Keen’s Steakhouse in Manhattan has long been known for its exceptional steaks, but a little-known dessert has earned a dedicated following: the Red Berry Bibble. This deceptively simple recipe requires no cooking, delivering a vibrant, sweet-tart finish to even the most decadent meal.
Why This Dessert Matters
The Bibble isn’t just about taste; it’s about experience. Steakhouses often offer rich, heavy desserts to complement their main courses. The Bibble provides a light, refreshing counterpoint—a palate cleanser that doesn’t weigh you down. Its simplicity also makes it accessible, proving that elegance doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen.
The Mystery Behind the Recipe
Despite its popularity, the exact formula for Keen’s Red Berry Bibble has remained elusive. This recipe is reconstructed from memory and available mentions, aiming for the flavor profile most diners recall: a burst of fresh berries tempered with vanilla and just enough sugar.
How to Make It
This dessert comes together in minutes:
- Blend the Berries: Pulse 1 pound of fresh strawberries and 12 ounces of raspberries in a food processor with 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Whip the Cream: Beat 1 cup of cold heavy cream and 1 cup of cold crème fraîche (or substitute with Greek yogurt or whipped cream) with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the berry mixture into glasses and top generously with the whipped crème fraîche.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries and raspberries create the signature pink hue and balanced flavor. Feel free to experiment with cherries, blackberries, or blueberries, though color will vary.
- Crème Fraîche: Adds a tangy depth. If unavailable, Greek yogurt or heavy cream can be used as alternatives.
- Sugar: Adjust based on berry sweetness. Start small and add gradually.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 306
- Fat: 22.2g (28.5%)
- Carbs: 26.2g (8.9%)
- Fiber: 5.3g (13.9%)
This dessert is naturally gluten-free, egg-free, pork-free, red-meat-free, pescatarian, wheat-free, alcohol-free, fish-free, vegetarian, high-fiber, and shellfish-free.
The Red Berry Bibble is proof that the simplest pleasures are often the most satisfying. It’s a refreshing, elegant finish that won’t leave you feeling sluggish—perfect after a rich meal.
