Should I Overcome My Fear of Making a Trifle? Tips and Tricks for Success!

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and concerns about making trifles, particularly addressing fears related to presentation and artistic ability. Various recipes and tips are discussed, highlighting the enjoyment of trifles despite concerns about their appearance.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses fear of using a trifle bowl due to concerns about artistic presentation.
  • Another participant shares that their Death by Chocolate Trifle may not look pretty, but it tastes amazing, using simple ingredients like box brownie mix and instant pudding.
  • Several users mention that trifles are easy to make by simply layering ingredients, with one participant noting that their trifle never looks neat but still tastes great.
  • One participant identifies as a consultant and shares a cost-effective recipe for a peanut butter cup trifle, emphasizing the affordability of ingredients when on sale.
  • Another participant suggests that the Strawberry Cream Trifle is a good option for beginners, as it requires minimal effort for a pleasing appearance.
  • Some participants note that trifles can be made from various ingredients on hand, including cake, pudding, and fruit, without the need for artistic skills.
  • One participant mentions using cheesecake pudding as a substitute for yogurt in a trifle, sharing their positive experience with it.
  • Another participant humorously reflects on their lack of food styling skills, acknowledging that their dishes may not look like the recipe photos but still taste good.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the importance of presentation, with some participants feeling anxious about how their trifles will look, while others emphasize that taste is what truly matters. No clear consensus emerges regarding the necessity of artistic skills for making trifles.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and recipes, often highlighting the affordability and accessibility of making trifles. The discussion reflects a supportive community atmosphere where individuals encourage each other to try making trifles despite their fears.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and home cooks looking for encouragement and practical tips on making trifles may find this discussion helpful.

Intrepid_Chef
Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
Messages
5,144
OK ... I have the triffle bowl but here's the problem ... I'm afraid to use it!

I am not visually artistic and am afraid that anything I make will look awful! Plus they're a bit pricey to put together at home just to practice!
 
My Death by Chocolate Trifle NEVER looks pretty - but people know that ALL trifles TASTE AMAZING. I changed the Death by Chocolate version a bit by just using a box brownie mix. I use 2 box brownie mix on the LBP, 1 cool whip container, 1 box instant chocolate pudding, and a grated aero bar. It is inexpensive for a show or for yourself.

If you want it to look really nice - I would do something like a salad, layered fruit, or the strawberry trifle that is in the catty.

:)
 
It never looks really "neat"...just layer!!!!It tastes great though - any kind! I took one to work yesterday that was yellow cake, cheesecake pudding, strawberries sliced in the egg slicer and whipped topping. I put sliced strawberries on top to make it look decent.For chocolate ones, I'll grate chocolate chips on top for decoration...
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
OK ... I have the triffle bowl but here's the problem ... I'm afraid to use it!

I am not visually artistic and am afraid that anything I make will look awful! Plus they're a bit pricey to put together at home just to practice!
Click to expand...


Ok, let me address this:

My peanut butter cup trifle ingredients:

1 box brownie mix - sale price or with coupons - about $.99
2 boxes choc. pudding - about $.99 each - sometimes cheaper
2 containers whipped topping - sale $.99 each - generic on sale - $.59 each
1 cup peanut butter - usually on hand but a jar on sale can be as cheap as $.99
peanut butter cups - 8-10 pack for $.99 sale

So, I watch for the sales, stock up on a few things and this one costs me about $6 MAX. for QUITE a few helpings!!!!

You can't beat that!
 
Peanut Butter Cup TrifleAgainst my waistline's better judgement... MUST.Have.Recipe!!!!

:-)
 
IAmChefJ said:
Against my waistline's better judgement... MUST.Have.Recipe!!!!

:-)
Click to expand...

Let me find the thread and bump it - it should be titled something like...
ISO: Janet's Peanut Butter Cup Trifle...
 
The Strawberry Cream Trifle is a great first time trifle. The layers are simply tossed in, no worry about presentation and without any effort it still looks yummy and amazing and the taste matches. Strawberries will be coming into season soon so look out for better prices on them. Otherwise, check out sales and stock up when you have a sale or coupon. Frozen whipped topping can remain frozen for some time, as can most of the other ingredients save for the fresh strawberries since freezing the fresh would change their structure a little... you still probably could, slice 'em and freeze em. What I do to practice is offer to make dessert or something for a dinner or occasion or potluck. It's practice with a purpose and we're not stuck at home the only ones eating it. LOL...
 
I agree with everyone else, there is nothing to it, just layering all the goodies. My favorite is what I call Death By Chocolate. 1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix - bake according to box, let cool and cut into 1x1 cubes. Then you make a box of chocolate pudding according to the directions. You layer: cake, pudding, cool whip, chocolate ice cream topping drizzled on top, caramel ice cream topping drizzled on top and health bar bites. Repeat layers. This is so sinful it's good!
 
I think this bowl makes everything look pretty:thumbup: And, you can make a trifle out of anything you have on hand....cake or brownies, pudding, cool whip, fruit (canned or fresh)...
 
You dont have to be an artist with this bowl, it just happens! It looks good layered, but once the first spoonful goes in, forget it, its a mess! This is probably one of the most "friendliest" pieces PC has!! Get using it!!
 
