I’m mired pretty firmly in baking-with-berries season. I’ve shared both blueberry and strawberry recipes with you this month. Now, on to raspberries!
Of all the interesting dessert names out there, I enjoy the simplicity of the name “fool.” From what I understand, fools got their name because they are so simple that any fool could make them. A fool is essentially a combination of sweetened whipped cream and fruit. Yes, I’d say that’s pretty simple. Foolproof, even.
I took the idea a step further and integrated a buttery almond shortbread. Pieces of that shortbread are broken and used to line the bottom of a pan. Then, that’s topped off with the raspberry and whipped cream mixture.
Even with the addition of shortbread, this is still one of the simplest desserts you could ever hope to make. The shortbread can be made up to three days in advance. Or, if you’re in a pinch, you can pick up your favorite shortbread at your market.
I dialed down the sugar in my whipped cream so that the flavor of fresh raspberries could really come through. If you’d like this to be a bit sweeter, you can always add a little more sugar to the raspberry purée and/or the whipped cream.
Raspberry Shortbread Fool
Nutty shortbread and a creamy no-bake raspberry dessert combine to make this cool, fresh dessert!
Ingredients
For the shortbread:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup finely chopped (or ground) almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 8-10 ounces (about 2 cups) raspberries
- 2 & 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- raspberries, sliced almonds, or shortbread crumbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
To make the shortbread:
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Reduce mixer speed to low, and add the flour, almonds, and salt. Mix until combined. Dough will be crumbly but will hold together when pinched.
- Gather dough into a ball and transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Use your hands to flatten dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Refrigerate dough for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake the shortbread 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool completely on pan.
- Break or cut the cooled shortbread into bite-size pieces. Cover the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with shortbread pieces. If you have leftover shortbread, you can save it for garnish or enjoy it on its own.
To make the filling:
- Place a large mixing bowl and whisk (or your mixer’s whisk attachment) in the refrigerator.
- Place the raspberries and granulated sugar in a blender or food processor. Mix until well-blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place the cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla in chilled bowl. Whip with the chilled whisk until firm peaks form.
- Gently fold in the raspberry mixture. Spread over the shortbread pieces in the pan. Serve immediately or chill overnight.
- Garnish with raspberries, sliced almonds, or any remaining shortbread.
This post was originally developed for Go Bold with Butter, where I am a paid contributor.
13 Comments on “Raspberry Shortbread Fool”
Light n’ perfect!
It is strawberry season here in North Carolina so I will have to try this!
Oh gosh, now I can hardly wait for Oregon’s raspberry season!!
Looking good Jen thanks will be great for all berries
I have never heard of a fool before now, but I think I am a convert. Fruit and whipped cream are one of may favorite sweet snacks, combining them into a smooth mixture spread on top of shortbread sounds wonderful 🙂
This is literally making me drool! It seems like it is really easy too. Like it may be a good one to try with the little ones. It was so great to get to know you at Blog and Bake. I am looking forward to hearing more and getting inspired by your baking.
I’ve never actually HAD a fool but they are on my bucket list! Love the berry infusion and the shortbread for some great texture!
I have always wanted to make a fool!!! It seems like the perfect dessert for warmer weather when my kitchen is scorching hot and I can’t turn the oven on! 🙂
Your version looks wonderful- the addition of shortbread must add such a nice crunch!
I adore fools – passion fruit is a personal favourite – but raspberries are my all time favourite berry so cannot wait to try this out
I love desserts that any fool can make 😉 Quick and easy is always a plus! This fool looks delicious! Love desserts with fresh berries and this one sounds fantastic.
This fool looks delicious I love raspberries and cream!
Do you think the crust will hold together if I want to make this into a pie? I’d like to bake it in a glass dish and then add the filling, so it becomes a (mostly) no bake pie.
Hi, Gabrielle. Yes, the shortbread should work as a crust. If you’re making a standard 9-inch round pie, the crust may be a bit thin. I might increase the ingredients by 50%.