A lovely summer Berry Trifle layered with fresh berries, toasted coconut, lemon pound cake and coconut whipped cream. The combination of fresh berries, lemon, and coconut is divine.
Refreshing and not overly sweet, this dessert really highlights this season’s fresh berries, and the whipped coconut milk is an unexpected twist on an old classic –perfect for a light finish to a heavier dinner, like Easter or Mothers Day Brunch.
What is a trifle?
The word “trifle” comes from the old French term “trufle,” and literally means something whimsical or of little consequence. A proper English trifle is made with real egg custard poured over sponge cake soaked in fruit and sherry and topped with whipped cream. In catering, we borrowed the idea, and often make “mini trifles”, similar to this but served in very tall square shot glasses with a dramatic effect.
The Cake
The lemon pound cake can be made at home, or purchased at most grocery stores. In a pinch, I’ve used store-bought “cake” donuts, or even lemon poppy seed muffins, cut into small cubes. The pound cake can also be made vegan, for an entirely vegan dessert.
Slice the pound cake and cut into cubes. You could even toast them if you like.
The Berries
The Coconut Whipped Cream
To whip can of coconut milk– use a thicker, full-fat brand work best. Scoop the hardened “fat” out of the can, reserving the liquid for another use.
Coconut Flake Topping
Either lightly toast coconut flakes in the oven (or toaster oven) until just golden and fragrant….or if you have a Trader Joe’s near you, their Roasted Coconut Chips are perfect…in every way.
What to serve Trifles in?
The trifles can be made in individual portions using glasses, wine glasses or mason jars, or made into one large trifle, layered in a large, tall sided, clear glass bowl.
Layer the Trifles
Toasted Coconut & Berry Trifles with Whipped Coconut Cream
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: assembled
- Cuisine: northwest
Description
Summer Berry Trifle with whipped coconut cream, toasted coconut and lemon pound cake. A light and delicious dessert highlighting summer berries. Vegan adaptable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (or blueberries)
- 1 lemon, orange or lime –zest and juice ( orange is my favorite)
- 2–3 teaspoons sugar
- 4 slices lemon pound cake, (or poppy seed cake, or vegan lemon pound cake)
- 1 can coconut milk (full fat- I like Trader Joe’s Brand “Coconut Cream”)
- 1/8– 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Macerate the strawberries. In a medium bowl mix strawberries with sugar and a little zest of lemon, lime or orange. Let stand 10-15 minutes until they release their liquid and become juicy. Stir in 2 teaspoons citrus juice, then gently fold in blackberries. Set aside or refrigerate.
- Cut 4 slices of pound cake into ½ inch cubes. Set aside. ( You could also lightly toast these for extra texture)
- Scoop out the hardened part of the coconut milk, the hard cream, and place in a med bowl, reserving the liquid for another use. Whisk the coconut cream until smooth using a whisk or fork. Add sugar to taste. If it gets too loose, place in the fridge for 10 minutes or until ready to use, it will thicken up as it cools. Re-whisk.
- Toast coconut flakes on a sheet pan in the oven (or toaster oven) until golden, about 5-10 minutes. You can also do this on the stove top, in a skillet on low heat, careful not to burn.
- Layer the trifles, in 4 individual glasses or small mason jars, starting with a dollop of coconut cream, a little toasted coconut, lemon pound cake cubes, berries (and a little of the flavorful berry syrup to moisten the pound cake) more coconut cream, toasted coconut, pound cake, and berries. Top with toasted coconut.
- Can be refrigerated for a couple of hours (or overnight) but let it sit on the counter a few minutes before serving, so the coconut cream softens a bit (it will harden in the fridge).
Notes
Feel free to use a vegan pound cake or regular whipped cream. 🙂
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 382
- Sugar: 30.4 g
- Sodium: 194.5 mg
- Fat: 21.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 15.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 46.6 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Protein: 4.9 g
- Cholesterol: 32.3 mg
Thks for your repiceI am currently doing some dish and found your recipe.
Any suggestion what is the best substitute for it? I looked up on the internet and they said fingers biscuit is good enough. And which jar is best for your recipe? Is it 100ml or 150ml jar? Thank you kindly
Lady fingers will work if you drizzle them with the juice from the fruit. I used ½ pint mason jars which is about one cup, so 150 ml.
Incredibly delicious! I can also eat it every single day. These pictures are stunning. This is totally my kind of breakfast!
Thanks for sharing!
I am in looooove with the way this looks
I wasn’t realized how amazing this is until I roll it down. Girl, this is what we always wanted to have. I could eat this gorgeous all year long.
Thanks Christina!
Asking yourself that question is definitely a lovely way to end the day. And this trifle sounds delicious for any time of day! Lovely.
What a fantastic idea! I’m having this for lunch right now.
I love that you used coconut whipped cream in this mini trifle. A great twist on a classic.
Thanks Katie- it gives it an unexpected flavor I really love!
I am in looooove with the way this looks!! Gah!
They taste even better than they look. 🙂 Hope all is well Katrina!!