“Oh say can you… sip!” On the cusp of Fourth of July weekend, I care less about fireworks and more about what kinds of libations and sustenance I’ll be stocking my cooler with. After all, it’s not a celebration without a spread worthy of the occasion.
Feeling extra festive, I decided to opt for a simple, elegant and absolutely delish dessert that’s easy to make, easy to transport and even easier to eat. You won’t even need to turn your oven on for this one.
Loaded with booze-soaked berries, this non-traditional take on a fruit trifle is quick, cool, refreshing and slightly intoxicating. To sweeten the pot, infuse this dessert with a glug of Bainbridge Organic Distillers’ organic vanilla vodka, which will add a touch of real (never artificial) vanilla flavor to this patriotic parfait-style dessert.
You’ll need to turn up the Bruce Springsteen for this one.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 2 hours
Makes: 12 individual servings
Ingredients:
1 pint strawberries, washed and sliced
1 pint blueberries, washed
1 premade angel food cake, chopped into small cubes
½ cup Bainbridge Organic Distillers’ organic vanilla vodka
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the whipped cream:
16-ounce carton heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries, granulated sugar and vodka. Combine well, cover and chill in fridge for two hours.
While berry mixture chills, prepare whipped cream.
In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk together heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. (Note: If you chill the bowl of the stand mixer in the freezer first, the whipped cream will form better.)
Once berry mixture has generated a syrupy vodka-sugar sauce, it’s time to prepare the “trifle.” (Trifle is not traditionally made with whipped cream, but rather a rich, thick pudding-like sauce—I prefer whipped cream, but feel free to experiment and improvise.)
To prepare the individual trifles, layer the bottom of a Mason jar with cake pieces, drizzle with syrup, and top with a layer of berries and whipped cream. Repeat these steps until jar is full.
Preparing this dessert in individual Mason jars is not only festive, but a great way to ensure safe travels in the cooler on the way to your 4th of July barbecues and parties.
