Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle

Red, White and Blueberry Trifle

Celebrate Memorial Day with a show-stopping Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle! This festive dessert features layers of fluffy cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries, making it perfect for a patriotic gathering.

But first, what exactly is a trifle? Isn't it just a parfait? Actually, they are two similar, but distinct dishes.

In the world of fruit and whipped cream desserts, there are three cousins, trifles, parfaits, and fools.

Trifles:

Trifles are a classic British dessert that dates back centuries, known for their stunning layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream. These decadent delights are typically served in a large glass bowl, allowing for the beautiful layers to be showcased in all their glory. Trifles offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, with each spoonful offering a delightful symphony of sweetness.

Parfaits:

Parfaits, on the other hand, hail from France and are characterized by their elegant presentation in tall, slender glasses. These layered treats often feature a combination of yogurt, fruit, granola, and sometimes nuts or whipped cream. Parfaits are beloved for their versatility, as they can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, parfaits offer a delightful medley of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Fools:

Fools, with their whimsical name, are a delightful English dessert consisting of fruit folded into whipped cream or custard. Unlike trifles and parfaits, fools are simpler in construction but no less indulgent in flavor. The fruit's natural sweetness shines through in every bite, complemented by the creamy richness of the whipped cream or custard. Fools are cherished for their light and airy texture, making them the perfect finale to any meal.

In essence, trifles, parfaits, and fools each offer a unique take on the art of dessert-making, showcasing a delightful array of flavors, textures, and presentations. Whether you're craving the layered elegance of a trifle, the customizable appeal of a parfait, or the simplicity of a fool, there's something to satisfy every sweet tooth. So, the next time you find yourself pondering which dessert to indulge in, consider the distinct charms of trifles, parfaits, and fools, and treat yourself to a delightful culinary adventure.

Now that we are all caught up on our dessert lingo, let's make one.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

Running low on time? Just use a box cake. But if you're a purist, keep reading.

2 1/4 cups cake flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup milk

• 4 large egg whites, room temperature

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Berry Layers:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 cups fresh blueberries

• 1 cup fresh raspberries (optional for extra red color)

Instructions:

I. Prepare the Cake (if using a box cake):

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.

2. Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box.

3. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake according to the package instructions.

4. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Prepare the Cake (if preparing from scratch):

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Sift Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Vanilla Extract:

• Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

• Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Beat Egg Whites:

• In a separate clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

7. Fold in Egg Whites:

• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until no streaks remain. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites.

8. Divide and Bake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

9. Cool and Frost:

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

• Once cooled, cut it into 1-inch cubes.

II. Make the Whipped Cream:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.

III. Assemble the Trifle:

1. In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, start with a layer of cake cubes at the bottom.

2. Add a layer of whipped cream over the cake cubes.

3. Sprinkle a layer of sliced strawberries over the whipped cream.

4. Repeat the layers: cake cubes, whipped cream, blueberries, and optionally raspberries.

5. Continue layering until you reach the top of the dish, ending with a layer of whipped cream and a final decorative arrangement of the berries on top.

IV. Chill and Serve:

1. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Serve chilled and enjoy this patriotic and delicious dessert!

We hope you enjoy making this Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please share your creations with us by liking, sharing, or commenting on this post. Let us know how you celebrate Memorial Day with your loved ones!