LAYERED STRAWBERRY TRIFLE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

SYRUP:

• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

LAYERS:

• 12 ounces pound cake or butter loaf (store bought is ok)
• 8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 cups fresh strawberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the lemon syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, lemon juice and water to a boil over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar completely. Let cool.
2. Slice the cake into 3/4-inch slices. Brush lemon syrup over both sides of each cake slice. Quarter each slice.
3. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese with the sugar on high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium and slowly add the cream. Continue beating until the mixture resembles soft whipped cream.
4. Arrange half of the cake pieces in the bottom of a glass serving bowl or dish (2 quart size is sufficient). Spoon half the cream-cheese mixture over the cake in dollops; spreading to the sides of the dish. Scatter half of the strawberries on top. Repeat layering with cake, cream cheese and berries. Pile additional strawberries on top.
5. Cover and refrigerate until chilled (about an hour). You may also refrigerate overnight.