A Fresh Berry Trifle is a beautiful, layered dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe berries with creamy custard and light, airy cake. This stunning dish is perfect for summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you want to impress your guests with a delicious and elegant dessert. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients
For the Trifle:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pound fresh blueberries
- 1 pound fresh raspberries
- 1 pound fresh blackberries
- 1 pound pound cake or angel food cake, cut into cubes
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups prepared vanilla pudding or custard
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Berries
- Rinse all the berries thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Hull and slice the strawberries. Leave the blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries whole.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat the cream.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake
- Cut the pound cake or angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. If using store-bought cake, make sure it's fresh and soft.
Step 4: Layer the Trifle
- In a large trifle bowl or clear glass bowl, start by adding a layer of cake cubes at the bottom.
- Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding or custard over the cake cubes, spreading it evenly.
- Add a layer of mixed berries over the pudding or custard.
- Spoon a layer of whipped cream over the berries, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
- Arrange a few whole berries and mint leaves on top of the final whipped cream layer for garnish.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Note
- Make sure to use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and presentation.
- You can use either store-bought or homemade vanilla pudding or custard for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Fresh Berry Trifle chilled for a refreshing dessert.
- This trifle pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea.
- For individual servings, prepare the trifle in small clear glasses or mason jars.
Tips
- To add an extra layer of flavor, drizzle each cake layer with a bit of berry liqueur or simple syrup.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut whipped cream and a dairy-free pudding or custard.
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time
- 0 minutes
Total Time
- 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
The Fresh Berry Trifle is a delightful and elegant dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and vibrant colors of fresh berries. With its layers of fluffy cake, creamy custard, and light whipped cream, this trifle is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow these simple steps to create a stunning and delicious dessert that will impress your guests and leave them asking for more. Enjoy your Fresh Berry Trifle and the compliments that come with it!
Fresh Berry Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Fresh Berry Trifle is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of fresh berries, whipped cream, and cake. This visually appealing treat is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a refreshing and sweet flavor combination. It's a crowd-pleaser that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the fresh berries with ¼ cup of sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer cubes of cake, followed by a layer of berries, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
- Garnish with additional berries and mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pound cake or angel food cake for convenience.
- Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Layered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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