Strawberry Trifle with Grand Marnier Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as simple as it is elegant, look no further than this Strawberry Trifle with Grand Marnier. This delightful treat is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, and the best part? It comes together in just a few easy steps, making it the perfect solution for when you’re juggling multiple dishes. The sweet, tangy strawberries combined with light and airy whipped cream, a rich pound cake base, and a hint of Grand Marnier make this trifle the ideal end to any meal. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this delicious dessert!
Ingredients
The ingredients required for this beautiful dessert are simple yet flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Strawberries | 500 grams, cored and quartered |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 Lemon (freshly squeezed) |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 400 ml |
| Caster Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Pound Cake or Yellow Cake | 400 grams, cut into slices |
| Grand Marnier | 1 tablespoon |
| Walnuts | 6, toasted for garnish |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes (for making the strawberry compote)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Compote
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Begin by preparing the strawberry compote. In a small, shallow saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and the juice from one freshly squeezed lemon.
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Place the pan over medium heat, stirring continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves. As the strawberries cook, continue to stir occasionally until they become tender and the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency.
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As it cooks, the mixture will begin to bubble, and the syrup will naturally thicken. This process should take around 25-30 minutes. Once ready, remove the pan from heat and allow the compote to cool completely. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before using.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
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While your compote is cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the caster sugar.
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Using the whisk attachment, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want the cream to be fluffy and light.
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Once whipped, transfer the bowl to the refrigerator to keep the cream cool while you prepare the cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake
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For this trifle, you can either use a store-bought lemon pound cake or bake one from scratch. If you’re making your own, follow your favorite recipe for a rich, moist lemon or yellow cake.
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Once the cake is ready, let it cool completely. Using a serrated knife or cookie cutter, slice the cake lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
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Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the trifle! Begin by selecting two glass jars or bowls, which will allow you to build layers of dessert.
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Spoon a generous layer of strawberry compote into the bottom of each glass, creating the first base layer.
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Next, add a few slices of the lemon pound cake on top of the compote, arranging them evenly to cover the strawberries.
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Spoon a layer of whipped cream over the cake, making sure to cover it completely. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier over the whipped cream for an added kick of flavor.
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Repeat the layers: add another layer of strawberry compote, more cake slices, whipped cream, and a drizzle of Grand Marnier.
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Top off the trifle with a final layer of strawberry compote, whipped cream, and garnish with the toasted walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
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Once your trifles are assembled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to chill.
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Serve your Strawberry Trifle with Grand Marnier as a beautiful and indulgent dessert for your next party or special occasion. The layers of fresh fruit, creamy whipped topping, and boozy Grand Marnier make each bite a celebration of flavor!
Tips for the Perfect Trifle
- If you want to make this trifle even more indulgent, you can add a thin layer of vanilla custard between the whipped cream and cake layers for extra richness.
- Make sure the strawberry compote is completely cooled before assembling the trifle, as this will help prevent the whipped cream from melting too much.
- Feel free to get creative with the garnish. In addition to walnuts, you can also use slivered almonds, chocolate shavings, or even a few extra fresh strawberries on top.
This Strawberry Trifle with Grand Marnier is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a family gathering, or a casual celebration, this dessert is sure to impress your guests with its elegance and delicious layers of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh seasonal strawberries!
