Making trifle means making layers. Orange Cinnamon Pecan trifle combines layers of pound cake soaked with Grand Marnier (or orange juice), vanilla pudding, cinnamon streusel crumb topping, toasted pecans, and an orange-flavored whipped cream. Full of flavor and texture, this trifle comes together in a flash for a simple, yet elegant and delicious dessert!
Prepare the pound cake: Brush the pound cake slices with Grand Marnier or orange juice, then slice into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
Prepare the whipped cream: In a medium chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it just starts to thicken, then add the Fiori di Sicilia. Whip the cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form (don't over-whip or you'll get orange-flavored butter).
Assemble the trifle: Try and be as neat as possible as you make the layers. Place a few cubes of pound cake in a low ball glass to cover the bottom, then add a layer of pudding.
Sprinkle some of the cinnamon streusel crumbs, then some pecans. Top it all with a layer of whipped cream.
Repeat the layers, finishing with the whipped cream. Garnish with berries and a few more streusel crumbs.
Refrigerate until ready to eat, taking them out about 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Storage instructions: You can store a trifle in a refrigerator, well wrapped, for up to 3 days. Freezing a trifle isn't recommended because the texture will change and the baked components will get soggy.
Make-ahead instructions: You can make the pound cake, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream ahead and assemble the trifle about 30 minutes before serving, chilling the trifle just long enough for the cake to soften and the whipped cream to firm up.
Recipe Notes
If you use Grand Marnier liqueur, the trifle won't be pregnancy- or kid-friendly. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute orange juice for the Grand Marnier.A word about portion sizes - the actual number of servings you'll get from this trifle will depend on the size of your glass and how high you make the layers. You can also scale the recipe up if you want to make a large trifle in a trifle bowl. Figure about 6 to 8 servings, depending on the size of your bowl.