trifle??

So I was going to make a roulade-type birthday cake with homemade lemon curd. My gènoise sponge didn't turn out well: I overbaked it and it refused to roll. The texture is too dry. Rather than dump it and start over can I layer it with berries as a trifle? I have to moisten it somehow and balance all the flavors coming at you: the lemon-zest flavored gènoise, the tart curd, the berries which can also be tart this time of year. So I thought of moistening the cake with just a simple syrup rather than another tart lemon syrup, mixing the curd with whipped cream and layering with berries. Have never made a trifle though. Can anyone suggest ideas? Should the whipped cream be made with a little confectioners sugar (containing cornstarch) to support it? Everything will be made a day or two in advance... Could any of you suggest some ideas? Should I add layers of plain whipped cream in addition to the lemon-curd whipped cream blend? As to the serving container, I only have a glass ice bucket, so it's a little deeper than a trifle dish. How big to cut the spongecake "fingers"? How to go about this??

creamtea
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4 Comments

Jennifer W.
Jennifer W. June 25, 2017
I agree with HalfPint regarding the layers- I always like to have two wet layers- sweetened whipped cream (has to be real for me though!:)) and pudding/custard. Ive made so many but honestly havent seen any need to stabilize my whipped cream or moistening the cake when made several days in advance everything melds together beautifully! I also dont bother cubing the cake- I just cut a circle to fit the pan I use. Dont take it too seriously because its hard to go wrong here. Sounds like your tall glass bucket will be nice and dramatic:)
 
HalfPint
HalfPint June 15, 2017
The beauty of a trifle is that you can do pretty much anything. That said, my preference is whipped cream layered into the body of the trifle not just on top. I like somewhat distinctive layers of curd and cream, as opposed to mixing the curd and cream together. As for size of spongecake, 2 inch chunks works for me. It does not need to be perfect. I would look for a gelatin stabilized whipped cream since you'll be making this a day or two before. I have no qualms about using Cool Whip (which I love) ;)
I don't find the need for a syrup. A full-on is pretty darn good and moist without a need for a syrup. That's why there's lots of whipped cream in my trifles.

If you want a berry lemon trifle, I would scatter the berries or macerate them in a little sugar which would negate the need for a syrup.

Hmmm. Now I want trifle...
 
HalfPint
HalfPint June 20, 2017
oy, that should be "a full-on trifle".
 
Nancy
Nancy June 15, 2017
Here are two models for you to work with, adaptable for your ingredients.
One is from Felicity Cloake (Guardian newspaper) who's been writing a column for years about "how to make the perfect x" where she reviews the waterfront on recipes for a popular dish, gives you alternatives, and ends with her composite recommendation ...the so-called "perfect" one. I find her reliable. Here's a link:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/dec/22/how-to-make-perfect-trifle
If the British directions (including package of this or that cookie, not specified, but usually about 150-200 grams or 5-7 oz each) is too odd, look at this lemon blueberry one from Canada, closer by ingredients & with more understandable quantities.
http://www.cbc.ca/inthekitchen/2013/01/lemon-blueberry-trifle.html
You have leeway on how to cut the cake as, by the time the dish has finished chilling and is served, you don't see individual pieces of cake, as such, but the misture of cake, custard, fruit, cream.
For moistening, you can use a simple syrup or one with some liqueur flavoring to boost the total dish.
 
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