This delightful lemon berry trifle is a refreshing, creamy, and tangy dessert that will please both your eyes and taste buds. It's a perfect blend of lemony sweetness, creamy cheesecake, and juicy berries layered beautifully in a clear dessert dish. Great for summer gatherings, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.
Photos of Lemon Berry Trifle Recipe
Most of the ingredients for this lemon berry trifle are commonly found in home pantries. However, you might need to pick up a few items like lemon curd and fresh berries from the supermarket. Lemon curd is a creamy spread made from lemon juice, eggs, sugar, and butter. Depending on the season, you might also want to check the availability of fresh berries. If fresh ones are not available, frozen berries can be used as a substitute.
Ingredients for Lemon Berry Trifle
Lemon pound cake: A sweet, dense cake flavored with lemon.
Heavy cream: This is the thick, high-fat part of milk, which whips well and can hold its form. It's used to create the whipped cream layer in the trifle.
Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar, used for sweetening the whipped cream.
Cream cheese: It gives a tangy, rich flavor to the dessert.
Lemon curd: A type of preserve made from lemon, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. In this recipe, it's used to create a creamy, lemony layer in the trifle.
Fresh berries: Used for the berry layer in the trifle. You can use any type of berries you prefer.
Vanilla extract: It adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the cream cheese and whipped cream layers.
One reader, Lalo Moulton says:
This lemon berry trifle recipe is a game-changer! The combination of zesty lemon pound cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh berries is simply divine. The layers blend together perfectly, creating a refreshing and indulgent dessert. It's a showstopper at any gathering and always leaves everyone asking for the recipe.
Key Techniques for Crafting a Lemon Berry Trifle
How to prepare pound cake: Slice the lemon pound cake into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
How to make whipped cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
How to make lemon cheesecake and berry layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add vanilla extract and lemon curd, then beat until combined. Finally, beat in half of the prepared whipped cream.
How to assemble trifle: Layer the pound cake cubes, fresh berries, and lemon cheesecake mixture in a trifle dish, repeating the layers. Finish with a layer of whipped cream on top.
How to garnish: Garnish the trifle with extra berries and lemon slices before serving.
How To Make Lemon Berry Trifle
This Lemon Berry Trifle is easy to make with lemon pound cake filled with a creamy lemon cheesecake filling, berries, then topped with sweet whipped cream!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Pound Cake:
- 1loaflemon pound cake,(9×5-inch) baked, cooled
For Whipped Cream:
- 2cupsheavy cream
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
For Lemon Cheesecake and Berry Layer:
- 8ozcream cheese,(1 block) full-fat, softened to room temperature
- ½tsppure vanilla extract
- 1cuplemon curd,homemade, or store-bought, at room temperature
- 6cupsfresh berries,such as blueberries and raspberries
- berries and lemon slices,addtional, to garnish, optional
Instructions
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Slice the lemon pound cake into 9 1-inch slices. Cut into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
Whipped Cream:
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In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together on high speed about 3 minutes into stiff peaks.
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Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Lemon Cheesecake and Berry Layer:
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In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy.
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Add the vanilla extract and lemon curd and beat on medium-high speed until combined.
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Lastly, beat in ½ of the whipped cream (about 2 cups) pre-prepared.
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Cover and store the remaining whipped cream in the refrigerator until used in last few stops.
To Assemble:
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This trifle has 3 layers of pound cake, 3 layers of berries, and 2 layers of the lemon cheesecake mixture.
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Begin with a base of lemon pound cake cubes.
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Top with an even layer of fresh berries, then half of the lemon cheesecake mixture. Repeat.
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Finish with the final layer of lemon pound cake cubes followed by a final layer of berries.
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Spread or pipe the remaining whipped cream on top of the trifle, such as Wilton 1M piping tip to pipe the whipped cream on top.
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Whisk the whipped cream to reincorporate any liquid if needed.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours (see make-ahead tip to store longer).
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Refrigerate uncovered for 2 to 4 hours, but loosely cover if storing longer than that.
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The time in the refrigerator gives the flavors a chance to settle and allows the pound cake to soak up some of the lemon cheesecake mixture.
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Garnish with extra berries and/or lemon slices and serve cold.
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Cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Make the homemade lemon pound cake 1 day ahead of time. Let it cool, then cover and store at room temperature overnight. Prepare the lemon curd for up to 1 week before using. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. After assembling the trifle, refrigerate for up to 6 hours before serving. To refrigerate for longer than 6 hours, make the whipped cream in 2 parts. To do so, only prepare half of it in making whipped cream (simply halve all the ingredients). Use this for folding into the lemon cheesecake layer. Prepare and assemble the trifle, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When ready to serve, prepare the remaining whipped cream and add it on top of the trifle.
- To save time, you can use store-bought pound cake or angel food cake.
- The frozen berries are a nice substitution, but they will thaw and leak their juices in the trifle layers. If thawing before layering, they’ll still be extra juicy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 419.30kcal
- Fat: 28.86g
- Saturated Fat: 16.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.69g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.14g
- Carbohydrates: 38.54g
- Fiber: 2.10g
- Sugar: 28.35g
- Protein: 4.54g
- Cholesterol: 115.80mg
- Sodium: 205.16mg
- Calcium: 67.40mg
- Potassium: 174.93mg
- Iron: 0.84mg
- Vitamin A: 285.52µg
- Vitamin C: 11.28mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Lemon Berry Trifle
When preparing the lemon cheesecake mixture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This will make it easier to beat and result in a smoother, creamier texture. Also, when assembling the trifle, take your time to evenly distribute the layers. This not only makes the trifle look more appealing, but it also ensures that each bite has a balanced taste of pound cake, berries, and lemon cheesecake.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Lemon Berry Trifle
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment before starting to make the trifle. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Use store-bought pound cake: To save time, consider using a store-bought lemon pound cake instead of making it from scratch. This can significantly cut down on preparation time.
