Oh my trifle, how I love thee...
I love a trifle, and this Angel Food Trifle is not only beautiful but is as simple as pie...or trifle!
I also like this dessert because you can make it a day ahead of time which is so helpful.
*If you are making the dessert on the day of the event, see the optional layered cake method below which is so pretty.
I make this dessert with a pre-made angel food cake that you can purchase at any grocery store.
For a little extra something, I grill the cake layers, but that is optional!
The layers consist of angel food cake, instant white chocolate pudding, and real whipped cream to give it that homemade taste. However, you can use Cool Whip topping if you are in a hurry. Then pick your fruit which in this case are strawberries and blueberries since I was going for a patriotic theme.
What is a trifle anyway? Usually a sweet dessert, but sometimes a savory dish with layers. You may remember the episode of Friends when Rachael was confused and made a trifle that was both sweet and savory. 😂
An English trifle is typically made up of layers of cake sometimes soaked in fruit juice, wine or alcohol, custard/pudding, and fruit. The dessert is usually put in a high glass container to show off the pretty layers. But really the options and possibilities for a trifle are endless.
I remember years ago, I was making a complicated three-layer strawberry cake for my bible study group of ladies. I was in a hurry and did not let the layers cool. When I put the cake together and started to frost the cake, it fell apart. UGGGH!
What to do? Make a trifle! I cut up the frosted cake into bite-size pieces. I got out my trifle container and made layers of cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. I wish I had a picture! It was a hit! It was beautiful and everyone thought I had made this trifle on purpose. There you have it, making a trifle saved the day..! Of course I had to tell everyone what really happened!
Let's get started with some tips:
Tips:
I fold instant pudding/milk into heavy whipped whipping cream to add stability to the whipping cream. I like the homemade taste of whipped cream and the stability of the pudding. However, you have many options. You can use the whipped heavy cream alone for a layer, use just the pudding for a layer, use Cool Whip topping for a layer, or a combo of the pudding/milk and Cool Whip topping. I am not trying to confuse anyone, but just to let everyone know there is many ways to make the white creamy layers!
Microwave or warm up strawberry jelly, blueberry jam, or even chocolate glaze and drizzle it on the cake layers for more taste and color. I wanted to keep the dessert light so I left out this step.
I have included an optional (no trifle) way to make this pretty dessert. If you don't have a trifle container, this may be the option for you. Also, if you grill the layers, this method really shows off the grill marks. However, this is a layered cake- not a trifle, and it may not be as stable so I would put this cake together the morning of the event.
So let's get started with the Ingredients and Recipe!
Ingredients:
1 store-bought angel food cake
1 4oz package of instant white chocolate pudding mix
1 cup of milk
1 quart of heavy whipping cream or one tub of Cool Whipped Topping
8 tablespoons of sugar if using heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3-4 cups of sliced strawberries (2 lbs)
2-3 cups of blueberries or other fruit you prefer
mint for garnish
Directions:
(Optional- to give more of an outdoor/campy feel) If grilling cut the angel food cake in half with a serrated knife. Spray both sides of the cake with cooking spray. Grill over medium heat until grill marks appear and the cake is slightly crispy.
* Optional Layered Cake Method:
If you are serving the dessert that day, you can keep the layers intact. Use one cake for this method.
Start with a cake layer at the bottom, then spread the pudding/whipped topping, and then fruit. Repeat the layers for a pretty dessert. Don't assemble more than a few hours before serving. Sorry, no picture to show of the layered cake dessert.
2. Wash, cut, and dry the fruit. Cut some of the strawberries in half for decoration- see the pictures above and below.
3. Cut the cake into one to two-inch chunks.
4. Whip the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla together on medium-high then high speed using a mixer. Whip for a couple of minutes until you get medium peaks- when you lift the beaters or whisk and the whipped cream mixture stays on the beaters. If you whip too much, the mixture will be curdled. *If you want to skip this step- just substitute Cool Whip Topping.
5. Pour one cup of milk into the pudding mix. Mix with a whisk until blended and beginning to thicken for about one minute. The mixture will be thick and a little grainy.
The pudding box will call for more milk. This method uses half of the milk required on the box.
6. Using a large spatula, fold the whipped cream or the Cool Whip topping into the pudding mixture being careful not to deflate. (No picture to show, but very simple to do)
*I like to use white chocolate pudding to keep the pretty white color when blended with the whipped cream. Any brand of pudding will work, just make sure that it is instant pudding.
7. Start to layer the ingredients. Layer the bottom with 1/2 of the cake cubes, follow with the whipped cream/pudding mixture, and then top with the fruit. Repeat the layers one more time ending with fruit. See the pictures for pretty design ideas for the side and the top of the trifle. If your trifle container is very large, you may be able to add one more layer.
Garnish with mint.
*Notice that the strawberry design in the top pictures is different than the ones below. In the bottom pic, the strawberry peaks are standing up. These are simple designs, but use your own imagination!
Start your celebration with something grilled like my Easy Grilled Steak and add some fun sides like my Easy Carved Watermelon Bowl with Fruit Salad. Click on the links below highlighted in yellow, or go to our blog for other recipes.
I hope this trifle is the perfect ending to a wonderful celebration....
Happy Summer and Bon Appetit!
Or Dig in y'all! 🇱🇷