Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 (10-12 ounce) Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake: The foundation of our trifle needs to be light and airy to complement the richness of the custard and cream. You can use a store-bought pound cake for convenience, or bake your own for an extra touch of homemade goodness. Angel food cake is another excellent choice, offering a delicate sweetness and spongy texture that soaks up the flavors beautifully. For a richer flavor, a classic vanilla pound cake works wonderfully. If you prefer a lighter option, angel food cake or even a lemon pound cake can add a refreshing zest. Ensure the cake is cooled completely before you begin assembling the parfaits. If using a pre-made cake, consider toasting the slices lightly in the oven for a few minutes to add a subtle crispness and enhance its flavor.
- Optional Flavorings (for homemade cake): If you’re baking your own cake, you can enhance its flavor by adding:
- Lemon Zest: 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to deepen the vanilla flavor.
- Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a delicate nutty aroma (use sparingly as it can be potent).
For the Custard Layer:
- 2 cups Vanilla Custard: Creamy, smooth vanilla custard is a quintessential element of a trifle, adding richness and a velvety texture. You can use store-bought vanilla custard for speed and ease, or prepare a homemade custard for a truly decadent experience. If opting for store-bought, choose a good quality, thick custard. For a homemade version, consider using a classic pastry cream recipe, ensuring it’s cooled completely before assembly. Homemade custard will have a richer, more intense vanilla flavor and a more luxurious texture.
- Optional Flavorings (for homemade custard): To elevate your homemade custard, consider adding:
- Vanilla Bean Paste: 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste for intense vanilla flavor and visual appeal with the specks of vanilla bean.
- Lemon Extract: ½ teaspoon of lemon extract for a subtle citrusy twist.
- Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest for a warm, aromatic note.
For the Fruit Layer:
- 4 cups Mixed Berries: A vibrant medley of fresh berries is crucial for the freshness and visual appeal of Easter Trifle Parfaits. Use a combination of your favorite berries such as:
- Strawberries: 1 cup, hulled and sliced or quartered. Choose ripe, red strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Blueberries: 1 cup, rinsed. Opt for plump, firm blueberries.
- Raspberries: 1 cup, rinsed gently. Raspberries add a delicate tartness that balances the sweetness of the custard and cake.
- Blackberries: 1 cup, rinsed gently. Blackberries offer a deeper, richer berry flavor.
- Other Seasonal Fruits (Optional): Consider incorporating other seasonal fruits like sliced peaches, nectarines, or mandarin oranges for variety and flavor complexity. Ensure any larger fruits are diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Optional Berry Sauce (for extra moisture and flavor):
- 2 tablespoons Berry Jam or Preserves: (Strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Water: To thin the sauce slightly.
- Combine these ingredients in a small saucepan and gently heat until smooth. Let cool completely before using.
For the Topping Layer:
- 2 cups Heavy Cream: Whipped heavy cream provides a light, airy, and decadent topping that beautifully complements the other layers. Ensure your heavy cream is very cold for the best whipping results.
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the whipped cream. Adjust to your preference.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: To enhance the flavor of the whipped cream.
- Optional Meringue Cookies or Toasted Coconut: For added texture and visual appeal.
- Meringue Cookies: Store-bought or homemade meringue cookies, crumbled or broken into pieces, add a delightful crispness.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: Lightly toasted coconut flakes provide a subtle nutty flavor and textural contrast.
- Chopped Nuts: Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts can also be used for crunch and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Slice the Cake: If you are using a whole pound cake or angel food cake, slice it into ½ inch to ¾ inch thick slices. For a store-bought pre-sliced cake, you can use the slices as they are.
- Cube or Cut into Shapes: Cut the cake slices into bite-sized cubes, approximately ½ inch to ¾ inch in size. Alternatively, for a more decorative look, you can use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, circles, or Easter-themed shapes (eggs, bunnies, etc.). This is especially fun if you are getting kids involved in the assembly process.
- Lightly Toast (Optional): For a slightly firmer texture and enhanced flavor, you can lightly toast the cake cubes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cake cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and slightly crisp around the edges. Let them cool completely before using. This step is optional but adds a nice textural element.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard (if homemade)
- Follow your chosen custard recipe: If you are making homemade vanilla custard, prepare it according to your recipe instructions. Ensure the custard is smooth and creamy.
- Cool Completely: It is crucial to let the custard cool completely before assembling the parfaits. Cooling helps the custard thicken and prevents it from melting the whipped cream later. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the custard in an ice bath or refrigerating it.
Step 3: Prepare the Berry Sauce (Optional)
- Combine Ingredients: If you are making the optional berry sauce, combine the berry jam or preserves, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat and Simmer: Place the saucepan over low heat and gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until the jam melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cool Completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the berry sauce cool completely. Cooling prevents it from making the cake layer soggy and allows the flavors to intensify.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- Chill Equipment: Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk (or beater attachments for an electric mixer) are chilled. Cold equipment helps the heavy cream whip up quickly and hold its shape better.
- Combine Ingredients: In the chilled mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Whip to Stiff Peaks: Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the heavy cream mixture starting on low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high speed. Whip until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean that when you lift the whisk or beaters, the whipped cream holds its shape and the peaks stand up straight. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle Parfaits
- Layer 1: Cake: Begin by placing a layer of cake cubes at the bottom of each serving glass. Use about ¼ to ½ cup of cake cubes per glass, depending on the size of your glasses. Gently press down the cake layer to create a base.
- Layer 2: Berry Sauce (Optional): If using the berry sauce, drizzle a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the cooled berry sauce over the cake layer. This will moisten the cake and add an extra burst of berry flavor.
- Layer 3: Custard: Spoon a generous layer of vanilla custard over the cake layer. Use about ½ to ¾ cup of custard per glass, depending on the size. Spread the custard evenly to create a smooth layer.
- Layer 4: Fresh Berries: Arrange a layer of mixed fresh berries over the custard. Use about ¾ to 1 cup of berries per glass. You can create patterns with the berries for a visually appealing effect. Press the berries down slightly into the custard.
- Repeat Layers (Optional): Depending on the height of your glasses and your preference, you can repeat the layers of cake, berry sauce (optional), custard, and berries. Typically, two to three layers of each component work well for a visually stunning and satisfying parfait.
- Final Layer: Whipped Cream: Top each parfait with a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream. You can use a piping bag with a decorative tip for a more elegant presentation, or simply spoon it on and create a swirl with the back of a spoon.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish the top of each parfait with your chosen toppings. Crumbled meringue cookies, toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, extra fresh berries, or a sprig of mint are all excellent options.
- Chill: For the best flavor and texture, chill the assembled Easter Trifle Parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving, or up to 4 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the layers to set slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, your beautiful Easter Trifle Parfaits are ready to serve and i
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350-450
- Sugar: 25-35g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 80-100mg