. Follow package instructions as it often requires different handling methods.

Milk: Almond milk or other plant-based milks can replace whole milk for a dairy-free version.

Heavy Cream: Using coconut cream can provide a dairy-free alternative while still delivering creaminess.

Vanilla Extract: Any extract, such as almond or hazelnut, can be used in place of vanilla for a varied flavor profile.

Conclusion

Bavarian cream definitely belongs on your dessert radar. Whether for a festive gathering or a quiet evening at home, this sweet treat is manageable and satisfying to make. The creamy texture, bright flavors, and impressive presentation make it an excellent choice for any meal. I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful dessert and share it with friends and family. 

Get ready for compliments, because once they try it, it’s bound to be a hit!

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Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe – Treat Indulgently

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 40 mins
Servings: 8 Calories: 280
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Bavarian cream might sound fancy, but it’s a deceptively simple dessert. Originating from France and named after Bavaria, this dessert consists of a rich custard base thickened with gelatin, then folded with whipped cream for that dreamy texture.

Ingredient

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

  1. Start by combining the cold water and unflavored gelatin in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then set it aside for about 5 to 10 minutes to let the gelatin bloom. This is a crucial step! Blooming stabilizes the gelatin so that it incorporates seamlessly later.

Step 2: Whisk the Yolk Mixture

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. You want this mixture to be smooth and well combined. Take a moment to appreciate the golden color of the yolks—they’re the base for a luscious custard.

Step 3: Heat the Milk

  1. Bring the whole milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching. As soon as it begins to bubble, you're ready for the next step!

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

  1. Once the milk is ready, pour it in a slow, steady stream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This temperature control prevents your eggs from scrambling. Ensure everything is well mixed before moving on.

Step 5: Cook the Custard

  1. Transfer the egg yolk and milk mixture back to the saucepan. You’ll want to cook it over medium heat while stirring continuously until the custard thickens slightly—about 5-7 minutes. You can test its readiness by checking if it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Incorporate the Gelatin

  1. Strain the hot custard through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove any lumps. While the mixture is still warm, stir in the bloomed gelatin, pure vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. You want to make sure the gelatin dissolves completely.

Step 7: Cool the Mixture

  1. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial, as incorporating the whipped cream before the custard is too hot will deflate it. Patience is key here!

Step 8: Whip the Cream

  1. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until you reach medium-stiff peaks. Don’t over-whip it; you want that cream to be airy and light.

Step 9: Fold the Cream into Custard

  1. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture. Use a spatula and be careful not to deflate the whipped cream completely. You want to maintain that airy texture for the final dessert.

Step 10: Pour and Chill

  1. Immediately pour the mixture into parfait glasses, molds, or over cake layers. Make sure to level the tops with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow it to set properly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Total Carbohydrate 17g6%
Protein 5g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality eggs and vanilla extract to elevate your dessert.

- Watch Your Temperatures: Pay attention while heating your milk and cooking your custard to avoid curdling.

- Cool Completely: Ensure the custard is cool before mixing in the whipped cream; this will maintain its fluffy texture.

- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to infuse the milk with other flavorings like almond or orange zest for a fun twist.

- Presentation Matters: Serve with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate for a beautiful presentation that impresses.

Keywords: Bavarian Cream Dessert Recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

1. Can I make Bavarian cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bavarian cream can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just make sure to store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it from absorbing any odors from other foods.

2. How do I know when the custard is thick enough?

The custard should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. You can run your finger through it and see a clear line where your finger was. If it doesn’t hold the line, continue cooking it a little longer.

3. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

While you can use whipped topping as a shortcut, real whipped cream offers a flavor and texture that is incomparable. If you decide to use a whipped topping, be aware that the mouthfeel might differ slightly.

4. Is it safe to make Bavarian cream with raw eggs?

If you use pasteurized eggs, it should be safe, but it’s essential for everyone, especially the vulnerable population—like pregnant women or the elderly—to consult a healthcare professional if there are concerns.

5. How can I make a chocolate Bavarian cream?

To create a chocolate version, melt about 4 ounces of high-quality chocolate and stir it into the warm custard before cooling it. This will give your Bavarian cream a sumptuous chocolate flavor.

Rachel Ortiz, Author and Registered Dietitian
Rachel Ortiz Registered dietitian, food enthusiast and food blogger

I'm Rachel Ortiz, a registered dietitian and the creator of Treat Indulgently. I combine my love for nutrition and indulgent, satisfying recipes to show you how to enjoy rich, flavorful meals while still making mindful choices. Join me as we celebrate the joy of cooking and treating yourself!

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