A Trifle Can Be Fancy Or Oh So Simple, But All Are Delicious!

A trifle is a dessert that is so simple to make, but sadly few people make them because of the amount of fancy ingredients they think you need for one. It is true they have usually been billed as a rich, elegant, fancy and expensive dessert, with special biscuits/cookies soaked in alcohol, lots of fruits or fruit related concoctions, custards, puddings, whip creams and layer upon layer of everything. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trifles are layered, truth, but how many layers and what is in those layers is entirely up to you!! Also, traditional trifles were/are always made in a big glass container, heck there are even containers out there advertised as trifle dishes/bowls and boy some are expensive. To me, that represents one more item in my already stuffed small kitchen. I have made some in wine glasses, dessert dishes, mason jars, and just a plain old bowl. In other words what I have already on hand. I have also used as little as 3 items and as many as 4 or 5. Pre bought pound cakes, cookies, premade canned puddings, already made jams or canned fruits, custards, and canned whipped creams have been used when I make them on a whim. They are great for dressing up or down for a holiday or special event.

Today, however, I did have some free time, and so decided to make small goblet ones with what I had on hand. Here is what I did today:

First, I baked a packaged yellow cake mix, using apple juice in place of the water, and added some cinnamon. (See notes)

While that was baking, I made a packaged plain vanilla cook and serve pudding with a little cinnamon in that too (we are big cinnamon lovers in my family)

After everything was ready, I then chunked up my cake, added several spoons of canned crushed pineapple, topped with some of the vanilla pudding, and put in fridge. When ready to serve added some whip cream and yes, a little more cinnamon. (see Tip)

Tip: We use the canned whip cream, and find it works better to use just before serving, I do not put whip cream between my layers

Note: some trifles are better made just before serving, especially ones with crushed up cookies and if you are using fruit toppings with a lot of liquid. If you have to make one ahead of time, try to use drier fruits and a sturdy base (preferably cake over crushed cookies)

This post is what I have found making trifles through the years. At my house I keep it simple, however of course, at your house make it as fancy or as signature as you wish, it is after all your kitchen and your choice.

Stay safe everyone!!