A kiss, a daily reminder of what matters most
Prickly Pear Cream Dessert
Prickly pear cream dessert is silky, subtly floral, and vividly colorful. This prickly pear cream dessert blends creamy texture with the sweet-aromatic essence of cactus fruit. Finally, prickly pear cream dessert is perfect for elegant spoons, yoghurt swirl-ins, or light gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg ripe prickly pears, peeled
- 300 g water
- 200 g sugar
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- Ground walnuts (for mixing in and garnishing)
Instructions
- Carefully harvest and handle the prickly pears, taking care to avoid their tiny spines. To peel them, use a fork to hold each fruit, trim off both ends with a knife, and make a shallow horizontal cut in the skin. Gently open the peel and remove the flesh.
- Cut the prickly pear flesh into small pieces and place them in a pot. Add the water and the cloves, then boil over high heat for about 15 minutes, until the fruit softens.
- Turn off the heat and mash the fruit with a potato masher. Strain the pulp through a fine sieve, pressing with a spoon to extract as much juice and pulp as possible. Only the seeds should remain in the sieve. Discard the seeds and keep the strained juice.
- Pour the prickly pear juice back into a pot. Add the sugar and cornstarch. Make sure the juice is lukewarm or cold before adding the cornstarch to avoid lumps. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves completely and no lumps remain.
- Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. When the mixture starts to thicken and large bubbles appear, remove it from the heat.
- Stir in a handful of ground walnuts. Pour the cream into individual serving bowls and sprinkle more ground walnuts on top.
A Sunkissed Treat
First, prickly pear cream dessert is inspired by summer’s bounty—made from the pulp of the vibrant prickly pear, it captures sunshine in every bite. Often used in Mediterranean desserts, this cream has grown popular for its unique flavor and color.
What Makes It Irresistible
This dessert balances silky creaminess with tropical, floral notes. The smooth texture pairs beautifully with the bright fruit essence. Moreover, the natural sweetness of the prickly pear shines through, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve prickly pear cream dessert in small glasses or ramekins, topped with fresh berries or mint. It pairs beautifully with crisp meringues, citrus biscotti, or a cold glass of rosé. Finally, store it chilled to maintain its silky texture and bright color.
