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Strawberry Basil Terrarium Cups

A layered dessert cup with strawberry, basil cream, biscuit crumble, and jelly, inspired by a terrarium.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Strawberry Layer:
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Basil Cream Layer:
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Biscuit Crumble Base:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • For the Jelly Layer:
  • 1 cup strawberry juice or puree
  • 2 tsp gelatin powder
  • 3 tbsp cold water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • For Garnish (optional):
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Sliced strawberries

Instructions

  1. Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and brown sugar, then press into serving cups as the base layer.
  2. Toss diced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla, then let sit until juicy.
  3. Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes, then dissolve into warmed strawberry juice mixed with sugar to form a light jelly layer. Allow to slightly cool.
  4. Whip heavy cream, mascarpone, powdered sugar, basil, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
  5. Assemble cups by layering biscuit base, basil cream, macerated strawberries, and a thin jelly layer. Repeat if desired for height.
  6. Chill until set and flavors meld together.
  7. Top with fresh strawberries and basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Chill time is additional; the cups need several hours to set properly.

  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Method: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 4g