Mary Berry Limoncello Trifle

Name: Mary Berry's Limoncello Trifle
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 14 ounces lemon curd; 1 cup Limoncello; 2 tablespoons corn starch; 2 tablespoons cold water; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream; 1 pint blueberries; 2-3 packages 7-ounce ladyfinger cookies; Lemon wedges for decoration

Delight in the essence of summer with Mary Berry's Limoncello Trifle, a luscious dessert that perfectly marries the tanginess of lemon with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.

Mary Berry's Limoncello Trifle Recipe: A Summer Delight

Cultural or Historical Context Mary Berry's Limoncello Trifle is a twist on the traditional Italian dessert, Tiramisu. By incorporating the zesty flavors of lemon and the smooth texture of cheesecake, this dessert offers a refreshing take that is both innovative and rooted in the classic dessert-making tradition.

Ingredients for the Limoncello Trifle

Lemon Layer: Utilizes 14 ounces of lemon curd and 1 cup of Limoncello, enhanced with 2 tablespoons each of corn starch and cold water for thickening.
Cheesecake Layer: Features 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 ¾ cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream, finished with 1 pint of blueberries for freshness.
Structure: 2-3 packages of 7-ounce ladyfinger cookies (Savoiardi biscuits) provide the base, with lemon wedges for a decorative touch.

Preparation Instructions

Lemon Curd Mixture: Begin by gently simmering lemon curd and Limoncello, thickened with a cornstarch slurry.
Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese until fluffy, then blend with powdered sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
Assembly: Layer ladyfinger cookies at the base of your dish, followed by the limoncello mixture, cheesecake filling, and blueberries. Repeat these layers, finishing with a decorative arrangement of blueberries, lemon, and mint.

Storage and Reheating

To maintain its delightful texture and flavor, cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Ideally, let it chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to fully soak up the limoncello mixture. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.

Nutritional Information

This dessert, with its layers of lemon curd, cream cheese, and Limoncello, is on the indulgent side. A serving will have a significant amount of calories, primarily from the cream cheese and heavy cream, providing a good source of calcium and protein but also high in fats and sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Limoncello Trifle

Can I make it in advance? Yes, it's even recommended to prepare it a day ahead to enhance its flavors.
Is there a non-alcoholic version? You can replace Limoncello with lemon-flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I use frozen blueberries? Fresh blueberries are preferred for texture and taste, but frozen can be used if thawed properly.

Original recipe by Mary Berry, this Limoncello Trifle is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of summer in a bowl. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious weekend treat, it promises to bring a touch of elegance and refreshment to your table.

For a similar inspiration and detailed guidance, refer to recipes like those found on My Cooking Methods and Chef Jean-Pierre.