Introduction
Indulge in the elegance of Angel Food Cake Trifles adorned with a rich cheesecake topping and a luscious blueberry sauce. This stunning dessert combines the lightness of fluffy angel food cake with the creamy texture of cheesecake and the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or celebrating a special milestone, these trifles are sure to impress and delight your guests.
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Sauce:
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp cornstarch
– 1/3 cup water
– 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 2 cups frozen wild blueberries
For the Cheesecake Topping:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 12 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar
For Assembly:
– 1 13 oz store-bought or homemade angel food cake
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield
Serves 6-8
Instructions
1. Prepare the Blueberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Mix in the water and lemon juice, then add the frozen blueberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Allow to boil for about 2 minutes until thickened. Let cool, then chill completely; for quicker chilling, place in a bowl in the freezer, stirring every 5 minutes.
2. Make the Cheesecake Topping: In a medium chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form. In a separate large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
3. Assemble the Trifles: Gently cut the angel food cake into small cubes using a serrated knife. Divide half of the angel food cake cubes among dessert cups or bowls. Place the cheesecake topping in a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, and pipe half of the cheesecake filling over the angel food cake layer. Top with 1-2 spoonfuls of blueberry sauce, then repeat the layering process with the remaining cake cubes, cheesecake topping, and blueberry sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
4. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor and texture! These trifles are sure to impress your guests while being simple enough to prepare. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Blueberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Mix in the water and lemon juice, then add the frozen blueberries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Allow to boil for about 2 minutes until thickened. Let cool, then chill completely. For quicker chilling, place in a bowl in the freezer, stirring every 5 minutes.
Make the Cheesecake Topping:
In a medium chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form. In a separate large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Assemble the Trifles:
Gently cut the angel food cake into small cubes using a serrated knife. Divide half of the angel food cake cubes among dessert cups or bowls. Place the cheesecake topping in a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, and pipe half of the cheesecake filling over the angel food cake layer. Top with 1-2 spoonfuls of blueberry sauce, then repeat the layering process with the remaining cake cubes, cheesecake topping, and blueberry sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor and texture! These trifles are sure to impress your guests while being simple enough to prepare. Enjoy!
Notes
Chilling the Blueberry Sauce:
Make sure to allow adequate time for the blueberry sauce to chill thoroughly before assembling the trifles for the best flavor and texture.
Whipping Cream:
For best results, ensure that the heavy cream is very cold before whipping, as this helps in achieving stiffer peaks.
Storage:
While these trifles are best served fresh, they can be refrigerated for a few hours if needed. However, it is recommended to assemble just before serving to maintain the texture of the angel food cake.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking is a fundamental technique used in this recipe, especially for the blueberry sauce and cheesecake topping. It helps to combine ingredients smoothly, incorporating air into the mixtures, which is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Boiling
Boiling is used to thicken the blueberry sauce. This technique involves heating the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil, allowing the cornstarch to activate and create a thicker consistency.
Folding
Folding is a gentle technique used to combine the whipped cream with the cheesecake mixture. It involves using a spatula to carefully incorporate the whipped cream without deflating it, ensuring a light and airy topping.
Layering
Layering is key in assembling the trifle. It involves alternating layers of angel food cake, cheesecake topping, and blueberry sauce, creating a visually appealing dessert with a variety of textures and flavors.
Garnishing
Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of freshness to the dessert. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the presentation.
FAQ
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh blueberries, but you may need to adjust the cooking time for the sauce, as fresh blueberries will cook more quickly than frozen ones.
How far in advance can I prepare the trifles?
You can prepare the blueberry sauce and cheesecake topping a day in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the trifles just a few hours before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use a whipped topping or a plant-based cream alternative, but the texture and flavor may differ from using heavy cream.
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free angel food cake or you can make your own from gluten-free flour.
Can I add other fruits to the trifle?
Absolutely! You can customize the trifles with other fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, for added flavor and color.
Conclusion
These Angel Food Cake Trifles with Cheesecake Topping and Blueberry Sauce offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. Their light, fluffy layers combined with the creamy cheesecake and vibrant blueberry sauce create an eye-catching dessert suitable for any gathering or celebration. Easy to assemble and delightful to taste, these trifles are an unforgettable treat that can elevate any occasion.
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