Berry salad with brownies and pistachio crust
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  • Berry salad with brownies and pistachio crust

Berry salad with brownies and pistachio crust

2 hours 30 min
Enter a world where fresh berries' vibrant juiciness meets chocolate's irresistible richness. Our berry salad with brownies and pistachio crust is a feast for the senses. Picture homemade brownies, rich and fudgy, paired with tangy skyr, each spoonful dotted with colourful berries and a crunchy pistachio crust. This delightful mix of flavours celebrates the finest produce, each bite taking you through sweet, creamy tart and nutty notes. Ideal for any event or as a special treat, this isn't just a snack: it's an experience to savour.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/berry-salad-with-brownies-and-pistachio-crust/

Instructions

Brownies
  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  • Melt the butter and mix in the cocoa then let it cool.
  • Knead the marzipan with sugar and salt – it should be a little lumpy.
  • Add the egg and mix well.
  • Add vanilla sugar, coffee, flour, the cooled butter with cocoa and chocolate and mix well.
  • Line a form (approx. 18x18 cm) with baking paper. Pour the dough into the form and bake it in the middle of the oven for 25-30 minutes (to ensure a spongy brownie interior, be careful to not overbake).
  • Leave to cool for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
Pistachio crust
  • In a pan and over an even heat, let the sugar melt to a thick syrup.
  • Add the pistachios and quickly toss them in the sugar.
  • Pour the nuts and caramel onto a piece of baking paper and let it cool.
  • Coarsely chop the pistachio crust.
Cream
  • Mix the skyr, sugar, vanilla sugar and lemon juice in a bowl.
  • Taste.
To serve
  • Cut the brownies into small cubes (approx. 1x1 cm).
  • Spoon the cream into the bottom of the serving glasses.
  • Layer 5-6 brownie pieces on top of the cream, together with some of the mixed berries and pistachio crust.
  • Create 2 more layers, ending with fresh berries and pistachio crust.
Enjoy!

Questions about berry salad with brownies and pistachio crust

Our berry salad offers a delightful mix of flavours and textures to brighten any table. We've gathered answers to your most common questions to guide you in making this vibrant snack. Find out how to boost flavours, use leftovers creatively and keep your berry salad fresh and tasty.

How can I add more flavour to this berry salad?
A simple dressing of citrus juice and honey or agave will bring a zing and sweetness to your berry salad. For a rich aroma that will add a unique depth to the berries’ taste, stir a few drops of vanilla extract into the skyr cream. Herbs like mint, parsley or cilantro gives a fresh taste, while a simple drizzle of pure maple syrup will add a glossy and elegant touch.
What are some creative ways to use leftover berry salad?
You can transform leftover berry salad into delightful new snacks. Use it as a decadent topping for anything from quinoa porridge to pancakes or spoon it over vanilla ice cream for a quick and tasty treat. Without the brownies you can blend leftovers into a thick and refreshing smoothie – adjusting the amount of skyr to achieve your preferred consistency.
Can I use frozen berries in this salad?
Frozen berries tend to soften and lose their texture when they thaw and are not recommended for this recipe. However, if you only have frozen berries, add them to the salad right before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Ingredients

Brownies
Marzipan
100 g
Sugar
85 g
Dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
75 g
Butter
50 g
Wheat flour
34 g
Egg
1
Cocoa powder
3 tbsp
Coarse salt
¼ tsp
Vanilla sugar
1 tsp
Coffee
1 tbsp
Pistachio crust
Sugar
85 g
Pistachios nuts, salted
50 g
Cream
Arla® Skyr natural
500 ml
Sugar
3 tbsp
Vanilla sugar
1½ tbsp
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1½ tbsp
Garnish
Mixed berries, fresh (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries)
500 g

Enhance the skyr cream flavour with citrus or almond

Add flair to your berry salad by infusing the skyr cream with citrus zest or almond extract. This step introduces a bright or nutty note which enhances the skyr’s naturally creamy and light flavour. It also complements the fresh berries and chocolatey brownies. For zesting, grate only the colourful peel to avoid bitterness, and mix well for an even flavour throughout the skyr cream.

Skilful layering tips

Carefully layering each element – from the creamy skyr base and contrasting brownies to the berry and pistachio topping – creates a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. Serve in individual clear glasses to show off the snack’s decadent layers. For added elegance, use a piping bag for the skyr cream to achieve clean, professional-looking layers. When topping with the pistachio crust, be mindful of the edges to create a neat border. As an extra touch, garnish the top with whole pistachios, a fresh mint leaf or light sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Get the brownie texture just right

For soft and fudgy brownies, take care to not overbake them. Aim for a centre that's just set when you remove them from the oven. They'll finish cooking as they cool, resulting in that ooey gooey texture that brownies are known and loved for. In this recipe, it creates a decadently rich contrast to the crisp pistachio crust and juicy berries.

Alternative nuts for the berry salad crust

While our pistachio crust adds a distinct taste and vibrant colour to this recipe, different nuts like hazelnuts or almonds are great alternatives. If you have extra time, give them a light toast to enhance their rich, nutty taste – the perfect complement to the chocolatey brownies. Simply line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the nuts in an even layer and bake them in the centre of a preheated 160 °C oven, stirring every 5 minutes or so. Keep a close eye though, nuts in the oven can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burned.

Selecting berries for peak freshness

Choosing the freshest berries can make a big difference in the taste and quality of this salad. Here are some tips to help you select the best berries:

  • Colour: look for vibrant, rich colours. Dull or faded berries may be past their prime.
  • Texture: choose berries that are firm and plump. Avoid those that are soft, mushy or have wrinkled skin.
  • Smell: fresh berries should have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they have no smell or a sour odour, they may not be fresh.
  • Check for mould: inspect the package carefully for any signs of mould, which can spread quickly among berries.

Can berry salad be made ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble your berry salad a few hours before you need it, keeping it refrigerated for optimal freshness. It's ideal to eat it on the same day for the best flavour and texture.

Balancing sweetness and texture in brownies

To create the perfect brownie for our berry salad, aim for a balance between rich flavour and soft texture. Choose high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This enhances the brownies without needing too much sugar, which can hide the cocoa's natural taste.

When baking, slightly underbake the brownies. Take them out of the oven when they're still a bit soft in the middle; they'll set as they cool. This method gives you soft, chewy brownies that blend well with the pistachio crust and juicy berries.

The size of the brownie pieces is also important. Cut them into small cubes for a pleasing mix of creamy skyr, crunchy pistachios and tender berries in every bite.

In short, making the brownie for this berry salad takes care. Pay attention to the chocolate quality, don't overbake and cut the brownies just right.

Perfect pairings to complement your berry salad

Selecting the right partner to accompany your berry salad can greatly enhance the flavours. A floral herbal tea like chamomile or jasmine will provide a gentle backdrop to the vibrant berry notes. Citrus-infused sparkling water is another refreshing option that highlights the berry salad’s zesty flavours without adding sweetness. Of course you can never go wrong with a classic cappuccino, café au lait or, for an interesting twist, coffee with chocolate milk.

Storing leftover berry salad

Keep your leftovers tasting fresh by storing it correctly. If you have extra servings, refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. Store the components separately for best results. Keep the brownie pieces at room temperature in a tightly sealed container to stay moist and chewy. Refrigerate the skyr cream and fresh berries in separate airtight containers to keep them from becoming soggy or picking up other flavours. When you're ready for another serving, just reassemble for a fresh taste experience.