Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both stunning and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this Strawberry Trifle! This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. It's a beautiful blend of textures and flavors – layers of buttery pound cake, juicy strawberries, creamy custard, and a light whipped cream topping. This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you can whip it up. Let’s get started on this delicious and impressive homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed depending on the size of your trifle bowl.
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For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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For the Custard Layer:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box (16 ounces) pound cake, store-bought or homemade (cubed)
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For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get started with the Strawberry Layer:
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and slightly macerate. This intensifies their flavor!
Prepare the Creamy Custard Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly temper the egg yolks by whisking in a small amount of the hot cream mixture. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and comes to a simmer. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool completely before assembling the trifle.
Assemble your Strawberry Trifle:
- In a large trifle bowl or a clear serving dish, start with a layer of cubed pound cake.
- Next, add a layer of the macerated strawberries and their juices.
- Pour a layer of the cooled custard over the strawberries.
- Repeat the layers (cake, strawberries, custard) until you reach the top of the bowl. You might need to adjust the amounts depending on your bowl size.
Finish with the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Top the trifle with the whipped cream, creating a beautiful, fluffy swirl.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh strawberries
- Mint leaves
- Chocolate shavings
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pound cake.
- You can substitute other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for the strawberries.
- If you don't have time to make custard, you can use vanilla pudding instead.
- For a boozy twist, add a splash of Grand Marnier or Chambord to the strawberries.
- Make it ahead! Assemble the trifle a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (This varies greatly depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.)
This Strawberry Trifle is a fantastic quick dinner idea or a perfect addition to your next party. It’s a stunning dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a variety of wonderful textures. Enjoy!