Triple Berry Trifle

Red, White, and Blue? 
I know this post is a little passe (sorry, the past couple of weeks have been super busy!), but I wanted to share my 4th of July treat with y'all anyway because it was reallyyy yummy. And even though the 4th has come and gone, this is a great recipe that can easily be adapted for any occasion. Just swap in your favorite fruit and jam, and you're ready to party! I call this a "triple berry" trifle because I layered the cake and custard with fresh 1) blueberries and 2) strawberries, and also spread some 3) raspberry preserves on the pieces of cake. It's a perfect blend of tangy and sweet from the mix of berries, and it's topped with a creamy custard and lemony soaked cake... yeah, it's pretty much heaven.

Note: A Few of My Favorite Things About Trifles 
Trifles are absolutely perfect for entertaining. First of all, they are beautiful! Just set one on a counter, and bask in the oohhs and ahhs of the crowd. Second, the longer it sits, the more the flavors develop and the custard soaks into the cake. That means, it's better if you make it the day before, and then the day of service = no stress. Wonderful! Lastly, despite the fact that my trifle looks fancy, it was really easy to make. While it did take some time to assemble, there are no challenging cooking or baking techniques whatsoever. So if you're a novice in the kitchen, I promise, you will feel very comfortable with this recipe! And then, people will wonder where you picked up such awesome skills. :)

Okay, enough serious talk. Now it's time for a trifle... (har-har)

Chocolate Cherry Trifle

For all of you who haven't made, or tried, trifle -- trust me, you are in for a treat! Trifle is a traditional English dessert made from layers of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream. Many traditional recipes often include soaking the cake in some kind of alcohol (including this one). The possibilities are endless, and I have recently come across a plethora of incredible-looking trifle recipes.

The classic combination of chocolate and cherry is one that I prefer in the colder months, especially during the holidays. I made this trifle for Christmas this past year, and my family absolutely could not get enough. It makes a large amount, so it is good for sharing with a crowd. I also think this would be a beautiful dessert for a Valentine's Day meal (your date will certainly thank you). A trifle's flavors develop the longer it sits, so you can also eat on it for days, and it will keep getting better. In fact, I would plan on making this the day before serving, if you are able. It is crucial for the cake to soak up the custard, and for the flavors to develop overnight. The cherry brandy can be left out, and this is probably best if serving kids (you really can taste it). However, if this is an adult occasion, I highly recommend splurging on the brandy. It gives the dessert such a decadent flavor, and it pairs perfectly with cherry and chocolate flavors.