A fool is a traditional English dessert that dates back to at least the 16th century. Originally, it consisted of puréed, stewed fruit — commonly gooseberries, rhubarb, or raspberries — folded into sweet custard. Over time, the recipe evolved, and many modern versions substitute whipped cream or a mixture of whipped and clotted cream for the custard, resulting in a lighter texture.
The finished dessert is typically served chilled and sometimes incorporates flavorings such as rose water. The fool is an example of early English fruit desserts that utilized readily available seasonal produce and simple preparation techniques.
