Creamy Mandarin Dessert

This Creamy Mandarin Dessert is a quick and easy treat made with fresh mandarins, velvety cream, and a hint of citrus zest. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s thick, rich, and bursting with orange flavor! Perfect for a last-minute dessert or a refreshing sweet treat.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 5-35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3-4 mandarins (or small oranges), peeled and blended
• 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream (or whipping cream, cold)
• 200 g (7 oz) mascarpone (or cream cheese for a lighter version)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange or mandarin
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra freshness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra thickness)

Topping Options

• Mandarin slices
• Grated white chocolate
• Crushed cookies or nuts
• A drizzle of honey or caramel

Directions

1. Prepare the Mandarin Puree

• Peel 3-4 mandarins and blend them until smooth.
• Strain through a sieve to remove pulp (optional for a smoother texture).

2. Whip the Cream

• In a bowl, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

3. Mix the Cream Base

• In another bowl, beat mascarpone, mandarin zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Gradually add the mandarin puree, mixing gently.

4. Combine Everything

• Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, stirring gently to keep it airy.
• If using cornstarch, dissolve it in 1 tablespoon of mandarin juice, then mix it in for extra thickness.

5. Serve and Chill

• Divide into serving glasses or bowls.
• Decorate with mandarin slices, white chocolate, or crushed cookies.
• Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with butter cookies or ladyfingers for dipping.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Use as a cake filling or spread over pancakes.

Cooking Tips

• For a lighter version, replace mascarpone with Greek yogurt.
• For a vegan option, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
• For a stronger citrus flavor, add a bit of mandarin extract.

Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in vitamin C from mandarins.
• High in healthy fats from mascarpone and cream.
• Naturally sweet and refreshing.