Description
A stunning layered dessert featuring cake, fresh berries, custard or pudding, and whipped cream, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought or homemade cake (about 8–10 inches) — pound cake, angel food, victoria sponge, or sponge cake
- 4 cups mixed fresh berries — strawberries (hulled and sliced), blueberries, raspberries
- 2 cups whipped cream (or stabilized whipped cream)
- 2 cups pudding or pastry cream (optional) — vanilla instant pudding mixed with milk, or homemade pastry cream
- 2–3 tbsp granulated sugar (for macerating berries) and 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Optional: liqueur (3–4 tbsp), such as Grand Marnier or kirsch
- Garnishes: extra berries, mint leaves, toasted almonds, or shaved white chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the cake. If baking, cool completely. Cut into roughly 1-inch cubes or large slices that will fit the trifle dish.
- Macerate the berries. Place berries in a bowl with 2–3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Toss gently and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Make the custard or pudding (if using). Prepare instant pudding according to package directions and chill, or make pastry cream and cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate until thick.
- Whip the cream. Chill a metal mixing bowl and whisk. Pour 2 cups of cold heavy cream into the bowl, add 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla, then whip to soft or medium peaks.
- Build the first layer. Place a layer of cake pieces in the bottom of your trifle dish. Lightly brush with liqueur or simple syrup if using.
- Add fruit. Spoon a layer of macerated berries over the cake, including a little of the berry juice for flavor.
- Add custard/pudding. Spread a layer of pudding or pastry cream on top of the berries if desired.
- Add whipped cream. Spread or pipe a layer of whipped cream over the custard.
- Repeat layering cake, berries, custard (optional), and whipped cream until the dish is filled. Finish with a generous layer of whipped cream on top.
- Chill. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3–4 hours, to let the layers meld.
- Garnish and serve. Top with fresh whole berries, mint, shaved chocolate, or toasted nuts just before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free/vegan version, use coconut cream whipped and dairy-free pudding; use a vegan or gluten-free cake if needed. To prevent a soggy trifle, use slightly stale cake or toast cake cubes lightly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American