Quick Healthy Berry Dessert (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Berry Base
01 -
6 cups any combination of berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries, blackberries)
02 -
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or more if berries are not sweet enough)
03 -
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
→ For the Nut-Date Mixture
04 -
1 cup pecan pieces
05 -
1/2 cup walnut pieces
06 -
1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped into small pieces (1/2 inch)
07 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ For the Whipped Cream (Optional)
08 -
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream (35%)
09 -
1 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
10 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, preferably pure
11 -
1/2-1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Wash and pat berries dry with a paper towel. Slice strawberries if using (or cut them into smaller pieces). Place in a serving dish approximately 7×11 or 9×9 or 10×10 inches. Add maple syrup and toss to coat evenly. Taste and add more syrup if needed. Sprinkle with orange zest if using.
02 -
Place all ingredients for the nut-date mixture (pecans, walnuts, chopped dates, and cinnamon) in a food processor. Pulse 8-10 times until coarsely ground but still with texture.
03 -
Scatter the nut-date topping evenly over the berries. Serve plain or with whipped cream or ice cream.
04 -
Place whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, and orange zest (if using) in a small food processor bowl (or use a handheld mixer or immersion blender). Beat until soft peaks form, scraping down sides if needed. Be careful not to over-whip to a butter consistency. Peaks should stand up fairly well - a slight droop is okay.
# Notes:
01 -
This dessert is best fresh, but leftovers still taste good the next day, though the texture will be softer.
02 -
You can make this dessert several hours ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
03 -
To make the day before, store the berries and nut-date mixture separately. Keep the berries in the fridge and the nut mixture on the counter.
04 -
Try variations like sprinkling toasted coconut on top, toasting the nuts before making the mixture, adding other fresh fruits like peaches or mangoes, substituting dates with dried cranberries, or adding a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.