Best 12 Tropical Fruit And Cake Trifle Recipes

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Are you looking for a delicious and refreshing dessert that will transport you to a tropical paradise? Look no further than the tropical fruit and cake trifle! This delightful dessert is a layered masterpiece of creamy pudding, fresh tropical fruits, and fluffy cake, all topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of toasted coconut. It's the perfect way to end a special meal or celebrate a special occasion. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create the perfect tropical fruit and cake trifle, so you can impress your friends and family with this tropical treat.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TROPICAL TRIFLE



Tropical Trifle image

Provided by Wanna Make This?

Categories     dessert

Time 4h40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup passionfruit juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 large eggs
3 cups coconut milk (from about two 13 1/2-ounce cans), cold and well-stirred
Two 3 1/2-ounce packages instant vanilla pudding
One 1-pound butter pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 ounces frozen whipped topping (about 3 cups), thawed
3 cups raspberries
1 kiwi, peeled cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
1 cup blackberries
1 medium ripe mango, peeled, seeded and diced

Steps:

  • Place a medium heatproof bowl over a medium saucepan filled with a few inches of simmering water; make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Place the butter in the bowl and melt completely. Add the sugar, passionfruit juice and lemon juice and whisk until smooth and combined. Whisk in the eggs until smooth. Continue to cook, whisking every 1 to 2 minutes, until the curd thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes. The consistency will be similar to thin gravy. Strain into a clean bowl and cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover the surface of the curd with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled (the curd will thicken as it cools), at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
  • Put the coconut milk in a large bowl and sprinkle the pudding mix on top. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Switch to medium-high speed and blend until the mixture is completely smooth and thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble.
  • To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of the curd over the bottom of a large (about 3 quarts) glass trifle dish, then top with about half of the pound cake pieces, making sure there is one single layer of pound cake without any gaps. Top with half the pudding. Layer in 2 cups of raspberries, making sure to create a double ring against the outside edge of the trifle dish, so the color really shows through. Continue to layer the trifle dish with half of the whipped topping, the remaining pound cake, the remaining pudding, the remaining whipped topping and drizzle with the remaining curd.
  • Place the kiwi rounds and blackberries along the edge of the trifle dish. Next, create a ring of raspberries working inwards. Pile the diced mango into the center of the trifle.

TROPICAL FRUIT TRIFLE



Tropical Fruit Trifle image

Try coconut-flavor pudding mixed with fluffy COOL WHIP in our Tropical Fruit Trifle. Sandwiched between layers of tropical fruit and pound cake, you'll love taking this Tropical Fruit Trifle to your next holiday party.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 30m

Yield Makes 15 servings, 2/3 cup each.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1-1/4 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Coconut Cream Flavor Instant Pudding
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
1 pkg. (10.75 oz.) frozen prepared pound cake, thawed, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
3 cups cut-up assorted fresh tropical fruit (papaya, pineapple and kiwi)
1/4 cup BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, toasted

Steps:

  • Add milk to dry pudding mix in large bowl. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Gently stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping.
  • Place half of the cake cubes in bottom of 2-1/2-qt. straight-sided serving bowl. Spoon half of the pudding mixture over cake cubes; top with half of the fruit. Repeat layers. Top with remaining 1 cup whipped topping and the coconut.
  • Serve immediately. Or, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Sodium 170 mg, Carbohydrate 25 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 18 g, Protein 2 g

CHEESECAKE FRUIT TRIFLE



Cheesecake Fruit Trifle image

I love fruit in the summer and started making fruit trifles using other recipes. Most are similar and either use whipped topping or vanilla pudding to assemble and make the layers. I found them all good but wanted more flavor. I started out using a basic fruit dip recipe with cream cheese. Eventually coming up with this...

Provided by Vicki VanderHorn

Categories     Fruit Desserts

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 4

24.3 oz pkg philadelphia ready to eat cheesecake filling
8-10 oz whipped topping, thawed
4-5 c fresh fruit, mixed (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, etc.
1 white angel food cake

Steps:

