Crema de Fruta/Graham Cake (No Bake!)
Finally, a new post! This holiday has been very busy with all the partying everyday (aka eating and singing karaoke because I'm Filipino af.).
Crema de Fruta literally translates to "Fruit Cream" in Spanish and is one of many results of 333 years of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Originally, this is made with two layers of sponge cake with the cream and fruits in between and on top. I am not sure how the use of Graham crackers came about, but I'm guessing that is a result of American colonization.
This is what I served as a dessert during my family's Christmas dinner, as well as during my boyfriend's family's dinner and my friend's potluck. I hope you enjoy this recipe and wish you a Happy 2017!
Serves 12
(This needs to be prepared at least 4 hours in advanced for the Graham crackers to be able to absorb the cream.)
Ingredients:
Graham crackers (I used about 2 packages from the box. They are a little bit hard to find. If you're in the Philippines, definitely use about 2 packages of M.Y. San.)
1 cup evaporated milk
1 container Cool Whip
1 big can (796 mL) mixed fruit in fruit concentrate
unflavoured gelatin (enough to cover 1 cm or 1/2 inch of top layer. I used 2 packets of Knox gelatin)
Procedure:
1. Arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Mix the evaporated milk and Cool Whip to make a cream.
The consistency should be slightly thick that it ribbons.
You can also use 1 can of condensed milk and 473 mL of whipping/heavy cream. Or if you are in the Philippines, just use all-purpose cream.
3. Spread a layer of cream on top of the graham crackers.
4. Scatter a layer of fruits on top of the cream layer.
5. Repeat the layering process until there's at least an inch space on top.
6. Set aside in the fridge.
7. Cook gelatin per your brand's instructions. Let cool.
8. Pour the gelatin on top very carefully to avoid melting the cream. (As you can see in the picture, I did just that.) Set in the fridge overnight.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy!
This one has slices of peach on top, and no gelatin.
Another option is to make a parfait! The process should be similar minus the gelatin on top, and break the graham crackers into pieces.
