Looking for a dessert that wows without all the fuss? You’ve found it! This recipe for beautiful desserts fruit brings together simple ingredients and easy steps to create a stunning trifle. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to make a beautiful dish for a crowd.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beautiful fruit desserts trifle is incredibly versatile. You can swap out fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. The homemade vanilla pudding adds a creamy richness that store-bought options just can’t match. Plus, it looks so elegant in a clear dish!
It’s also a fantastic option when you need easy fancy desserts for a crowd. You can assemble it ahead of time, and it’s always a hit. No one will guess how simple it was to put together.
Ingredients
- 1 bundt pan angel food cake (homemade or store-bought)
- 5 to 6 cups fresh fruit*
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Vanilla pudding:
- 2 2/3 cups whole milk, divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Fruit ideas include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, bananas, kiwi.
Step By Step Instructions
Vanilla Pudding
Let’s start with that luscious pudding. It’s easier than you think!
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of milk to a boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over.
While the milk heats, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Pour in the remaining 2/3 cup milk and whisk until it’s totally smooth. No lumps allowed!
Whisk the egg into the sugar mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
Now, slowly pour the hot milk into the sugar mixture while whisking constantly. This tempering step is important!
Pour the whole thing back into the saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until it simmers and thickens up. It only needs about one more minute after it simmers.
Remove from heat and stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Ah, that smell!
If your pudding has any little lumps, just strain it through a fine mesh strainer. It’ll be super smooth that way.
Transfer the pudding to a heatproof bowl. Cover it directly with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface. This stops a skin from forming. Chill it completely in the fridge.
Whipped Cream
Next up, the fluffy whipped cream. This is the quick part!
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat it with an electric mixer on high speed for just a few seconds.
Add the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract to the cream. Keep beating until you have nice stiff peaks. You know, when you lift the beater, the cream holds its shape.
Assembly
Time to bring all these lovely components together to make beautiful desserts fruit!
Cut or tear your angel food cake into bite-sized chunks. Wash and slice your fresh fruit as needed. Think about a colorful mix!
Start by adding a layer of cake pieces to the bottom of your trifle dish. Don’t worry about making it look too neat; rustic is good!
Spoon a generous amount of the chilled vanilla pudding over the cake layer.
Add a layer of your prepared fresh fruit on top of the pudding. Aim for a good variety of colors and textures.
Follow with a few spoonfuls of the whipped cream.
Repeat these layers—cake, pudding, fruit, cream—until your trifle dish is full. I never stress about making perfect, distinct layers; it all tastes amazing!
Once assembled, cover the trifle and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed the same day the fruit is added, as the fruit stays freshest then.
How To Store Leftovers
You can store any leftover beautiful fruit desserts trifle in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered. For the best texture, especially with the fruit, try to eat it within the first day or two.
Tips
Pudding Shortcut: If you’re short on time, feel free to use a large box of store-bought instant vanilla pudding. Just prepare it according to the package directions. You can also substitute your favorite pudding flavor!
Cake Alternatives: Don’t have angel food cake? No problem! Store-bought or homemade pound cake, yellow cake, or white cake work wonderfully as substitutes. You could even try it with a simple sponge cake.
Fruit Variety: Get creative with your fruit! Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are always a hit. Tropical fruits like pineapple and mango add a nice tang. Grapes, sliced bananas, and kiwi are also delicious additions. Just make sure to slice larger fruits.
Presentation Power: Use a clear glass trifle bowl to show off those beautiful layers. It really makes a difference in how appealing the beautiful desserts fruit look.
Conclusion
Making beautiful desserts fruit doesn’t have to be complicated. This fruit trifle recipe is proof that simple ingredients and straightforward steps can lead to a show-stopping dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes, making it a wonderful addition to any gathering or family meal.
FAQ
Can I make this beautiful fruit desserts trifle a day in advance?
Yes, you can! The pudding can be made up to 5 days ahead, and the cake can be prepared a few days in advance. Assemble the trifle up to a day before serving. However, the fruit will stay freshest if added closer to serving time.
What kind of fruit is best for this trifle?
Almost any fruit works! Berries, sliced peaches, kiwi, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and grapes are all great choices. For fruits that brown easily like bananas or apples, add them just before serving or toss them with a little lemon juice.
Can I use store-bought pudding?
Absolutely! A large box of instant vanilla pudding, prepared according to package directions, is a quick and easy substitute for the homemade pudding.
How long does this dessert last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal freshness, especially the fruit.
Beautiful Fruit Trifle
Looking for a dessert that impresses without all the fuss? This recipe for beautiful fruit desserts brings together simple ingredients and easy steps to create a stunning trifle. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to make an appealing dish for a crowd.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Pour in the remaining 2/3 cup milk and whisk until smooth.
- Whisk the large egg into the sugar mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the sugar mixture while whisking constantly to temper.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until it simmers and thickens, about one minute after simmering.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- If lumps are present, strain the pudding through a fine mesh strainer for a super smooth texture.
- Transfer pudding to a heatproof bowl, cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin, and chill completely in the fridge.
- Pour 2 cups heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for a few seconds.
- Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the cream. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Cut or tear angel food cake into bite-sized chunks. Wash and slice fresh fruit as needed for a colorful mix.
- Add a layer of cake pieces to the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Spoon a generous amount of chilled vanilla pudding over the cake layer.
- Add a layer of prepared fresh fruit on top of the pudding.
- Follow with a layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat layers—cake, pudding, fruit, cream—until the trifle dish is full.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Best enjoyed the same day fruit is added.
Notes
Pudding Shortcut: If short on time, feel free to use a large box of store-bought instant vanilla pudding, prepared according to package directions. You can also substitute your favorite pudding flavor!
Cake Alternatives: Don’t have angel food cake? Pound cake, yellow cake, white cake, or a simple sponge cake work wonderfully as substitutes.
Fruit Variety: Get creative with your fruit! Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are always a hit. Tropical fruits like pineapple and mango add a nice tang. Grapes, sliced bananas, and kiwi are also delicious additions. Just make sure to slice larger fruits. For fruits that brown easily (like bananas or apples), add them just before serving or toss them with a little lemon juice.
Presentation Power: Use a clear glass trifle bowl to show off those beautiful layers. It really makes a difference in how appealing the beautiful fruit desserts look.
Storage: Store any leftover beautiful fruit desserts trifle, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For the best texture, especially with the fruit, try to eat it within the first day or two.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
