Marguerite'S Spanish Cream Dessert
Marguerite's Spanish Cream Dessert offers a luscious, creamy treat with subtle vanilla flavor and a light, airy texture from whipped egg whites. Perfect for entertaining or a special occasion, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit toppings like strawberries or peaches, appealing to those who enjoy elegant, chilled desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, stir in gelatine, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt.
- Add milk blended with egg yolks.
- Set over low heat and stir constantly for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in light cream or half and half and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, gradually beating in 4 tablespoons sugar.
- Fold the egg white mixture into the gelatine mixture, blending well.
- Pour into individual dessert dishes and chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the gelatine is fully dissolved in the milk mixture before adding the cream. If you want a lighter dessert, consider using whipped coconut cream in place of light cream or half and half. You can also substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Make sure to chill the dessert long enough for it to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish cream in individual dessert dishes topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh fruit like crushed peaches or berries for added flavor and color. This dessert pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or can be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful end to a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spanish cream dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in a microwave, but keep in mind that this dessert is best enjoyed chilled. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marguerite'S Spanish Cream Dessert contains roughly 387 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of gelatine?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative to Knox gelatine. However, the setting time and texture may vary, so follow the package instructions for proper usage.
How do I know when the dessert is firm enough to serve?
The dessert is ready when it has a firm but slightly jiggly texture, similar to a soft jelly. It usually takes about 4-6 hours in the refrigerator to set completely, so plan accordingly.
What can I use as a topping besides fruit or chocolate sauce?
You can get creative with toppings! Consider using crushed nuts for added crunch, a sprinkle of cocoa powder for richness, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Try pairing it with a light sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).