Strawberry Trifle

Strawberry Trifle – a refined and flavorful dessert

There are moments in life when a dessert is not just a simple treat, but a culinary experience that brings joy and delight. The strawberry trifle is one of those recipes that beautifully combines textures and flavors, offering not only an unforgettable taste but also a stunning presentation. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend evening, this dessert is sure to impress everyone.

Before we start cooking, let’s get a little familiar with the history of this dessert. The trifle has deep roots in culinary tradition, originating from medieval England. Over time, it has evolved and adapted, becoming a symbol of elegance in dessert serving. With layers of creams, fruits, and delicately prepared sponges, the trifle has gained popularity worldwide, now being a beloved choice on festive tables.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 3 egg whites
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons finely ground almonds or almond flour
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 ml orange or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oil

For the cream:
- 200 ml whipping cream
- 400 g full-fat Greek yogurt (or 200 g mascarpone or cottage cheese)
- 2-3 tablespoons clove-flavored honey (a homemade product from Laura)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, if you want a sweeter dessert)

For assembly:
- 400 g fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- A few lemon balm leaves
- Cookies or ladyfingers (I used cat tongues)
- Juice from 1-2 oranges

For decoration:
- Lemon balm leaves
- Melted chocolate

Step by step:

1. Preparing the strawberries:
We start by washing the fresh strawberries. We remove the stems and let them drain. Choose the largest and prettiest strawberries to slice, while the rest, about half, we cut into cubes. These will add a pleasant contrast to the layers of the trifle. In a bowl, we mix the strawberry cubes with a teaspoon of brown sugar and a few finely chopped lemon balm leaves. We set the mixture aside to let the flavors blend.

2. Preparing the sponge:
In a bowl, we beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until frothy. We gradually add the sugar and continue beating until we achieve a firm, glossy meringue. It is important to obtain a well-aerated meringue to ensure a light texture for the sponge. We carefully fold in the ground almonds using a spatula or whisk. We dissolve the baking powder in the lemon or orange juice and add the mixture to the meringue. We gently mix.

3. Baking the sponge:
We add the flour, mixing gently, then the oil. We transfer the mixture to a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 150 degrees C for 25 minutes. Once the sponge is baked, we let it cool, then remove the parchment paper. Using a glass as a template, we cut out two circles from the sponge. The remaining sponge will be used for the lower layers.

4. Preparing the cream:
In another bowl, we beat the whipping cream with the honey and sugar until we achieve a firm consistency. We add the yogurt and mix gently until well combined. This cream will provide a creamy and refreshing contrast between the layers of strawberries and sponge.

5. Assembling the trifle:
At the bottom of a glass, we place the first circle cut from the sponge. We lightly soak it with a little fresh orange juice to add moisture and flavor. Then, we add a third of the cubed strawberries. Around the edge of the glass, we arrange the slices of strawberries and the slightly soaked cookies or ladyfingers for an attractive look.

6. Delicious layers:
We add a layer of cream, then pieces of the remaining sponge, which we soak again. We continue alternating layers of strawberries, cream, and sponge until we reach the edge of the glass. Don’t forget to dress the walls of the glass with strawberry slices for a spectacular visual effect.

7. Finalizing:
In the end, we place the second circle cut from the sponge, soak it, and add strawberry cubes on top. We decorate with fresh lemon balm leaves and drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant finishing touch.

8. Cooling:
We let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for an hour to cool and let the flavors meld. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a glass of white wine or a fruit tea, which will deliciously complement this dessert.

9. Serving:
Serve the trifle with a smile, boasting about this culinary masterpiece. Each spoonful will bring a mix of textures and flavors, from the freshness of the strawberries to the creaminess of the cream and the delicacy of the sponge.

Practical tips:
- Choose very ripe and fragrant strawberries for an intense flavor.
- You can experiment with other seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries to add variety.
- If you want a sweeter dessert, adjust the amount of sugar in the cream according to your preferences.
- Make sure the sponge is completely cooled before assembling to avoid melting the cream.

Nutritional benefits:
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while Greek yogurt provides proteins and beneficial probiotics for digestion. This dessert is not only tasty but also a healthy choice, perfect for pampering your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with various seasonal fruits. Blueberries, peaches, or even mango can add an interesting twist.

2. Is it possible to make the trifle without sugar?
You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or maple syrup, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I store the trifle?
It is recommended to keep the trifle in the refrigerator, where it can last for 2-3 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent absorbing odors from the fridge.

In the end, the strawberry trifle is more than just a simple dessert – it is an experience that brings together flavors, textures, and moments of joy. Whether you enjoy it alone or share it with loved ones, this dessert will add a touch of magic to every meal. Don't hesitate any longer and get ready to indulge in this refined trifle!