Introduction
It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time to indulge in some decadent desserts. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both festive and tangy, look no further than this gingerbread lemon curd trifle. With layers of moist gingerbread, creamy lemon curd, and fluffy whipped cream, this trifle is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 box gingerbread mix
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 jar lemon curd
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Candied ginger, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the gingerbread mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the gingerbread cool completely, then cut it into small cubes.
- In a large trifle dish or glass bowl, layer the gingerbread cubes and lemon curd, starting with the gingerbread on the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top of the trifle.
- Garnish with candied ginger, if desired.
- Chill the trifle for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this gingerbread lemon curd trifle (1/12 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 29g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
This gingerbread lemon curd trifle takes approximately 1 hour to prepare, including baking time.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Trifle dish or glass bowl
- Electric mixer
Serving Suggestions
This gingerbread lemon curd trifle is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. It’s perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different flavors and textures in this trifle. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Swap out the lemon curd for raspberry or strawberry jam.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas or fresh berries.
- Top with crushed gingersnap cookies or chopped nuts.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions you can make:
- Instead of using a boxed gingerbread mix, you can make your own from scratch using flour, sugar, molasses, and spices.
- If you don’t have lemon curd, you can use lemon pudding or custard instead.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Storage
This gingerbread lemon curd trifle can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect gingerbread lemon curd trifle:
- Make sure the gingerbread is completely cool before assembling the trifle. If it’s still warm, it can cause the whipped cream to melt.
- Use a trifle dish or glass bowl to show off the layers of the trifle.
- For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top of the whipped cream.
Notes
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, depending on the size of your trifle dish or glass bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this trifle up to a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this trifle?
No, this trifle is not suitable for freezing. The whipped cream will become grainy and the gingerbread will become soggy when thawed.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer. However, keep in mind that it may change the overall flavor of the trifle.
Personal Thoughts
As someone who loves both gingerbread and lemon desserts, this trifle is a dream come true for me. The combination of spicy gingerbread and tangy lemon curd is absolutely delicious, and the fluffy whipped cream adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Plus, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!