This cranberry fool is a speedy but elegant dessert of cranberries and pomegranate paired with whipped coconut cream that's perfect for the holidays.
Because every year around this time, we find ourselves a little shorter on time than usual, I like to keep a stash of dead-simple desserts up my sleeve. Something you can throw together in a matter of minutes or that can be made ahead of time but still has that wow-factor like this cranberry fool.
It's the kind of dessert that's speedy and simple; comfortingly old-fashioned but still elegant enough for a dinner party.
What is a Fruit Fool?
If you’ve never made one, a fruit fool is one of the easiest but most satisfying desserts you can throw together. It’s essentially just fruit compote swirled into whipped cream served in pretty glasses. You can serve it right away for a super soft and creamy texture or pop it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for a lighter, more mousse-like consistency.
My favorite kind lately has been a cranberry fool. The vibrant sweet-tart taste is a natural with cream.
How to make a cranberry fool:
The cranberry pomegranate compote is super-speedy to make but if you’ve got some cranberry sauce kicking around you could use that here as well in a pinch.
As for the cream part, I opted for a non-traditional but equally delicious combination of whipped coconut cream and yogurt. I particularly like the slight tang of goat milk yogurt and the added body it provides when folded into the whipped coconut cream. Of course if you’d prefer you can keep the entire dessert dairy-free and use coconut yogurt instead.
Charmingly old-fashioned, this cranberry pomegranate fool is a welcome finish to any holiday dinner.
More Holiday Desserts:
Cranberry Fool
This cranberry fool is a speedy but elegant dessert of cranberries and pomegranate paired with whipped coconut cream that's perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup/110g fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup/180ml fresh (not from concentrate) 100% pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup /60ml maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons/10ml pomegranate molasses
- One 14oz can full fat coconut milk (chilled overnight)
- ¾ cup/ 170g plain thick yogurt (either goat milk or dairy-free)
- Fresh pomegranate arils for serving (optional)
Instructions
Make the cranberry sauce:
- Combine cranberries, pomegranate juice and maple syrup in a medium skillet or saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and simmer on medium-low stirring frequently and until slightly syrupy and cranberries pop and start to turn translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer half the mixture to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Combine and refrigerate puree and sauce until cold, at least 1 hour.
Make the coconut yogurt cream:
- Remove just the top layer of cream from the cold can of coconut milk, leaving the liquid below. Place the coconut cream in a large bowl and whip on medium speed until it thickens and is the consistency of whipped cream. Gently fold in yogurt.
- Fold ¾ of the chilled sauce into the cream mixture until cream is just barely streaked (don’t over mix). Divide evenly among chilled glasses or bowls and spoon remaining sauce over the top.
- Top with fresh pomegranate arils and serve immediately or refrigerate until set and serve cold.
Notes
For Paleo and Vegan substitute coconut yogurt instead of regular.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 25gProtein: 4g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
The perfect light and refreshing treat after a heavy meal!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
I had never heard of a fool before but I love how simple and gorgeous this one is!
Megan Stevens says
This is so beautiful and lovely. Love the pomegranate molasses inclusion. Pinning.
heather @french press says
what a lovely dessert, and I'm with renee, it sounds like a delicious breakfast too
linda spiker says
Beautiful as always and O love the name!
Chloe says
This sounds delicious!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
I don't know why but I always forget about whipped coconut cream instead of whipped cream. That is a brilliant way to make a fool! And I am so loving a) the seasonal twist on this dessert and b) the lighting in these photos.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Not only is this gorgeous, but I love all of the flavors! I'm a cranberry addict 😉 This is so happening soon!
Catherine says
Dear Sylvie, what a delightful dessert...perfect for any occasion. I love how easy this is to whip up. I must try it. xo, Catherine
Renee Kohley says
Oh I want some of THAT for breakfast right now! So pretty too!