No Bake Fruit and Nut Delight
Ingredients:
- 100g (3.5 oz) prunes, rinsed with warm water
- 100g (3.5 oz) raisins, rinsed with warm water
- 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots, rinsed with warm water
- 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts, cooled slightly
- 70g (2.5 oz) walnuts, roughly chopped
- 400g (14 oz) sour cream (25%), at room temperature
- 300g (10.5 oz) condensed milk, at room temperature
- 300g (10.5 oz) fine crackers, crushed
Directions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the prunes, raisins, and dried apricots with warm water and set them aside to drain.
- Let the roasted peanuts cool slightly, then roughly chop them, along with the walnuts and dried fruits.
2. Mix the Cream Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream and condensed milk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the chopped prunes, raisins, apricots, roasted peanuts, and walnuts to the cream mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Crush the fine crackers and mix them into the fruit and nut mixture, making sure everything is well incorporated.
4. Form the Dessert:
- Line a rectangular or square dish with cling film, leaving enough overhang to cover the top.
- Pour the mixture into the dish, pressing it down firmly to ensure there are no air pockets.
- Fold the cling film over the top and place a flat weight, such as another dish or a pan, on top to compress the mixture.
5. Chill:
- Refrigerate the dish for 24 hours to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to meld.
6. Serve:
- Once set, remove the dessert from the refrigerator, unwrap, and cut into slices or squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday Treat: Serve as a dessert at festive gatherings or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee.
- Extra Garnish: Top with additional dried fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Ingredient Prep: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out the dried fruits and nuts to suit your preferences.
- Control Sweetness: Reduce the amount of condensed milk if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: This dessert freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.