Ambrosia is a lovely classic recipe, this one is the best! So simple to make and super versatile.
This recipe has appeared on the Christmas table in our family since I was a little girl. My lovely Aunty Dianne would bring it every time and it was always the popular choice come dessert time!
This recipe has been around in one version or another for decades. If you are unfamiliar with what an Ambrosia is it is a combination of whipped cream, yoghurt, fruits, marshmallows and often grated chocolate.
You can serve in a large glass bowl or in individual small glasses.
This unusual combination of ingredients works so well and is a much loved dessert here in New Zealand. I hope we can spread this a little further around the world.
Also known by many as Summer Salad or Summer Dessert you can make this in many ways, so don’t be limited by what I have done here today. There are only a few simple ingredients – but you can make it your own!
You can choose any flavour yoghurt you feel would pair best with the fruits you choose, a sweetened fruit yoghurt of your choice. I have used mixed berry today but you can use any fruit yoghurt.
I have used a can of drained boysenberries today as that is the version I most fondly remember, but the options are unlimited! Think apricots, bananas, peaches, strawberries and more!
If marshmallows isn’t to your taste feel free to omit that too! I have amended the original recipe a little to suit the size we usually require but I have also included the original recipe here as I was given it by my Aunty
Original Ambrosia Recipe
300 mls Cream
1-2 pots (125g) of fruit yoghurt, fruit flavoured
Fruit (apricots, bananas, boysenberries, strawberries, peaches etc)
If desired chopped marshmallows & grated chocolate
The preparation of this recipe is really simple, you need to whip the cream until soft peaks form.
How do I get soft peaks with whipped cream?
Add your cream to a clean bowl and using electric beaters (or hand held if you are feeling patient!) beat on a medium speed until the cream begins to froth or foam then increase the speed to medium high.
Once the cream begins to thicken and leave a trail from the beaters you will see if you lift the beaters that the cream lifts up. A peak forms but immediately the peak falls, this is a soft peak.
Take care at this stage as you can easily overbeat cream. A medium peak will hold its form for much longer.
If you are looking for more Christmas desserts with cream please check out my Eton Mess!
I hope you enjoy this lovely family recipe for many more years to come
Onto the recipe!
The Best Ambrosia
Delicious, this is the Best Ambrosia Summer Dessert.
Ingredients
- 400 mls Cream
- 375 mls Fruit Yoghurt (I have used Mixed Berry yoghurt today)
- 220 grams Marshmallows (halved)
- 1x 425 gram Can of Boysenberries, drained
- 50 grams Grated Chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the marshmallows, slice in half, drain the boysenberries and grate the chocolate
- In a medium bowl pour in the cream
- Using electric beaters whip for 2-3 minutes on low to medium until the cream begins to froth or foam
- Increase the speed to medium high and beat until the cream thickens and leaves a trail. Beat until soft peaks form, see below for details. Careful not to overbeat.
- Add to the cream the yoghurt and gently fold into the cream until well incorporated
- Add to this the chopped marshmallows, drained boysenberries and grated chocolate and gently combine
- Spoon this into the serving bowl (or small glasses) and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When serving grate over a little more chocolate
- Enjoy!
Notes
What are soft peaks
Soft peaks are when the beaters are lifted from the whipped cream and peaks form but immediately fold over
What cream should I use?
Heavy cream, whipping cream or double cream are the sorts of cream you will want. This has a higher fat content.
What yoghurt can I use?
Any sweetened Fruit yoghurt will work well here, match the yoghurt to the fruit you are using
Can I use other fruit other than boysenberries?
Yes definitely! Originally known as Summer Salad or Summer Dessert you can make this dessert with fresh or canned fruits, or even frozen. Drained canned fruits well first.
What chocolate can I use in Ambrosia?
Often people use flakes to crumble over and into the Ambrosia, I use milk chocolate and grate this.
So very easy, just 20 minutes to make and you will have a glorious dessert to share with the whole family.
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my latest recipes on my blog. If you are not already be sure to follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more deliciousness, and you can register your email in the subscription box below to receive all my recipes as I publish them.
Happy Baking
Anna
Pin It! Pinterest
Wendy Hoare says
I use plain Greek yogurt thickened cream marshmallows and frozen berries, you don’t have to wait for it to thicken up you can use it straight away, and we like it because it’s not sweet.
Cara Cormack says
I use greek yoghurt, strawberry flavour so nice if you like a wee bit of tangy
justamumnz says
Love that idea. Thank you
Robyn Jauk says
Sounds great! I knowAmbrosia as what is easy to remember as 5 cup salad. One can of drained pineapple chunks, one can of drained mandarins, one cup of coconut, one cup of chopped white marshmallows and one cup of sour cream. Mix all together. I got this recipe, if you can call it that, when I lived in Canada.
justamumnz says
Thank you so much for sharing that with us! That sounds lovely, unusual with the sour cream!