Mistletoe Mixed Berry Trifle
As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to festive decorations, joyful music, and, of course, the delightful array of seasonal foods. Among the plethora of dishes that grace our tables, desserts hold a special place, often becoming the centre piece of holiday gatherings.
This year, why not add a touch of elegance and a burst of berry flavour to your dessert spread with our “Mistletoe Mixed Berry Trifle”?
Trifle, a classic dessert with British origins, has evolved over the years into a versatile and beloved sweet treat. The beauty of trifle lies in its layers – each one offering a different texture and flavour, making every spoonful a delightful surprise. Our “Mistletoe Mixed Berry Trifle” is not just a dessert; it’s a festive experience, combining the tartness of berries with the sweet, creamy richness of custard and whipped cream.
The key to a great trifle is in the quality of its components. Start with fresh mixed berries – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries – each bringing its unique flavour and colour to the dish. The sponge cake, light and airy, provides a perfect base, soaking up the berry liqueur or juice, which adds an extra zing. The vanilla custard, smooth and velvety, offers a sweet contrast to the tartness of the berries, while the whipped cream adds a luxurious finish.
Assembling the trifle is an art in itself. Begin with a layer of sponge cake at the bottom of a clear glass bowl – a trifle isn’t just about taste; it’s also about the visual appeal. Layer the custard and berries, repeating until the bowl is filled, finishing with a layer of berries. The final touch, a cloud of whipped cream, crowned with a sprinkle of mint leaves and a dusting of icing sugar, makes this dessert a showstopper.
But this trifle isn’t just for show; it’s a dessert that brings people together. The act of digging into the layers, getting a bit of each component in every spoonful, creates a shared experience that is at the heart of holiday gatherings. It’s a reminder of the joy of sharing, of the warmth of family and friends, and of the sweetness of the holiday season.
So, as you plan your holiday menu, consider adding the “Mistletoe Mixed Berry Trifle” to your dessert table. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a festive celebration in a bowl, a delightful end to any holiday feast, and a new tradition that your family and friends will love. Happy holidays and happy indulgence!
Mistletoe Mixed Berry Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound mixed berries strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries
- 3 cups vanilla custard
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 sponge cake plain or lemon-flavored, cubed
- ¼ cup berry liqueur or juice
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Berries: Wash and slice strawberries; leave other berries whole. Mix them and set aside.
- Layer the Sponge Cake: In a large glass trifle bowl, create a layer of sponge cake cubes at the bottom. Drizzle berry liqueur or juice over the cake to moisten it.
- Add the Custard: Spoon a layer of vanilla custard over the sponge cake.
- Add Berries: Add a generous layer of mixed berries on top of the custard.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of sponge cake, custard, and berries until the bowl is nearly full, finishing with a layer of berries.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spread whipped cream over the top.
- Garnish and Chill: Garnish with mint leaves and a dusting of icing sugar. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.