Blackberry Cream Cheese Spread

17/11/2023

The blackberry cream cheese spread is a dish that can be served as either an appetizer or a dessert, depending on its sweetness and composition. Here I will propose an Italian version suitable as a slightly sweet spreadable cream to enjoy on crostini or as an accompaniment to fresh fruit.

Ingredients

250 grams of creamy cheese (such as ricotta or mascarpone)
100 grams of fresh blackberries (you can also use frozen blackberries if not in season)
Powdered sugar to taste (optional, depending on the desired sweetness)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Mint leaves for decoration (optional)

Preparation

In a bowl, place the creamy cheese and work it with a spatula or spoon until it becomes soft and spreadable.
If using frozen blackberries, make sure they are fully thawed and drained of excess water.
Blend the blackberries with an immersion blender until you get a puree. If you desire a more refined cream, you can strain the puree through a sieve to remove the seeds.
Add the blackberry puree to the worked cheese and gently mix to incorporate everything. If you have chosen to use powdered sugar, add it at this stage along with the lemon juice and vanilla extract. The amount of sugar can vary according to your taste, so I recommend tasting and adjusting accordingly.
Once the cream is homogeneous, cover it and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend well.
When ready to serve, use a spoon to spread the cream on crostini or combine the cream with fresh fruit as if it were a fondue. Decorate with mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness.

Curiosity

In Italy, ricotta is a very versatile ingredient used in both savory and sweet preparations. Its soft texture and delicate taste make it perfect for flavoring or enriching with fruit, as in this recipe. If you want a sweeter version and typically a dessert, you could use mascarpone, famous for being the main ingredient in tiramisu.