Strawberry Trifle
Spring and Summer Recipes. Originally published as Strawberry Trifle in Country Woman September/October 2002, p35. I won first prize in a dairy recipe contest with this tasty trifle. You can double the recipe and make two for large groups.
Spring and Summer Recipes. Originally published as Strawberry Trifle in Country Woman September/October 2002, p35. I won first prize in a dairy recipe contest with this tasty trifle. You can double the recipe and make two for large groups.
- Carbohydrate 67.6897697624873 g
- Cholesterol 41.5675000056871 mg
- Fat 12.3752815717941 g
- Fiber 2.58120000071993 g
- Protein 7.54851000042263 g
- Saturated Fat 7.2664167315216 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (226g)
- Sodium 833.418404064042 mg
- Sugar 65.1085697617673 g
- Trans Fat 0.861313166192565 g
- Calories 404 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, beat the milk, sour cream, pudding mix and orange peel on low speed until thickened.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Place half of the cake cubes in a 3-qt. glass bowl.
- Arrange a third of the strawberries around sides of bowl and over cake; top with half of the pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers once.
- Top with remaining berries.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
My Go-To Summer Dessert: Strawberry Trifle
Summer is my absolute favorite time of year, not just for the sunshine and warmth, but for the abundance of fresh, juicy strawberries. And nothing screams summer quite like a classic strawberry trifle. This recipe isn't just any trifle, though; this is the one that won me first prize in a dairy recipe contest years ago. It's light, refreshing, and unbelievably delicious – perfect for a casual get-together with friends, a family barbecue, or even a sophisticated dinner party. It's the kind of dessert that makes people say "Wow!" – and leaves them wanting more. I always keep the recipe handy, especially during the peak of strawberry season.
The beauty of this trifle lies in its simplicity. It comes together quickly, especially if you use store-bought angel food cake (I sometimes do!), requiring minimal baking and allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness with minimal effort. The layers are visually stunning, with vibrant red strawberries nestled amongst fluffy whipped cream and airy angel food cake. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors – the soft cake, the tangy cream, the sweet strawberries, and a hint of orange zest that elevates the entire dessert. I've never had a guest who didn't rave about this trifle. It's become somewhat of a signature dish for me, and I always receive numerous compliments every time I make it.
Beyond the Recipe: Memories Made Sweet
This trifle isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory. I remember the excitement of entering that dairy recipe contest, the nervous anticipation while waiting for the results, and the pure joy of hearing my name announced as the winner. But more than the prize, it's the memories of sharing this dessert with loved ones that make it truly special. The happy chatter, the laughter, and the contented sighs around the table... these are the moments I cherish most. It has become an integral part of my family celebrations, creating sweet memories that are just as delightful as the trifle itself.
I often find myself adapting this recipe slightly. Sometimes I'll substitute raspberries or blueberries for some of the strawberries, depending on what's in season and readily available. I’ve even experimented with adding a touch of liqueur to the whipped cream for an extra sophisticated touch. But the core recipe remains the same: a simple, elegant combination of fresh ingredients that creates a truly unforgettable dessert.
Tips and Tricks for Trifle Success
Choosing Your Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key to a great trifle. Look for strawberries that are plump, bright red, and fragrant. Avoid those that are bruised or moldy.
Whipping Cream to Perfection: For the fluffiest whipped cream, make sure your bowl and beaters are ice-cold. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks, and don't overwhip it or it will become grainy.
Cubing the Cake: Evenly sized cubes of angel food cake are essential for an even distribution of flavors and textures. If you don’t have angel food cake on hand, pound cake, sponge cake, or even ladyfingers would be excellent alternatives. You can experiment to find your favorite combinations!
Assembly is Key: To create the perfect layers, gently place the cake, berries and pudding mixture in the trifle bowl ensuring that it is neatly arranged for visual appeal. It doesn’t have to be perfect; a bit of rustic charm is perfectly acceptable, creating a warm and homely feel.
Refrigerate for Best Results: Allowing the trifle to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up a bit. This gives each of the components a chance to combine, bringing forth a complete taste that will leave you satisfied and wanting more.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this strawberry trifle is a surefire winner. It’s a recipe that's both delicious and easy to make, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It is also a great way to celebrate the abundance of summer. So, grab those strawberries, and get ready to make some delightful memories (and a seriously delicious dessert!).
