Red White & Blue Berries & Ricotta Cream
No-bake Red, White & Blue Berries & Ricotta Cream is a light, healthy, creamy dessert. This treat is the perfect ending to a 4th of July barbecue, or summer evening – patriotic, flavorful and fresh.
Fourth of July Dessert
It was 95 degrees and humid in my sweet little Chicago suburb this Independence Day. Perfect for the pool party we attended to celebrate our nation’s birthday! Not perfect to be baking in the kitchen. With my kitchen already warm, and no interest in heating it up further, I knew I wanted to prepare a simple, cooling, light dessert for my crew. Enter Red, White and Blue Berries & Ricotta Cream!
Berries & Cream
Years ago I was introduced to a delicious dessert – Berries and Zabaglione – that I occasionally dream about. No joke. It is worthy of a daydream! Zabaglione is an Italian custard-like dessert made with egg yolks and Marsala wine. It is a light cream, that highlights the flavor of the Marsala wine. Rich in flavor but not heavy, this custard is usually paired with fresh fruit or berries. It is heavenly! Berries & Zabaglione is the inspiration behind my Red, White and Blue Berries & Ricotta Cream.
Health Benefits of Berries
Some benefits of Berries:
Strong Anti-inflammatory properties – inflammation is the body’s defense against injury or infection. Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and Strawberries may actually help decrease inflammatory markers!
Low Net-Carb Content – a high fiber content in berries equates to a low net-carb content. This means they can be enjoyed on many diets!
Vitamin C – rich in Vitamin C, Strawberries provide 150% of the RDI of this vitamin which is known to provide immune support.
Ricotta Cream Ingredients
This dessert (or even breakfast) comes together in about 15 minutes. It is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients for the Ricotta Cream and Berries:
Plain Greek Yogurt
Ricotta
Vanilla Extract
Confectioners Sugar
Zest of Lemon
Red, White and Blue Berries: Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, etc.
Toss all the ingredients in a bowl, except the fruit. Whisk or beat with a hand-mixer on Medium until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved.
Parfait Layers
Layer the Ricotta Cream and Berries, creating parfait layers. This recipe is written for 4 servings. I used small mason jars to divide and serve. Doubling the recipe will serve 4-8 people.
Enjoy! And if you like the recipe, please share on Pinterest, or snap a photo of your creation and tag me on Twitter, or Instagram!
Red White and Blue Berries & Ricotta Cream
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Hand Mixer optional
- 4 Serving Bowls or mason jars
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt nonfat
- ½ Cup Ricotta part skim
- ½ tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 tbsp Confectioners Sugar
- 1 Zest of Lemon small
- 6 oz Blackberries
- 6 oz Raspberries
- 6 oz Strawberries
- 6 oz Blueberries
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except the berries, in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk or beat on medium with a hand-mixer, until creamy consistency is achieved. About 2 minutes of whisking or 1-2 minutes of beating.
- Layer fruit with Ricotta Cream, dividing berries and cream evenly into 4 servings.
- If not serving immediately, refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 24 hours in advance.