![Southern Living Strawberry-Orange Fools in the glasses to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/6MXv0oDOAHzVQ808CEHejLXSn28=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27544-Easter-Brunch_-17-8e70409a83a44549b3fd9b44d99374e3.jpg)
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
No one can quite decide why this British-born dessert was named a "fool," but we have our theories. Consisting of rustic layers of fruit and whipped cream, this dish is so easy that any fool can make it.
Our brunch version features juicy strawberries and orange segments for a zippy kick. We also added a splash of orange liqueur, which you can substitute with orange juice to keep these alcohol free.
Breaking with tradition, we add a crunchy layer to the dessert in the form of crushed waffle cones to give these beauties dressed up for brunch. Traditional British fools often included a custard and stewed fruit; we’ve opted to keep this recipe simple by using fresh fruit and rich homemade whipped cream mixed with tangy creme fraiche. If you can’t find it in your area, feel free to substitute sour cream. But whatever you do, be sure to use real homemade whipped cream—it makes a big difference.
Ingredients
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4 large navel oranges
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1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
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2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier, optional)
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6 Tbsp. granulated sugar
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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1 (6-inch) vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
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1 (8-oz.) pkg. crème fraîche or sour cream
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4 store-bought waffle cones, roughly crushed
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Honey, for topping
Directions
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Cut top and bottom ends off oranges using a serrated knife. Cut off rinds, following the curve of each orange, removing all of outer white pith. Using orange membranes as guides, cut out segments, removing and discarding any seeds. Squeeze juice out of membranes into a small bowl; reserve juice for another use, and discard membranes.
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Stir together orange segments, strawberries, orange liqueur (if desired), and 4 tablespoons of the sugar in a large bowl until combined. Let mixture stand, undisturbed, until strawberries begin to release their juices, about 10 minutes.
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Beat cream in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape seeds from both halves of vanilla bean with the edge of a knife; add seeds to cream mixture, and discard bean. Add crème fraîche or sour cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar to cream mixture with vanilla seeds; stir using a spatula until just combined. Beat mixture on high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form and mixture thickens slightly, 15 to 30 seconds.
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Divide about one-third of the strawberry mixture among 8 (8-ounce) glasses; divide about one-third of the whipped cream mixture among glasses, spreading in an even layer over strawberry mixture. Reserve 8 larger pieces of waffle cone for garnish; sprinkle about half of remaining waffle cone pieces into each glass. Repeat layers with one-third of the strawberry mixture, one-third of the whipped cream mixture, and remaining half of the waffle cone pieces. Top with remaining strawberry mixture and whipped cream mixture. Top with 8 reserved large waffle cone pieces and a drizzle of honey. Serve immediately.