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American Breakfast Dessert Gluten-Free Vegetarian

Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle

Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle in a glass bowl on a wooden table.

Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle in a glass bowl on a wooden table.

Hello, food enthusiasts! I’m Sarina Amiri, and today I am thrilled to share with you my Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle. Get ready to awaken your taste buds with a burst of zesty lemon, juicy berries, and fluffy whipped cream! This delightful trifle is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible morning treat for anyone looking to start their day on a delicious note.

Lebanese woman with dark curly hair and a colorful scarf at the farmer's market.

Sarina Amiri is a Lebanese-American artist whose passion lies in transforming everyday ingredients into culinary works of art. Her vibrant creations mirror her eclectic background, weaving together flavors and colors inspired by her rich multicultural heritage. When she’s not in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, Sarina can be found exploring the world through her camera lens, capturing moments of beauty and intrigue. She believes in the power of food to connect people across borders and cultures, and her creations reflect this belief.

Sarina Amiri currently resides in the United States and grew up in Lebanon.

Hailing from Lebanon, a country known for its rich culinary heritage, creating delectable dishes is in my blood. The Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle resonates with me as it combines the freshness of Lebanese cuisine with the comfort of a hearty breakfast. In Lebanon, meals are a celebration of flavors and textures, and this trifle encapsulates that spirit perfectly.

The Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle draws inspiration from the vibrant food culture of Beirut cafes, where locals gather to enjoy leisurely breakfasts with a side of good conversation. The zesty lemon curd pays homage to the Middle Eastern love for citrus flavors, while the array of fresh berries brings a burst of color reminiscent of the bustling markets of Lebanon. This recipe is a fusion of tradition and creativity, embodying the essence of Lebanese cuisine in each luscious spoonful.

Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle in a glass bowl on a wooden table.

What you need

Get ready to treat your taste buds to a symphony of flavors with my Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle! Picture this: layers of heavenly light angel food cake mingling with zesty lemon curd and a vibrant ensemble of fresh berries, all topped off with luscious whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh mint. First, I dive into preparing the juicy berries and cubing the cake, setting the stage for a trifle masterpiece. Then, I artfully layer the ingredients in a trifle dish, creating a colorful mosaic of textures and tastes. Finally, I crown this dessert delight with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and delicate mint leaves, transforming breakfast into a fiesta for the senses. Are you ready to indulge in a morning treat fit for a cozy coffee shop gathering? Let’s whip up this delectable trifle and savor every spoonful of citrusy sweetness and berry bliss!

Ingredients:

  • Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – Colorful and juicy mixed berries add a burst of sweetness and freshness to the trifle, balancing the tartness of the lemon. Feel free to choose your favorite berries or use frozen ones if fresh is not available.
  • Angel food cake, cubed – Light and airy angel food cake provides a delicate texture to the trifle, soaking up the flavors of the lemon and berries. Substitute with pound cake or sponge cake if needed.
  • Lemon curd – The zesty and creamy lemon curd is the star of this recipe, infusing the trifle with tangy citrus notes. You can make your own or use store-bought lemon curd for convenience.
  • Whipped cream – Velvety whipped cream adds a luscious richness to the trifle, complementing the fruity and citrusy flavors. Use dairy or non-dairy whipped topping as a substitute.
  • Fresh mint leaves – Sprigs of fresh mint not only enhance the presentation of the trifle but also provide a hint of herbal aroma that pairs well with the lemon and berries. Optional but recommended for a finishing touch.

Utensils:

  • Trifle dish – Recommended for layering and presenting the trifle beautifully, but a glass bowl or individual serving glasses can be used as alternatives.
  • Spatula – Helps in spreading and smoothing out the layers of the trifle, but a spoon or fork can also be used.
  • Knife – For cutting the angel food cake into cubes, essential for the recipe.
  • Mixing bowl – To whip the cream and assemble the trifle layers; a large bowl is ideal for convenience.
  • Whisk – Useful for whipping the cream to soft peaks and incorporating air for a light texture.

Fresh Berries: Bursting with Vibrant Flavors

Fresh berries, ah, where do I even start? These little jewels of nature are a powerhouse of flavor and color, adding a burst of freshness to any dish. In this trifle, the medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes. Berries are not just delicious; they are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making them a guilt-free indulgence in this luscious dessert. Who knew something so small could bring so much joy to my taste buds?

Assorted fresh berries in a wooden basket.

Angel Food Cake: Heavenly Lightness in Every Bite

Angel food cake, the ethereal creation of sponge cake heavens – light as a feather, sweet as a dream. This cake practically dissolves on my tongue, soaking up all the citrusy goodness of the lemon curd and the juicy berries in the trifle. While some may argue that angel food cake lacks the richness of its buttery cousins, its airy texture is precisely what makes it a star in this dessert. Indulging in this heavenly confection feels like a guilt-free pleasure, a delicate dance of flavors and textures that leaves me floating on cloud nine.

Cubed angel food cake on a porcelain plate.

What to serve it with?

I love serving my Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle with a steaming cup of freshly brewed Turkish coffee. The rich, robust flavor of the coffee beautifully complements the citrusy notes of the trifle, creating a perfect harmony of taste. This pairing holds a special place in my heart, as the ritual of enjoying Turkish coffee with a sweet treat is a cherished tradition in my Lebanese family. The warm aroma of the coffee mingling with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the trifle creates a delightful sensory experience that transports me back to the cozy gatherings of my childhood, filled with love, laughter, and endless culinary delights.

Authentic Turkish coffee on a Lebanese-inspired table setting.

Summary

As I bid you farewell, dear readers, I encourage you to embark on your own culinary adventure and whip up this Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle in your kitchen. I would love to hear about your experience with this recipe – do you prefer a different combination of berries, or have you tried adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra crunch? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s exchange ideas to elevate this trifle to new heights of deliciousness together. Remember, in the realm of cooking, the joy truly lies in the journey of experimentation and creation. Until next time, happy cooking and may your breakfast trifle be as vibrant and delightful as a sunshine-filled morning in Beirut!

Here’s the recipe:

Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle in a glass bowl on a wooden table.

Central Perk Lemon and Berry Breakfast Trifle

Sarina Amiri
Indulge in a refreshing and vibrant breakfast delight inspired by the iconic TV series 'Friends.' This trifle is a sweet symphony of lemony freshness and juicy berries, perfect for starting your day with a smile.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Trifle dish
  • spatula
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 3 cups Angel food cake, cubed
  • 1 cup Lemon curd
  • 1 cup Whipped cream
  • for garnish Fresh mint leaves

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients - Wash the fresh berries thoroughly and pat them dry. Cube the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the lemon curd is at room temperature for easy layering.
  • Assemble the Trifle Layers - In a trifle dish, start by layering angel food cake cubes at the bottom. Spoon a generous amount of lemon curd over the cake, followed by a layer of mixed berries. Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used up, ending with a final dollop of lemon curd on top.
  • Finish with Whipped Cream and Mint - Cover the final layer of lemon curd with a smooth layer of whipped cream. Garnish the trifle with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

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