Cranberry Orange Trifles Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Trifles are a delightful holiday dessert that combines the sweet-tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of orange. This easy-to-make treat layers pound cake, cranberry sauce, and whipped topping for a fresh and decadent flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cake (about 12 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1-2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cups whipped topping, thawed
• Fresh cranberries or orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce, orange zest, and orange juice until well mixed.
2. Step 2: In serving glasses or a large trifle dish, start with a layer of pound cake cubes.
3. Step 3: Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cake, then add a layer of whipped topping.
4. Step 4: Repeat the layers until your glasses or trifle dish are full, ending with a layer of whipped topping.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange zest.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Tips & Variations

• For an adult twist, add a splash of orange liqueur or brandy to the cranberry mixture.
• Swap pound cake for angel food cake for a lighter texture.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries can be gently cooked with sugar to create your own cranberry sauce.
• Use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping for a richer taste.

Storage

Store the trifles covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld best after a few hours, but serving within two days keeps the cake from becoming soggy. Reheat is not recommended—serve chilled for the best texture and taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cranberry Orange Trifles ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the trifles several hours ahead and refrigerate. Letting them sit for 2-4 hours helps the flavors meld beautifully.

What can I substitute if I don’t have orange zest?

If you don’t have orange zest, use a small amount of orange extract or finely grated lemon zest for a similar citrusy brightness.

Cranberry Orange Trifles Recipe

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Cranberry Orange Trifles are a delightful and easy-to-make holiday dessert featuring layers of moist pound cake, sweet-tart whole berry cranberry sauce infused with bright orange zest and juice, and smooth whipped topping. This fresh and decadent treat is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort and can be prepared ahead of time to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time (optional 2-4 hours)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Trifle Components

• 1 pound cake (about 12 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1–2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cups whipped topping, thawed
• Fresh cranberries or orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Cranberry Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce with orange zest and orange juice. Stir thoroughly until evenly mixed to infuse the sauce with a bright citrus flavor.
2. Layer Pound Cake: Arrange a layer of the cubed pound cake at the bottom of individual serving glasses or a large trifle dish, ensuring an even base for the layers.
3. Add Cranberry Layer: Spoon a generous amount of the cranberry-orange mixture evenly over the pound cake layer, allowing the flavors to soak into the cake.
4. Top with Whipped Topping: Add a layer of the thawed whipped topping over the cranberry layer, spreading it evenly to create a creamy contrast.
5. Repeat Layers: Continue layering the pound cake cubes, cranberry mixture, and whipped topping until the glasses or dish are filled. Finish with a final layer of whipped topping on top.
6. Garnish: Decorate the top of the trifles with fresh cranberries and orange zest or orange slices for a festive and colorful presentation.
7. Chill or Serve Immediately: Serve the trifles immediately for a fresh texture, or refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the dessert to chill thoroughly before serving.

Notes

• Use freshly grated orange zest to maximize citrus flavor and aroma.
• For a homemade touch, you can substitute store-bought pound cake and whipped topping with homemade versions.
• If you prefer less sweetness, consider reducing the amount of whipped topping used.
• These trifles can be prepared several hours in advance, making them ideal for holiday entertaining.
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted coconut between layers if desired.

Keywords: cranberry orange trifles, holiday dessert, no-bake dessert, layered dessert, easy trifles, fruit and whipped cream dessert