Looking for a light dessert that can be made ahead? The following Lemon Cream Cheese Trifle may be perfect. It is not only a pretty dessert, but also delicious.


18 Servings

Lemon Filling:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 cups water
2/3 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, (optional)
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 ounce softened cream cheese
4 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar

Lemon Curd:
4 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
3 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice, (about 2 1/2 large lemons)
1 pinch salt
4 tablespoons butter

8 cups pound cake, cut into 1" cubes
1/2 cup lemoncello liqueur

Sweetened whipped cream

1. Lemon Filling: Mix the 1 1/2 cups sugar and cornstarch; add the water, lemon juice, and egg yolks.
2. Microwave on high power, stirring every minute, until clear and thick, 3-5 minutes.
3. Add cream cheese and stir to melt.
4. Cool while preparing meringue.
5. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add the 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold into the cooled lemon mixture.
7. Lemon Curd: beat the yolks and sugar until well blended.
8. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
9. Microwave on high stirring every minute, until thickened and mixture coats a spoon but is still liquid enough to pour; make sure it doesn't boil.
10. Press the mixture through a fine sieve and refrigerate until thickened.
11. Assembly: Toss the liqueur with the pound cake cubes.
12. Place 1/3 of the cubes on the bottom of a standard trifle bowl; top with 1/3 of the lemon filling.
13. Drizzle 1/3 of the lemon curd over the lemon filling.
14. Add another layer of cake cubes, lemon filling, and lemon curd.
15. Add the remaining cake cubes; top with the remaining lemon filling, then the remaining lemon curd.
16. Cover with plastic wrap and chill several hours.
17. Pipe sweetened whipped decoratively over the trifle and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 398 Calories from Fat 123
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 31% Protein 5% Carb. 61%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 167 mg
Sodium 255 mg
Total Carbohydrate 61 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 30 g
Protein 5 g

Vitamin A 8% Vitamin C 11% Calcium 0% Iron 4%