The Best Ambrosia is a classic Kiwi dessert that always seems to make an appearance at family gatherings, celebrations, and summer barbecues. Made with cream, yoghurt, fruit, marshmallow, and chocolate, it comes together quickly and is always a crowd-pleaser.

What makes this version so popular is the balance of creamy texture, sweetness, and fresh fruit. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that looks impressive in a serving bowl and disappears just as quickly as it’s served.

Why Ambrosia always reminds me of Christmas

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! It quickly became one of those recipes we all looked forward to each year, and now it brings back wonderful memories of family gatherings, laughter, and Christmas celebrations together.

What is Ambrosia?

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. 

Why Ambrosia is a Kiwi favourite

This unusual combination of ingredients works so well and is a much-loved dessert here in New Zealand. It often appears on tables at Christmas, birthdays, and family get-togethers, with everyone having their own favourite version. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a big bowl of Ambrosia being shared with family and friends, and I hope we can spread this Kiwi favourite a little further around the world.

How can you make this Ambrosia your own?

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 absolutely 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 aren’t to your taste, feel free to omit them too! I have amended the original recipe a little to suit the size of marshmallows that we usually require, but I have also included the original recipe below as it was given to me by my Aunty.

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.

Original Ambrosia Recipe

Before all the modern twists and additions, the original Ambrosia recipe was beautifully simple and remains the inspiration for the versions many of us enjoy today.

• 300 mls Cream
• 1-2 pots (125g) of fruit yoghurt, fruit flavoured
• Fruit (apricots, bananas, boysenberries, strawberries, peaches etc.)
• Chopped marshmallows & grated chocolate (If desired)

How do I get soft peaks with whipped cream?

The preparation of this recipe is really simple, you need to whip the cream until soft peaks form. 

To do this, 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 leaves 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. 

Watch how to make Ambrosia

Other dessert recipes to try

If you are looking for another dessert with cream for Christmas, please check out my Eton Mess recipe on my website. And, if you enjoy this Ambrosia recipe, be sure to try my Ambrosia Trifle too! This recipe is a delicious twist on the classic favourite that combines all those much-loved flavours in a beautiful layered dessert perfect for sharing, enjoy!

The Best Ambrosia Recipe

So very easy to prepare, in just 20 minutes you’ll have a glorious dessert ready to share with family and friends. I really hope you love this Best Ambrosia recipe as much as we do. It’s one of those special recipes that always brings back wonderful memories whenever I make it, and I hope it becomes a favourite in your family for many years to come.

If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments. You can also leave a ⭐ rating in the recipe card above, it really helps others find and enjoy this recipe too.

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Happy baking,
Anna x