Description
Royal Summer Trifle is a luscious layered dessert that combines moist sponge or pound cake, fresh summer berries, a smooth vanilla custard, and fluffy whipped cream. This elegant yet easy-to-make trifle is perfect for warm weather gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 10 oz sponge or pound cake, cubed
Fruit
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup peach or orange juice
Custard
- 2 cups milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Garnish
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the custard: In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside.
- Assemble the first layer: Place half of the cubed sponge or pound cake evenly in a trifle dish. Drizzle half of the peach or orange juice over the cake cubes to moisten them.
- Add fruit and custard: Layer the mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) over the soaked cake. Then, spread half of the cooled custard evenly over the berries.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining cake cubes and drizzle with remaining juice. Follow with the remaining berries and custard layer to complete the layers.
- Top with whipped cream and chill: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the trifle. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish the trifle with extra fresh berries and optional fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute the juice with liqueur or flavored syrup for an adult version.
- Make sure to cool the custard completely before assembling to prevent melting the whipped cream.
- Prepare the trifle a day ahead to enhance the flavor integration and ease serving at gatherings.
- Use chilled mixing bowls and beaters to achieve the best whipped cream volume.