  • 1. In medium to large bowl mix the cheesecake filling and whipped topping. Consistency should be spreadable.
  • 2. Wash and prepare the fruit. For strawberries, slice in half or 1/4's depending on the size. Any fresh fruit will work and can vary by the season. I love the combination of berries with kiwi sliced for the top layer. Drain the fruit well. For make ahead situations, the dryer the fruit the better the dish holds.
  • 3. Angel food cake works well for the cake layer. Choose either your favorite recipe for white angel food, or for busy people, pick one up at your bakery. Slick into about 1-1 1/2 chunks.
  • 4. In a glass trifle dish or large clear glass bowl, start assembling. First a layer of angel food cake. You are going to make 2-3 layers so take that in mind in the quantity of each layer.
  • 5. Spread 1/2 of the cheesecake mixture over the cake. I put a mound of it in the middle and then use a rubber spatula to carefully spread toward the sides. You want to spread so the layer is visible from the outside.
  • 6. Sprinkle the fruit over top of the cheesecake mixture making sure you can see the fruit from the side. Make a generous layer of the fruit mixture. Add another cake layer. Two layers is plenty but you can divide into 3 if you choose.
  • 7. Spread the remaining cheesecake over the cake layer and then decorate the top with your remaining fruit.
  • 8. Cover and store or serve immediately. Add dollops of whipped topping just before serving.

TROPICAL MANGO TRIFLE



Tropical Mango Trifle image

Delicious and fruity, light enough for when it's hot outside! Garnish with grated coconut.

Provided by shellyw715

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Trifle Recipes

Time 9h50m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 large mango - peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
½ cup white sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 pinch salt
4 egg yolks
¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3 cups cold milk
1 (5 ounce) package coconut pudding mix (such as JELL-O® Cook and Serve)
1 cup sweetened grated coconut
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup white sugar
1 (12 ounce) package prepared pound cake, cut into cubes
3 bananas, sliced
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Steps:

  • Combine mango, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor; puree until smooth. Add egg yolks; process for 15 seconds.
  • Pour mango mixture through a sieve set over a large metal bowl, pressing on solids with the back of a spatula to release as much puree as possible. Discard solids in sieve.
  • Fill a large saucepan with 2 inches of water; bring to a simmer. Set metal bowl on top; whisk puree until thickened and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 170 degrees F (77 degrees C), about 10 minutes.
  • Place metal bowl on a towel on a flat work surface. Whisk in butter 1 piece at a time until blended. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Combine milk and coconut pudding mix in a saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat; fold in grated coconut and vanilla extract. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
  • Beat heavy cream in a chilled glass or metal bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add 1/4 cup sugar gradually, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Place 1/2 of the pound cake cubes in the bottom of a large trifle bowl. Layer some of the bananas, pineapple, and strawberries on top. Spoon 1/2 of the mango puree and coconut pudding on top. Repeat layers with remaining pound cake, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, mango puree, and coconut pudding.
  • Spoon whipped cream on top in big, fluffy swirls. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 531.5 calories, Carbohydrate 70.6 g, Cholesterol 206.9 mg, Fat 26.4 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 16.5 g, Sodium 362.3 mg, Sugar 52.8 g

QUICK TROPICAL CHEESECAKE TRIFLE



Quick Tropical Cheesecake Trifle image

Cubes of rich pound cake and some creamy cheesecake filling make elegant additions to this tropical fruit dessert trifle.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Fruit Recipes

Time 15m

Yield Makes 14 servings, 2/3 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pkg. (10.75 oz.) frozen prepared pound cake, thawed, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 tub (24.2 oz.) PHILADELPHIA No Bake Cheesecake Filling Original
2 cups cut-up fresh pineapple (1 inch pieces)
2 bananas, sliced
2 kiwi, peeled, chopped
1/4 cup seedless strawberry jam, warmed
1/4 cup BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, toasted

Steps:

  • Layer half the cake cubes in bottom of large straight-sided serving bowl. Top with half the cheesecake filling and fruit. Repeat layers.
  • Drizzle with jam; sprinkle with coconut.
  • Serve immediately. Or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290, Fat 17 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 95 mg, Sodium 280 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 4 g

FRUIT AND POUND CAKE TRIFLE



Fruit and Pound Cake Trifle image

This is a great dessert for a crowd. Make it a day ahead and add the whipped topping just before serving. Assemble and serve in a large, clear glass trifle bowl.

Provided by ColSanders

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 (16 ounce) packages pound cake, cut in 3/4 inch slices
3 (15 3/4 ounce) cans prepared vanilla pudding
1 (15 ounce) can mandarin orange segments (juice pack or in light syrup)
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (15 ounce) can pitted dark sweet cherries
2 bananas, sliced and sprinkled with a little lemon juice to maintain color
16 ounces frozen whole strawberries
8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed

Steps:

