What is Fool?
A Fruit Fool is an old-fashioned classic British dessert dating back to the 16th century. It is simple with no cooking required. Fool is classically made with gooseberry by folding the pureed fruit into sweetened whipped cream or custard. The origin of the name “fool” is somewhat unclear, but it is thought to come from the French word “fouler,” meaning to press or crush (which describes the preparation method of the fruit). Fool recipes have evolved over the centuries, and today, variations may include different fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or rhubarb, but the classic gooseberry fool remains a beloved and iconic British treat. I always end up picking far too many strawberries and rhubarb from pick your own farms, so make this Instant Pot Strawberry and Rhubarb Jam. Every summer, we go punnets of strawberries weekly, mostly just eating them as they are. Sometimes though, I like to make strawberry flavoured treats such as Strawberry Lassi, this Eggless No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake and Stawberry Goats Cheese Crostini. Strawberries also work wonderfully in salads like this Strawberry Goats Cheese Salad and Strawberry Avocado Salsa. This time, I went with Strawberry Fool, which I tried for the first time as a 10 year old in Devon! It was the best strawberry fool, loaded with Devonshire cream, so rich and delicious! For my version, I’ve added a bit of rose syrup to really bring out the flavours of the strawberries. I just love that this dessert comes together in no time, and that you don’t need many ingredients. It is a great dish to make along with kids too! For another delicious strawberry and cream recipe, you’ll love this Mexican Fresas con Crema!
Ingredients
Strawberries – I like to use British strawberries when in season for the sweetness and perfect flavour Greek yogurt – I use whole Greek yogurt but you can skip and make with cream only if you wish Whipped cream – I use double cream Rose syrup – optional but adds a gorgeous floral note that isn’t at all overpowering. You could use a drop of rose essence or rose water too Icing sugar – also known as confectioners sugar Lemon juice – fresh or bottled Fresh mint leaves and sliced strawberries for garnishing
Storage
Store strawberry fool in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. I recommend consuming it by the next day. I do not recommend freezing this fool as the cream will loose its texture upon thawing.
Other summer desserts
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Note – This recipe was first published on 24th June 2018. This post has since been updated with helpful content and new images. The recipe remains the same.
