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Lemon Blackberry Trifle Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

This delightful Lemon Blackberry Trifle features layers of zesty lemon cake, tangy lemon curd, fresh blackberries, and luscious whipped cream. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, this impressive dessert is ideal for spring and summer gatherings or any time you want a refreshing treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Ingredients

Lemon Cake

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (packed from one large lemon, preferably organic)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup milk (at room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 oz unsalted butter (6 tbsp, at room temperature)
  • 2 tsp lemon extract
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)

Lemon Curd

  • 3 oz unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Blackberry Mixture

  • 24 oz blackberries (at least 12 oz fresh, can include 12 oz frozen, defrosted)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 10 fresh mint leaves (large leaves, finely chopped, optional)

Whipped Cream

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for the lemon cake batter.
  2. Make lemon cake batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, rub lemon zest into granulated sugar until fragrant and moist. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix on low until combined. Add milk, vegetable oil, butter, and lemon extract, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes.
  3. Add eggs to batter: Scrape down the bowl and add eggs, beating on medium-high speed for 2 more minutes. Scrape down again to ensure even mixing.
  4. Bake lemon cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and top springs back when pressed. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Prepare lemon curd – heat water: Fill the bottom of a double boiler or saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer over stovetop.
  6. Beat lemon curd base: Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Slowly add eggs and yolks, beating for one more minute, then stir in lemon juice; mixture may appear curdled.
  7. Cook lemon curd: Transfer mixture to the top of the double boiler and cook over simmering water, whisking frequently until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon or reaches 175°F on a candy thermometer.
  8. Cool lemon curd: Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh to remove cooked egg bits. Press cling wrap on top and refrigerate until chilled and thickened.
  9. Prepare blackberry mixture: Combine blackberries and sugar in a bowl (defrost frozen berries if used). Mash coarsely to release juices and stir in chopped mint leaves if desired.
  10. Whip cream: Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until firm peaks form.
  11. Cut cake: Cube the cooled lemon cake into small pieces for layering.
  12. Assemble trifle: In a large glass or trifle bowl, spread a layer of whipped cream, then add a layer of cake cubes, followed by a third of the lemon curd, half the blackberries, and a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers with remaining cake, curd, blackberries, and whipped cream.
  13. Finish assembly: Top final cake layer with a thin spread of whipped cream, decorate with remaining blackberries, whipped cream, and optional garnishes like mint leaves or lemon twists.
  14. Chill trifle: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and cake to absorb moisture. Can be chilled overnight. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to one week.

Notes

  • Use at least half fresh blackberries for best texture and flavor.
  • Let the cake cool completely before assembling to prevent cream melting.
  • Press cling wrap directly on lemon curd surface to avoid a skin forming.
  • Chill trifle well for best flavor development.
  • Optional mint adds a bright herbal note but can be omitted for simplicity.
  • Can be prepared a day ahead for convenient entertaining.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/lemon-blackberry-trifle-recipe/