  • Defrost the strawberries, reserving juice. Drain orange segments, reserving juice/syrup. Drain dark cherries, reserving juice.
  • In a large, glass trifle bowl begin assembly by placing a layer of pound cake slices in the bottom of the bowl. Drizzle some of the reserved juices on each slice of cake. spoon 1/2 can of pudding over cake slices. Spoon one of the fruits over the pudding.
  • Continue making additional layers with the remaining cake (drizzled with juice), pudding, and fruit. Arrange the fruit around the sides of the bowl (for the layer) to make it pretty.
  • Refrigerate 8 hours or more.
  • Top with whipped topping before serving. Serve by scooping into individual serving bowls with a large spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155.4, Fat 4.2, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 6.1, Sodium 167.5, Carbohydrate 28.6, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 18, Protein 2.2

TROPICAL TRIFLE



Tropical Trifle image

For an easy dessert that serves a crowd, you can't go wrong with trifle. Mix it up with the variation below and enjoy it your way.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 4h35m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups milk
1 box (4-serving size) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 round angel food cake (16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice
1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, well drained
2 kiwifruit, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 ripe mango, seed removed, peeled and cut into cubes
2 cups fresh strawberries, cut in half
1/4 cup shredded or flaked coconut

Steps:

  • In medium bowl, beat milk and pudding mix with wire whisk 2 minutes. Stir in orange peel. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • In 3 1/2-quart trifle bowl, place half of cake cubes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the liqueur. Spoon 1 cup of the pudding over cake. Layer with pineapple, kiwifruit and remaining cake cubes. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon liqueur. Spoon remaining pudding over cake. Layer with mango and strawberries. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours.
  • Sprinkle coconut in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium-low heat 6 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until browning begins, then stirring constantly until light brown. Cool completely; cover and set aside.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle trifle with toasted coconut. Spoon down to bottom of dish to scoop out servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 56 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving (1 Cup), Sodium 510 mg, Sugar 45 g, TransFat 0 g

TROPICAL FRUIT TRIFLE



Tropical Fruit Trifle image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 2h33m

Yield 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

Pound Cake, recipe follows
Peach liqueur (or maracino, a Cuban cherry liqueur)
Passion Fruit Pastry Cream, recipe follows
Macerated Tropical Fruit, recipe follows
Chantilly Cream, recipe follows
Candied ginger, as a garnish
1 pound cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
9 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
3 cups milk, plus 1 cup
1 vanilla bean, split
12 egg yolks
4 ounces cake flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 ounces unsalted butter
1/2 cup passion fruit puree
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups diced assorted fruit (pineapple, mango, kiwi, star fruit, papaya, lychee, etc)
1/4 cup super fine sugar

Steps:

  • Make the trifle in a 9-inch round trifle bowl.
  • Cut each pound cake round in half, horizontally into layers, so that you have 4 thin slices. Begin with by putting a slice of cake at the bottom of the glass. Spritz or drizzle the cake with a little peach liqueur.
  • Fill a pastry bag with the Passion Fruit Pastry Cream and pipe it on top of the cake.
  • Then add about 2 cups of the Macerated Tropical Fruit. Repeat this layering until you reach the top of the glass, finishing with a slice of cake.
  • Top with the Chantilly Cream and garnish with candied ginger.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the extract and zest. Fold the dry ingredients by hand. Divide the batter into 2 greased 8-inch rounds, lined with parchment paper. Bake until golden brown and springy to the touch, about 1 hour.
  • Mix the flour and the sugar together. In a heavy bottom saucepan start heating 3 cups of the milk and the vanilla bean over medium heat. In a bowl whisk together 1 cup of milk with the egg yolks, then add the flour and the sugar and whisk until smooth.
  • As soon as the milk comes to a boil, pour about a third of the milk mixture into the eggs. Stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then add the mixture back into the pot. Stirring constantly until the custard thickens.
  • As the custard starts to bubble, you should stir more vigorously to take out any lumps that form. Boil the custard for about 1 minute to allow the flour to cook out. Remove pasty cream from the heat into a clean bowl, and fold in the butter and the passion fruit puree. Put a piece of plastic wrap right on the top of the pastry cream and refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 to 3 hours.
  • Whip all ingredients together until soft peaks form.
  • Toss cut fruit with sugar and set aside for 30 minutes.