Prep the components in advance: Prepare the whipped cream, lemon cheesecake mixture, and slice the pound cake a day ahead. This will make the assembly process quicker and more efficient.
Opt for pre-made lemon curd: Using pre-made lemon curd can save time and effort compared to making it from scratch. Look for high-quality store-bought options to simplify the recipe.
Chill the trifle in the freezer: If you're short on time, place the assembled trifle in the freezer for a shorter chilling period. This can help set the layers quickly and make it ready to serve in less time.
Streamline the assembly: Organize the components in an assembly line fashion to efficiently layer the pound cake, berries, and lemon cheesecake mixture, saving time and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Use a piping bag for whipped cream: To quickly and neatly add the whipped cream to the trifle, consider using a piping bag for a professional-looking finish with minimal effort.
Prep individual servings: Instead of assembling a large trifle, consider preparing individual servings in cups or glasses for a quicker and more convenient presentation.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Berry Trifle Recipe
lemon pound cake - Substitute with vanilla pound cake: Vanilla pound cake can provide a similar moist and rich texture, and its subtle flavor won't overpower the other elements in the trifle.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can offer a rich and creamy texture, and its subtle coconut flavor can complement the berries and lemon in the trifle.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy element similar to cream cheese, while adding a slightly lighter and healthier twist to the trifle.
lemon curd - Substitute with passion fruit curd: Passion fruit curd can offer a similar tangy and fruity flavor, adding a unique twist to the trifle while still providing the necessary citrus element.
fresh berries - Substitute with frozen berries: Frozen berries can be a convenient substitute, and when thawed, they can provide a similar burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the trifle.
Presenting Your Lemon Berry Trifle Beautifully
Elevate the trifle with a stunning glass trifle bowl: Present the lemon berry trifle in a beautiful, transparent glass trifle bowl to showcase the layers of vibrant colors and textures.
Garnish with fresh berries and lemon slices: Adorn the top of the trifle with a generous amount of fresh berries and thinly sliced lemon to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
Layer the trifle meticulously: Carefully layer the pound cake, lemon cheesecake mixture, and fresh berries to create a visually appealing and balanced trifle that highlights each component.
Use a piping bag for whipped cream: Pipe the whipped cream on top of the trifle using a star-shaped piping tip to create a professional and decorative finish.
Add edible flowers for a sophisticated touch: Introduce edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, as a delicate and sophisticated garnish to elevate the trifle's visual appeal.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the top of the trifle with a fine layer of powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
Serve on individual dessert plates: Portion the trifle into individual dessert plates for a refined and elegant presentation, allowing each guest to enjoy their own beautifully plated dessert.
Essential Tools for Making a Lemon Berry Trifle
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or dressings.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, especially for whipping cream or eggs.
- Electric hand mixer: A handheld kitchen appliance used for mixing and blending ingredients.
- Trifle dish: A clear, glass dish used specifically for serving trifles, showcasing the layers of the dessert.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for the recipe.
- Spatula: Used for spreading and smoothing layers in the trifle dish.
- Piping tip: A small metal attachment used for piping whipped cream or frosting onto the trifle.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Berry Trifles
The lemon berry trifle is a delightful dessert that can be customized with a variety of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It's a versatile recipe that allows for creativity in the choice of fruits, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Is Making Lemon Berry Trifle at Home Cost-Effective?
This lemon berry trifle recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of simple ingredients like pound cake, cream, and berries keeps the cost reasonable. However, the need for a significant amount of fresh berries might increase the cost, depending on the season and availability. The delightful flavors and impressive presentation make it worth the investment. Overall Verdict: 9. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25.
Is This Trifle Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon berry trifle recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest dessert option. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the lemon curd, granulated sugar, and naturally occurring sugars in the berries
- Significant amount of saturated fat from the heavy cream and cream cheese
- Refined carbohydrates in the pound cake, which may cause blood sugar spikes
However, the recipe does include some nutritional benefits:
- Fresh berries provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Lemon offers vitamin C and a bright, tangy flavor that can help balance the sweetness
To make this trifle healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the pound cake with a whole grain or almond flour-based cake for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the whipped cream and lemon cheesecake mixture, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Swap half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt to maintain a creamy texture while reducing fat and adding protein
- Increase the proportion of berries to cake and cream, focusing on the fruit as the star of the dessert
By making these adjustments, you can create a trifle that still satisfies your sweet tooth but with a more balanced nutritional profile. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a treat like this occasionally can be part of a healthy lifestyle when paired with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Editor's Opinion on This Lemon Berry Trifle Recipe
This lemon berry trifle recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tangy lemon pound cake pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon cheesecake mixture and the fresh, juicy berries. The layers create a visually stunning dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The use of lemon curd adds a bright and refreshing element, while the whipped cream provides a light and airy finish. Overall, this trifle is a delicious and elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
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Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Lemon Berry Trifle
Why trust this Lemon Berry Trifle Recipe:
This trifle recipe is a delightful combination of lemon pound cake, luscious whipped cream, zesty lemon cheesecake, and fresh berries. Each layer is carefully crafted to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of fresh berries ensures a burst of natural sweetness in every bite. With a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, this recipe promises to elevate any occasion with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous layering technique to deliver a stunning and delicious dessert experience.
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