Punch Bowl Pudding(English Trifle)

Prep: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A colorful and fruity layered dessert featuring angel food cake, strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, soaked in strawberry jello, perfect for gatherings and festive occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large angel food cake
  • 1 large box strawberry jello
  • 2 scant cups boiling water
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 2 boxes sliced frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
  • 1 large can fruit cocktail, drained
  • 5 or 6 large bananas, sliced into wheels
  • 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained

Instructions

  1. Coat sliced frozen strawberries with juice from 2 oranges or 3 tablespoons lemon juice to prevent darkening.
  2. Dissolve the strawberry jello in 2 scant cups boiling water, then add 2 cups ice cubes to cool.
  3. Cut the angel food cake into cubes and layer in a punch bowl or trifle dish.
  4. Add drained sliced strawberries, drained fruit cocktail, sliced bananas, and drained crushed pineapple over the cake.
  5. Pour the cooled jello mixture over the layered ingredients to soak.
  6. Chill the dessert for several hours or until set before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the fruit mixture. If you want to substitute, any jello flavor can work, and you could use fresh strawberries instead of frozen. For a lighter version, use a sugar-free jello mix. Make sure the fruit is well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the pudding.

Serving Suggestions

This Punch Bowl Pudding is perfect for summer gatherings or holiday parties. Serve it chilled in individual cups for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a delightful dessert after a hearty meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert may become soggy over time, so it's best consumed fresh. If you need to reassemble, layer fresh cake and fruit before pouring the jello mixture again for optimal texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Punch Bowl Pudding(English Trifle) contains roughly 153 calories, with 1g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

153 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 38.9g 14% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 16.5g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 11.7mg 1% DV
Potassium 337.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 2.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 17.9mg 20% DV
Calcium 17.9mg 1% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pudding a day ahead?

Yes, you can prepare this pudding a day in advance. Just ensure it's sealed properly in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, but avoid adding bananas until just before serving to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of angel food cake?

If you need a substitute for angel food cake, consider using a pound cake for a denser texture or a sponge cake for a lighter option. Both will work well with the fruit and jello layers.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make a lighter version, use sugar-free jello and a low-calorie angel food cake. You can also add more fresh fruit and reduce the amount of cake to balance the flavors while still enjoying a delicious dessert.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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