TROPICAL TRIFLE



Tropical Trifle image

A different version to the usually strawberry flavoured classic trifle I adapted this from a women's weekly recipe where you made your own Swiss roll and custard so I made it a bit easier and quicker but a great tasting trifle

Provided by oriana

Categories     Dessert

Time 20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 sponge cake
3/4 cup lemon butter (240g)
2 (85 g) lemon jelly crystals
1/2 cup sweet sherry
300 -600 ml heavy cream, whipped
1 mango
2 kiwi fruits
2 passion fruit
2 (500 g) containers of pauls premium vanilla custard

Steps:

  • Make jelly according to directions on packet and place in fridge until almost set.
  • Cut sponge cake in half and spread lemon butter on one half of the cake and then replace the the other half back on top.
  • Cut cake into square pieces and place in and around trifle bowl.
  • Sprinkle with sherry.
  • Pour almost set jelly on top of sponge and refrigerate til set.
  • Pour custard over jelly refrigerate til cold.
  • Decorate with whipped cream and fruit.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 419.3, Fat 15.5, SaturatedFat 9.1, Cholesterol 109.1, Sodium 255.2, Carbohydrate 63.7, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 45.4, Protein 6

TROPICAL FRUIT TRIFLE



Tropical Fruit Trifle image

Provided by Bill Yosses

Categories     dessert

Time 2h30m

Yield 12 to 15 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups sugar
Grated zest of 1 lime
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 pineapple or 2 large Asian pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 red papaya, 2 yellow papayas or 2 mangoes, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
9 kiwis, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch diced
1/2 teaspoon powdered gelatin
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
Grated zest and strained juice of 2 limes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
2 8- or 9-inch spongecake layers, homemade or storebought

Steps:

  • To make fruit compote, place 3/4 cup of sugar in a skillet. Add half the lime zest, 1 piece vanilla bean and 1/2 cup water to the pan. Heat the syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until very reduced.
  • Add 4 cups pineapple or Asian pear to syrup, reserving rest for garnish. Cook gently until fruit is glazed and softened but holds its shape, 2 to 6 minutes. Remove vanilla bean. Place fruit in a bowl and let cool.
  • In clean skillet, add remaining sugar, lime zest, other piece of vanilla bean and 1/2 cup water. Make a syrup as in Step 1. Add 4 cups papaya or mango to syrup, reserving rest for garnish. Cook gently until fruit is glazed and softened, but holds its shape, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove vanilla bean. Place fruit in a bowl and let cool.
  • To make yogurt cream, simmer an inch of water in the bottom of a double boiler. In a small bowl combine gelatin with 2 teaspoons cold water and set aside. Place egg yolks, sugar, lime zest and juice in top of double boiler. Whisking constantly, heat yolks over simmering water until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Take egg mixture off heat and whisk in gelatin until it dissolves, about 20 seconds.
  • With electric mixer, whip cream until thickened and soft peaks just begin to form. Whisk yogurt and crème fraîche into yolk mixture, then whisk in whipped cream.
  • Slice layers of cake in half horizontally and trim so they fit into a large glass bowl. Place one layer in bowl. Starting at edge of bowl so that fruit shows through glass, place kiwis in one layer on cake. Spread a quarter of yogurt cream over kiwis and top with another cake layer. Using a slotted spoon, scoop a layer of papaya on the cake, then another quarter of cream and third layer of cake. Top with remaining fruit, another quarter of cream and final cake layer. Spread remaining cream on top. Cover trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Before serving, press pieces of sliced tropical fruit on top.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 304, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 29 milligrams, Sugar 43 grams

TROPICAL FRUIT AND CAKE TRIFLE



Tropical Fruit and Cake Trifle image

Provided by Marge Perry

Categories     Cake     Dessert     Kid-Friendly     Tropical Fruit     Self     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield Serves 16

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (3.4 ounces) vanilla pudding
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup cake flour, sifted
1/8 teaspoon salt
12 large egg whites (or 2 1/2 cups store-bought egg whites)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup peach jam
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
8 cups fruit, such as mango, papaya, kiwi, strawberries, banana, cut into 1-inch pieces

Steps:

  • Make pudding as directed on package. Heat oven to 350°. Line a 13" x 17" baking pan with parchment paper; coat with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour and salt. In another bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Slowly add remaining 3/4 cup sugar, beating until mixture is thick and shiny. Fold flour mixture into egg mixture in four batches; spread batter in pan. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Loosen sides of cake with a knife; let cool. In a bowl, microwave jam for 30 seconds. Invert cake on cutting board; spread with jam and cut into 2-inch squares. In a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, toast coconut, stirring, 4 minutes. In another bowl, beat cream and coconut extract with an electric mixer until peaks form. Reserve 1/4 cup whipped cream. Fold pudding and 1/4 cup coconut into remaining whipped cream. In a large glass bowl, assemble trifle: Layer 1/3 cake squares, 1/3 fruit and 1/3 pudding mixture; repeat twice. Top with remaining 1/4 cup whipped cream and 1/4 cup coconut.

