A Bright Beginning: Lemon Trifle

When it comes to desserts that are as visually appealing as they are delicious, trifles stand out as a timeless classic. Originating in England, trifles have evolved from a simple layered dessert to an embodiment of creativity in the culinary world. Their structure typically includes layers of cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, allowing for endless variations to suit any palate. Among the many flavors of trifle, the lemon trifle is particularly beloved for its refreshing and zesty character. The bright, citrusy notes of lemon create a dessert that feels light and invigorating, making it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings, festive celebrations, or even a simple family dinner.

Create a stunning lemon trifle that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion! This classic dessert features layers of zesty lemon curd, moist pound cake soaked in lemon syrup, and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with fresh berries. Ideal for summer gatherings or festive celebrations, it's both visually appealing and incredibly refreshing. With endless variations, this lemon trifle is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished recipe in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the bright flavors and delightful textures in every bite!

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Ingredients

For the Lemon Curd:

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

3/4 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed

For the Cake Layer:

1 pound cake (store-bought or homemade), cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup lemon simple syrup (1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, boiled and cooled)

For the Whipped Cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Fruit Layer:

2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries)

Garnish:

Lemon slices

Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Curd:

- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs until well combined.

- In a saucepan, heat the mixture over medium heat while continuously stirring. Once it begins to thicken (approx. 10 minutes), remove from heat.

- Stir in the cubed butter until fully melted and combined. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set (about 1 hour).

Make the Lemon Simple Syrup:

- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool and then refrigerate.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

- In a large bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

- Using a hand mixer, whip until soft peaks form. Avoid overbeating.

Assemble the Trifle:

- In a large glass trifle dish or individual glasses, begin layering. Start with a layer of pound cake cubes soaked in lemon simple syrup.

- Add a generous layer of lemon curd, followed by a layer of mixed berries.

- Spoon a layer of whipped cream over the berries.

- Repeat the layering process until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with whipped cream.

Garnish:

- Decorate the top with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant touch.

Chill and Serve:

- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 8