Skip to main content
Ambrosia Dessert Bowl
MarshmallowDinnerHealthy Eating

Ambrosia Dessert Bowl

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.8 (51 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Ambrosia Dessert Bowl offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 36g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 358 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Ambrosia Dessert Bowl offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Ambrosia Dessert Bowl to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Ambrosia Dessert Bowl, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 20 large marshmallows
  • 2 cups heavy cream, divided
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed
  • pineapple, well drained
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) loaf frozen pound
  • cake, thawed and cubed
  • 5 large navel oranges, peeled and
  • sectioned
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Place marshmallows and 1/4 cup cream in the top of a double boiler; heat over boiling water until the marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Meanwhile, whip the remaining cream until thick

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Fold into marshmallow mixture

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Fold in extracts, pineapple and coconut

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Place half of the pound cake cubes in the bottom of a 2-1/2 to 3-qt. clear glass bowl. top with half of the orange sections

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Top with half of the cream mixture

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories358 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein36gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates38gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat22gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Ambrosia Dessert Bowl

This chef-curated Ambrosia Dessert Bowl offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.8 from 51 votes
Ambrosia Dessert Bowl
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories18% DV
358 kcal
Protein72% DV
36g
Fat28% DV
22g
Carbs14% DV
38g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Place marshmallows and 1/4 cup cream in the top of a double boiler; heat over boiling water until the marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth

2

Technique & Execution: Meanwhile, whip the remaining cream until thick

3

Technique & Execution: Fold into marshmallow mixture

4

Technique & Execution: Fold in extracts, pineapple and coconut

5

Technique & Execution: Place half of the pound cake cubes in the bottom of a 2-1/2 to 3-qt. clear glass bowl. top with half of the orange sections

6

Technique & Execution: Top with half of the cream mixture

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

You Might Also Like

Roasted White Fish with Honey-Glazed Carrots
RECIPE

Roasted White Fish with Honey-Glazed Carrots

Baked Sea Bass with Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots
RECIPE

Baked Sea Bass with Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots

Grilled Cod with Roasted Yams
RECIPE

Grilled Cod with Roasted Yams

Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

Community Reviews

Please log in to leave a review.