Winter Berry Layered Dessert (Printable)

A festive dessert combining juicy winter berries, creamy custard, and fluffy whipped cream layers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Berries

01 - 2 cups frozen mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, red currants)
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Sponge Layer

04 - 12 ladyfingers or 10 ounces sliced pound cake
05 - 1/3 cup berry liqueur or orange juice

→ Custard

06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 4 large egg yolks
08 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Whipped Cream

11 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
12 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Garnish (optional)

14 - Fresh berries
15 - Grated chocolate or toasted flaked almonds
16 - Mint leaves

# Directions:

01 - Combine frozen mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until berries are soft and juicy, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
02 - Heat whole milk in a medium saucepan until steaming, avoiding boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk hot milk into the egg mixture. Return to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and cool completely.
03 - Place half of the ladyfingers or pound cake slices in the base of a trifle dish or glass bowl. Drizzle with half of the berry liqueur or orange juice. Spread half of the cooled berry mixture over the cake layer, then layer with half of the custard. Repeat with remaining cake, liqueur, berries, and custard.
04 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form.
05 - Spread whipped cream over the top custard layer. Garnish with fresh berries, grated chocolate or almonds, and mint leaves as desired.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • It looks impressive but forgives almost every mistake you make along the way.
  • The tartness of winter berries cuts through all that cream and makes each spoonful feel balanced instead of heavy.
  • You can build it the night before and pull it from the fridge looking like you spent all day in the kitchen.
02 -
  • Let the custard cool completely before layering it or the warmth will turn your whipped cream into soup.
  • If the custard starts to look lumpy while cooking, pull it off the heat and whisk hard until it smooths out again.
  • Use a clear dish so people can see all the layers, it makes the whole thing feel more special than it really is.
03 -
  • Brush the cake with liqueur or juice instead of drizzling if you want more control over how much it soaks up.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream and it will come together faster and hold its shape longer.
  • Taste the berries after cooking and add more lemon or sugar if they need it, frozen fruit can be unpredictable.

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