Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Trifle is the ultimate showstopper dessert that’s both easy to make and elegant to serve. The vibrant layers of lemony goodness, fresh blueberries, and delicate sponge cake create a balanced and flavorful dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. This trifle is a crowd-pleaser with its visually appealing presentation and delicious flavors that capture the essence of summer. It’s perfect for any event, from casual get-togethers to formal dinners, and can be made in advance to save time. It’s a lighter yet satisfying treat that brings the best of fruit and cream together in a beautiful layered dessert.

Ingredients

For the lemon curd:

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed

For the whipped cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the trifle:

1 box (8-9 oz) vanilla sponge cake, pound cake, or angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups fresh blueberries (or mixed berries)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Lemon Curd:

Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs. Place the pan over medium heat.
Cook the Lemon Curd:
Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Cook until the mixture thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency (about 7-10 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
Add Butter:
Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat and whisk in the cubed butter until smooth. Let the curd cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set further.

For the Whipped Cream:

Whip the Cream:
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the trifle.

For the Trifle:

Prepare the Cake:
Cut the sponge cake or pound cake into cubes. If using store-bought, simply slice it into cubes. You can lightly toast the cake cubes in the oven for a couple of minutes to add texture, if desired.
Assemble the Trifle:
In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by layering cake cubes at the bottom. Add a layer of lemon curd, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle fresh blueberries evenly on top.
Repeat Layers:
Continue layering the cake, lemon curd, whipped cream, and blueberries until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream and blueberries on top.
Chill and Serve:
Once assembled, cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh mint leaves just before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Chill Time: 2-3 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 3-3.5 hours (including chilling)

Variations

Berry Medley: You can mix blueberries with other fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a more colorful and diverse flavor profile.
Lemon Cake: Swap out the sponge cake for a homemade or store-bought lemon cake to complement the lemon curd with an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Lemon Curd Substitute: If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought lemon curd for the homemade version. It will save you time while still keeping the dessert delicious.
Lemon-Infused Whipped Cream: For an extra lemony twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the whipped cream mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Lemon Blueberry Trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. While the trifle is best enjoyed within a few days, the flavors continue to develop as it sits in the fridge. This dessert is not suitable for freezing, as the whipped cream and lemon curd will lose their texture when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make the lemon curd in advance?

Yes, you can make the lemon curd ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you can prepare it a few days before assembling the trifle.

Can I use store-bought cake for the trifle?

Yes, you can use store-bought sponge cake, angel food cake, or pound cake for convenience. Just make sure to cut it into cubes before layering it in the trifle.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, to make this trifle gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cake or angel food cake as the base. You can find gluten-free versions of both in most grocery stores.

How do I make the trifle less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet trifle, reduce the sugar in the lemon curd or whipped cream slightly. The fresh berries will also help balance the sweetness.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

While fresh blueberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen blueberries if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the trifle.

Can I make this dessert in individual servings?

Yes! Instead of using a large trifle dish, you can assemble the trifle in individual glasses or jars for a personalized touch. This also makes it easy for guests to serve themselves.

Can I use a different fruit in place of blueberries?

Yes, you can use other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries as a substitute for or in addition to blueberries.

How far in advance can I make this trifle?

For best results, you can make the trifle a day in advance and allow it to chill overnight. This will give the flavors time to meld together.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Trifle is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining refreshing lemon flavors, creamy whipped cream, and sweet, juicy blueberries. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to impress your guests, and it’s easy to make ahead of time for convenience. With its beautiful layers and balance of tangy, creamy, and fruity flavors, this dessert is a refreshing treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration. Try it for your next special event and enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!

Lemon Blueberry Trifle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients