Creamy Strawberry Chocolate Trifle
A quick and easy layered dessert combining creamy custard, fresh macerated strawberries, chocolate cake cubes, and dark chocolate shavings. Perfect for summer parties and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml / 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g / 0.5 cup)
- 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (24 g / 3 tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml / 1 cup), whipped softly
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 450 g / 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g / 2 tbsp)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 cup chocolate cake or brownies, cubed (about 150 g / 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, shaved or chopped (85 g / 0.5 cup)
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves
- Optional garnish: powdered sugar, lightly dusted
Instructions
- Macerate the strawberries: Toss sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and lemon juice if using. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine milk and half the sugar. Warm over medium heat until hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes). Whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth and pale.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about a third of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
- Cook the custard: Return saucepan to medium-low heat and whisk constantly until custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (5-7 minutes).
- Cool and flavor: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, transfer to a bowl, press plastic wrap onto surface, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Whip the cream: Just before assembling, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into chilled custard until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare cake pieces: Cut chocolate cake or brownies into 1-inch cubes.
- Assemble the trifle: Layer cake cubes, macerated strawberries with juices, and creamy custard mixture in a trifle bowl or individual glasses. Repeat layers, finishing with custard.
- Top with chocolate: Sprinkle shaved dark chocolate over the final custard layer and add fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let flavors meld.
Notes
Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain custard if lumps form. Whip cream to soft peaks for best texture. Dense chocolate cake or brownies hold up best. Macerate strawberries for at least 15 minutes for juicy sweetness. Assemble in clear glassware for visual appeal. For gluten-free, use gluten-free brownies or cake. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free custard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 5
Keywords: strawberry trifle, chocolate trifle, summer dessert, easy dessert, layered dessert, custard dessert, party dessert