Summer Trifle

Combination of chocolate cake, homemade whipped cream, pudding, and strawberries: how can you go wrong?

I received a trifle bowl for a wedding present and last summer I decided to put it to good use.  I made up this recipe last summer after researching trifles.  I have made a few variations on this, one with banana cake and one with white cake, but I have found that this is the best version.  Great for a summer cookout!

Ingredients

Chocolate cake mix (or ingredients to make a chocolate cake)
1 (3oz) package either vanilla or french vanilla instant pudding mix
1 pint heavy cream
6 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 lb strawberries


Chocolate Layer
1) Prepare the chocolate cake and allow it to cool completely.
2) Chop up cake and crumble into pieces.

Whipped Pudding Layer


You are going to make both instant pudding and homemade whipped cream for this layer and then mix them together.

1) Place bowl and mixer attachment (that will be used for whipped cream) in freezer for at least fifteen minutes.


2) Prepare instant pudding according to directions and refrigerate.

Soft Set

3) Mix heavy cream on high speed until soft set.

4) Add powdered sugar and vanilla.  Stir.

5) Continue mixing on high speed until peaks form.

Peaks Formed

6) Mix together the pudding and half of the whipped cream.

7) Reserve the remaining whipped cream for the top of the trifle.

Strawberry Layer


1) Hull and chop strawberries.

Layer in this order:
Whipped Pudding Layer Chocolate Layer Strawberry Layer

Continue to layer until you reach the top of the bowl.

When you get to the top, place whipped cream on top and place a few strawberries.

Refrigerate for a few hours if possible before enjoying.