Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful? Look no further! This Red, White, and Blue Trifle, featuring light and airy angel food cake, is the perfect recipe for your next summer gathering or patriotic celebration. It's surprisingly easy to make, requires no baking (other than the angel food cake!), and is guaranteed to impress your guests. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and presentation, making it perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or a simple yet elegant dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-ounce) package angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare your layers: In a large trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, begin by layering half of the angel food cake cubes. This forms the base of our beautiful patriotic trifle.
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Berry Bliss: Next, evenly distribute half of the sliced strawberries over the cake layer. This vibrant red adds a pop of color and refreshing sweetness.
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Blue Beauty: Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the strawberries. Their deep blue color beautifully contrasts with the red strawberries, creating a stunning visual.
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Creamy Dream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined. This creamy mixture adds a delightful richness to balance the sweetness of the berries and cake.
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Layer and Repeat: Spread half of the whipped cream mixture evenly over the berry layer. Now, repeat steps 1-4, layering the remaining cake, strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream.
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Finishing Touches: Top with the remaining blueberries and a sprinkle of red, white, and blue sprinkles for an extra festive touch (optional).
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Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the trifle to chill thoroughly. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Trifle:
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Angel Food Cake Selection: Using a store-bought angel food cake is perfectly acceptable and saves time. Choose a cake that's light and fluffy.
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Berry Freshness: Fresh berries will always taste the best, but frozen berries can be used in a pinch. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before layering.
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Whipping Cream: Ensure your heavy cream is well-chilled for optimal whipping. Over-whipping can result in a grainy texture.
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Assembly is Key: Take your time layering the trifle to ensure an even distribution of ingredients and a visually appealing result.
Variations:
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Seasonal Swaps: Use other seasonal berries like raspberries or blackberries for a different color combination and flavor profile.
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Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the whipped cream for a tangy twist.
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Chocolate Indulgence: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate shavings for a decadent twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Sugar: 35-45g
- Protein: 5-7g
This Red, White, and Blue Trifle is the perfect easy recipe for any occasion. It's a delicious, healthy meal option (relatively speaking for a dessert!), and a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy the process of creating this beautiful and tasty dessert!