Chocolate Strawberry Cream Delight

This delightful dessert combines the creamy texture of sour cream and mascarpone cheese with the rich sweetness of condensed milk and a chocolate topping. The base is a buttery, crumbly concoction of cookies and roasted peanuts, providing the perfect counterbalance to the smooth, creamy top layer. Each bite delivers a touch of strawberry freshness and a hint of rich chocolate. With its elegant appearance and decadent taste, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or purely as a luxurious treat. The preparation involves creating a stable base and a silky cream layer that is then chilled for the perfect set. This is enhanced with decorative melted chocolate and fresh strawberries, marrying flavors beautifully. It's a versatile dessert that can be adapted for different tastes, offering a delightful end to any meal. Easy to prepare but sophisticated enough to impress, this dish is a rewarding endeavor for anyone who loves rich yet fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g sour cream (25% fat)
• 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk
• 200 g mascarpone cheese
• 100 ml milk
• 40 g chocolate (for decoration)
• 3 tbsp sugar (optional, based on taste)
• 1/2 pack of gelatin
• Fresh strawberries

Base Ingredients:

• 360 g brown cookies (such as Selgas)
• 150 g butter
• Around 50 g peanuts

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 230 minutes (including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Crush the Cookies: Blend the brown cookies into fine crumbs using a blender or a food processor.
2. Roast the Peanuts: Lightly roast the peanuts in a pan until golden brown, then let them cool.
3. Blend Peanuts: Once cooled, blend the peanuts until they reach a crumbly texture.
4. Combine Base Ingredients: Mix the blended cookies and peanuts with melted butter until the mixture is homogenous.
5. Prepare the Mould: Line your chosen tray with food wrap, unless you are using a cake pan with a removable edge.
6. Form the Base: Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared tray, creating an even layer.
7. Cream the Sour Cream: Whisk the sour cream until it becomes creamy and smooth.
8. Mix Cheese with Milk: Separately whip together the mascarpone cheese and condensed milk until smooth.
9. Combine Creams: Gently fold the creamy sour cream into the mascarpone and condensed milk mixture, then beat together. Taste and add sugar if necessary.
10. Prepare Gelatin: Stir the gelatin into the milk and let it bloom.
11. Dissolve Gelatin: Heat the gelatin mixture slowly until fully dissolved, ensuring no granules remain.
12. Incorporate Gelatin: Whisk the dissolved gelatin into the creamy cheese mixture thoroughly.
13. Pour and Set: Pour the creamy mixture over the prepared cookie base and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.
14. Decorate with Chocolate: After setting, remove the dessert from the mold and drizzle with melted chocolate.
15. Add Strawberries: Decorate with fresh strawberries for an added touch of color and flavor.
16. Chill Again: Return the dessert to the refrigerator until ready to serve.
17. Slice and Serve: Cut into slices and serve chilled.
18. Enjoy: Delight in the creamy, chocolaty goodness complemented by fresh strawberries.
19. Store: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
20. Share: Perfect for gatherings, a delight that will please most palates.

Tips

• Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the sugar to taste based on your preference.
• Gelatin Alternative: Agar agar can be used instead of gelatin for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Substitute: Cream cheese can be used in place of mascarpone for a denser texture.

Nutritions

• Calories (per serving): Approx. 450
• Protein: 6 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g

Variations

• Fruit Options: Swap strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit peanuts or replace with other nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and a non-dairy butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
• Pair with a cup of fresh mint tea to cleanse the palate.

Best Places

1. Chez Nico - Renowned for its elegant twist on desserts. Location: 10 Piccadilly, London, UK.
2. Les Bonbons - Famous for decadent sweet treats. Location: 55 Rue Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
3. Pasticceria Marchesi - Known for traditional sweets with a luxurious flair. Location: Via Monte Napoleone 9, Milan, Italy.
4. Sweet Art Bakery - A creative hub for unique desserts. Location: 225 Fourth Avenue, New York, USA.
5. Dolce & Co - Specializes in Mediterranean-inspired sweets. Location: Via Roma 97, Rome, Italy.
6. Bitter Sweet Café - Offers eclectic and international dessert creations. Location: 21 Queen St W, Toronto, Canada.
7. Almondine Bakery - Beloved for its classic and contemporary sweet offerings. Location: 85 Water St, Brooklyn, USA.
8. Edelweiss Bakery - A cozy spot for Viennese-inspired desserts. Location: Schönbrunner Strasse 191, Vienna, Austria.
9. Chocolate House - Famous for its rich chocolate desserts. Location: 20 Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
10. Cafe Sacher - Celebrated for the original Sachertorte. Location: Philharmoniker Strasse 4, Vienna, Austria.