Translated as “heart with cream,” coeur à la crème fraîche takes planning and a small bit of special effort to prepare, but, as with so many good and effortful endeavors, it rewards the care it demands. We love this recipe with red sugared berries for a Valentine’s Day dessert, but it is gorgeous with any seasonal berry (we’re already thinking ahead to blackberry season next August!) and perhaps a thin cookie or two.
If no fresh fruit is available, a dollop of good jam makes a wonderful addition. Elegant and fresh tasting, this pretty plate makes a light end to a sumptuous meal.
Coeur à la Crème Fraîche
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup crème fraîche
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons Meyer lemon zest
Pinch of salt
Line a coeur à la crème mold with four lightly damp sheets of cheesecloth, one on top of the other. Set the mold on top of a rack on a sheet pan.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream and 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar until very soft peaks start to foam. Scrape whipped cream out of the bowl and set aside to use later.
In the same bowl (no need to wash) fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the mascarpone and crème fraîche and beat on medium-low speed until creamy. Slowly add the rest of the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Add the vanilla, lemon zest, and salt and beat until well mixed. Fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture.
Scoop the cream into the lined heart mold, making sure to push it down into the corners of the mold. Fold the edges of the cheesecloth over the top of the mold to cover the cream. Make sure that there is space between the mold and the pan beneath it to allow for proper drainage.
Slide the baking sheet into the refrigerator and let drain for eight hours or overnight. Once the cream has drained, discard the runoff liquid and unmold the heart onto a plate.
Lovely to serve with fresh sugared strawberries or raspberries.