Di: I am not artistic either believe me...I can't do a paint-by-number if my life depended on it. BUT, I love doing Trifle's. There is no right or wrong to it. Sometimes I even layer incorrectly but nobody notices but me. Remember, we may be Pampered Chef's but we are not Perfect Chef's. JUST DO IT:)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Maybe I'm just emotionally scarred by hearing my co-worker talk about how her experienced consultant "tried" to make a triffle but ended up making a mess ....Anybody have an idea of something to substitute for the yogurt in the Strawberry triffle? My roomate and I are both anti-yogurt, and even if you can barely taste it, I have a feeling we both won't touch it if we know it's in there ....
 
I make this one...and you can substitude strawberries for raspberries. It is delish and MUCH easier then the PC recipe.

Raspberry Chocolate Trifle
Raspberry Chocolate Trifle is made with raspberries and raspberry preserves.

Ingredients:
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 frozen pound cake (10-3/4 ounce loaf), thawed
2 C. fresh OR frozen raspberries, thawed
1 C. raspberry preserves
whipped cream or topping
raspberries for garnish
Preparation:
Mix pudding and milk according to package directions. Chill. Cut pound cake into 1 inch cubes. Place half in small trifle bowl. Gently stir together raspberries and preserves. Spoon half of this mixture over cake.

Pour half of the pudding over raspberries. Repeat layers. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with whipped topping and more raspberries.
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
Maybe I'm just emotionally scarred by hearing my co-worker talk about how her experienced consultant "tried" to make a triffle but ended up making a mess ....

Anybody have an idea of something to substitute for the yogurt in the Strawberry triffle? My roomate and I are both anti-yogurt, and even if you can barely taste it, I have a feeling we both won't touch it if we know it's in there ....
Click to expand...

Haven't looked at that one yet, but the one I mentioned I made for work I used cheescake pudding. It was good...

Vanilla pudding may work well too...just add extra fresh strawberries!
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
Maybe I'm just emotionally scarred by hearing my co-worker talk about how her experienced consultant "tried" to make a triffle but ended up making a mess ....

Anybody have an idea of something to substitute for the yogurt in the Strawberry triffle? My roomate and I are both anti-yogurt, and even if you can barely taste it, I have a feeling we both won't touch it if we know it's in there ....
Click to expand...

If it's any consolation folks who ate the trifle I made never knew there was yogurt in it. And I used Stonyfield yogurt which is a distinctly yogurty taste yet it was not noticable at all in the trifle. I think if you used a less tart yogurt like Breyers or Yoplait it would be even more undetectable.

But I guess you could substitute whatever you want. Just layer stuff in... even just cut up fruit with layers of cool whip would be good... think of it as a GIANT parfait glass and have at it... .layers of fresh strawberries or blueberries or melon, cool whip and granola or angel food cake or pound cake... can't get any easier than that... mix and match and have fun!
 
Tips on Trifle Building:
(for those that think it will look "messy")1. Wipe the bowl after each layer if anything gets on the edges
2. For layering filling: Put filling in ziplock baggie. Cut corner and squeeze. Carefully nudge towards edges. Viola! clean layers-meryl
 
The strawberry creme trifle is easy to make and looks nice. I struggled with the Raspberry Chocolate Trifle though, it tasted good, but did not look like it did in the recipe book :)
 
merego said:
The strawberry creme trifle is easy to make and looks nice. I struggled with the Raspberry Chocolate Trifle though, it tasted good, but did not look like it did in the recipe book :)
Click to expand...

That's because you're not a food stylist!! ;)
 
Ha ha, I wish I was a food stylist :) My greek cheese Torta didn't look like the recipe either, although it was gone in 10 minutes and people loved it :)
 
Trifles are not hard at all!

Try one and you will see!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a trifle and why should I try making one?

A trifle is a layered dessert typically made with sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream. It's a visually appealing dish that can be customized to your taste. Making a trifle can be a fun and creative process, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures while impressing your friends and family.

What are some common fears people have about making a trifle?

Common fears include the worry of the dessert not setting properly, the layers not looking perfect, or the flavors not blending well. Many people also fear that they won't be able to achieve the right balance of ingredients or that their trifle will not taste as good as those made by professionals.

How can I overcome my fear of making a trifle?

Start by familiarizing yourself with the recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients. Practice makes perfect, so consider making a smaller version first. Remember that trifles are meant to be rustic and layered, so imperfections can add to their charm. Focus on enjoying the process rather than stressing about the outcome.

What tips can help me succeed in making a trifle?

Choose a recipe that matches your skill level and taste preferences. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, and allow each layer to set before adding the next. Don't be afraid to get creative with your layers, incorporating different fruits, cakes, or creams. Finally, remember that presentation matters; use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers.

Can I make a trifle ahead of time?

Yes, trifles can be made ahead of time, which can help alleviate stress on the day you plan to serve it. However, it's best to assemble the trifle a few hours before serving to ensure the layers remain distinct and the dessert stays fresh. If you're using ingredients that may soften, consider adding them closer to serving time.

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