summer desserts | Keeping Busy With B

Let’s ease back into this baking thing a little bit, shall we? It’s been a while. I know trifle isn’t exactly “baking” in the traditional sense, but I wanted to share this with you because I made it not once, but twice in the last few weeks. Yes, it was that good.

The best thing about trifle is that you can’t really screw it up. Everyone has their own version, and it doesn’t always turn out the same way every time. Basically each trifle is made up of similar building blocks (cake, fruit, custard, whipped cream) but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. I happen to think that this blueberry-lemon-coconut combo is a fresh and modern take on this traditional dessert. (Plus, I love anything blueberry-lemon flavor.)

Put some time aside for this one: even though it’s a snap to make, assembling the layers requires work, plus you want this baby to chill in the fridge for at least four hours to get everything all blended, gooey and good. Don’t let that put you off- your patience will be rewarded in the form of this awesome dessert.

Blueberry, Lemon and Coconut Trifle (makes about 14 c.)

10 1/2 oz. pound cake (thaw if using frozen)

1 can lemon pie filling (19 oz. or about 540 mL)

1 1/4 c. flaked coconut

2 c. frozen blueberries

3 c. whipped cream

In a large frying pan, toast coconut over medium heat, stirring constantly until lightly golden. Remove from heat and put 1/4 c. aside. Mix the remaining coconut in a small bowl with the lemon pie filling.

Cut the pound cake into approx. 1″ cubes. Arrange half into the bottom of an extra-large glass bowl (or in my case, an enormous jar I had lying around the house), and set the other half aside. Next, take half of your pie filling, and spread over your cake layer evenly. Create the next layer by sprinkling the pie filling with blueberries. Spoon whipped cream over blueberries until covered. Lay down another cake layer, followed by another pie filling layer, followed by the remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with reserved coconut. Chill in the fridge, covered, for at least 4 hours.

B’s Tip: You can substitute whipped cream for your favorite brand of frozen whipped topping, but be sure to thaw it first before using it in the trifle.

And because this dessert knows no bounds, I urge you to modify the recipe however you like- I know I have! So far I’ve used less coconut in the filling and sprinkled more on top (pretty!); I’ve bought whipped cream, and I’ve whipped my own (store-bought is sweeter!); and I’ve even used different types of blueberries (wild ones have way more flavor!)

What’s in your trifle?!

Baking with B appears every other Monday on the Keeping Busy with B Blog. Find out why I like baking so much here. For more of my baking, click here. And for even more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest full of food eye candy that will have you licking your computer. Promise.

When I asked Shannon what kind of cake she’d like for her birthday, she said she’d be happy with anything as long as it was “something with fruit and whipped cream”.

I was only to happy to oblige, and came with up with this summery cake. Even though this is probably best served when the first fresh strawberries come out at the end of June, it still tasted like the promise of sunshine and beautiful weather to come wen we ate it back in January.

Of course, maybe I’m biased because I’m a summer baby (hint, hint). But everyone else in the office enjoyed it, which makes me think it’s a treat to be enjoyed year-round, especially if you like desserts that are light and fruity.

Shannon’s Strawberry Cake (serves 6)

generous 3/4 c. flour

1 stick butter or margarine

rounded 1/2 c. sugar

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp apricot jam (or preferred flavour)

1 1/2 c. whipped cream

strawberries for garnish

Grease 2 small layer cake pans. In a medium bowl, sift flour. Cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, blended with the vanilla extract, adding a spoonful of flour with the last amount. Carefully fold in the remaining flour.

Divide the mixture between the two cake pans and bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven, leave to cool for a couple of minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely.

B’s Tip: I didn’t have two pans the same size unfortunately, and ended up making one long sheet cake. It was easy enough to cut it in half in order to make the two layers, but it left the cake with a golden crust on just one side, which I opted to cut off. It worked out okay, but not great, ya know? Desperate times call for desperate measures, but in the end, go with the two pans.

While cakes are cooling, whip up the whipped cream. I macerated one strawberry in the whipped cream that gave it a wonderful fresh flavour and a tiny bit of sugar. You’re totally welcome to do whatever.

When cakes are cool, heat up the jam of your choice. (Apricot is my recommendation, as it’s super-subtle and lets the vanilla-y cake flavour shine through, but switch it up and tells me how it goes!) Spread over top bottom layer of cake. Sandwich second cake on top. Cover with whipped cream and sliced strawberry as garnish.

Obviously, strawberries are super delicious and made this cake super yum, but you could substitute for any fresh summer fruit, or maybe change it up with some pineapple rings and a sprinkle of coconut. Or change up the flavour by omitting the vanilla extract in the cake batter, and cream in instead 2 tbsp finely grated orange or lemon rind in with the butter.

Happy baking!

KBwB-Flower-50

Keeping Busy With B

Tag Archives: summer desserts

Baking with B: Blueberry, Lemon and Coconut Trifle

Baking with B: Shannon’s Strawberry Cake