COCONUT AND TROPICAL FRUIT TRIFLE



Coconut and Tropical Fruit Trifle image

I've found that as I get older, I tend to forget about the things that aren't all that important to me, like paying bills, what day it is, and so on. But I never, ever forget a dessert. A few decades ago, some friends who had lived in Brazil for a few years invited me for dinner and served bien me sabe, a moist concoction of sponge cake and coconut cream. And I never got it out of my head how fantastic that simple combination tasted. Years later, when I was the pastry chef at a restaurant that specialized in Asian cooking, I had the opportunity to seek out and use all sorts of tropical fruit, many of which I hadn't ever seen before. And I thought bien me sabe would be the perfect backdrop for a jumble of exotic flavors. Although I've used the types of tropical fruit that are the most widely available, feel free to add or use others in place of what I've suggested. But just be sure to heat them through, as most tropical fruits contain a heat-sensitive enzyme that causes custards to break down. I learned this the hard way. I like the way large shreds of fresh coconut look on top of this dessert. If you have the inclination, crack one open, shave off large shards, and toast them to use as garnish.

Yield makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/4 cups (310 ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
3 tablespoons (25 g) cornstarch
1/2 cup (125 ml) canned Thai coconut milk
4 large egg yolks
1 cup (70 g) dried unsweetened shredded coconut (see Tip)
1 pineapple, peeled, eyes removed, cored, and cut into 1-inch (3-cm) pieces
2 1/2 cups (1 pound/450 g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 medium mango, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/2-inch (1.5-cm) cubes
6 tablespoons (75 g) sugar
Juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 cup (125 ml) dark rum
Sponge Cake, 12 by 18-inch (30 by 46-cm) sheet (page 233)
Fresh or dried unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted, for garnish

Steps:

  • To make the coconut custard, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk with the 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the saucepan, then drop in the pod.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and coconut milk until completely smooth. In another small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until combined.
  • When the milk mixture is hot, stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine, then whisk it into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. While whisking constantly, pour about one-third of the hot thickened milk into the egg yolks, then scrape the yolk mixture into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pan, just until the mixture begins to boil (it will be very thick). Remove from the heat and strain into a clean bowl. (The vanilla pod can be rinsed, dried, and used for another purpose; see page 14.) Stir in the 1 cup (70 g) coconut, and refrigerate until chilled. (To speed up the chilling, you can set the bowl containing the custard in a larger bowl filled with ice water.)
  • To make the fruit filling, in a nonreactive skillet, gently cook the pineapple until it is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool completely.
  • Add the strawberries, mango, 6 tablespoons (75 g) sugar, lime juice, and rum to the pineapple and toss gently.
  • To assemble the trifle, use a 2-quart (2-liter) rectangular baking dish with at least 3-inch (8-cm) sides. Remove the parchment paper from the sponge cake and cut out 2 pieces that each fit in the bottom of the baking dish. (You'll need the cake trimmings, so don't eat them!)
  • Spread 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the coconut custard evenly in the bottom of the dish. Place one of the cake pieces on top. Spread half of the fruit filling and some of their juice over the cake.
  • Spread about 1 cup (250 ml) of the coconut custard over the fruit, then place the second cake piece on top. Cover the cake with the remaining fruit filling and juice. Spread another 1 cup (250 ml) of the coconut custard over the fruit, and cover with the cake trimmings, fitting them in a single layer.
  • Finally, spread the remaining coconut custard over the top and refrigerate, uncovered, for about 30 minutes to firm up the top layer of custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled.
  • Scoop out big spoonfuls of the trifle so all the layers of fruit, cake, and custard can be seen. Strew toasted coconut over the top of each serving. The dessert is delicious by served all by itself, but even better in a pool of Raspberry Sauce (page 246), Mango Sauce (page 246), or Strawberry Sauce (page 248).
  • This trifle will keep overnight, but if stored any longer, the juices from the fruit will make the cake too soggy.
  • I prefer to use unsweetened coconut, but if you can only find sweetened coconut, reduce the sugar in the custard by 1 1/2 tablespoons.

Tips:

  • Choose ripe, fresh fruits. This will ensure that your trifle is bursting with flavor.
  • Use a variety of fruits. This will add color, texture, and flavor to your trifle.
  • Don't skimp on the cake. The cake is the base of your trifle, so make sure it's a good one.
  • Use a good quality custard. The custard is what will bind your trifle together, so make sure it's rich and creamy.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making a trifle. Get creative and have fun!

Conclusion:

A tropical fruit and cake trifle is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of colorful fruits, moist cake, and creamy custard, this trifle is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give this tropical fruit and cake trifle a try. You won't be disappointed!

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