a lovely living

It must be the beautiful spring weather that has me in the mood to not only change up my wardrobe but also to start incorporating more fresh and lighter foods. Although this dessert isn’t necessarily ‘lighter’ in fat or calories (unless you’re counting the fact that I used reduced fat Oreos and cream cheese?), it’s certainly a fun and refreshing treat for your family or friends to enjoy. Both of my children loved being involved in the prep work for this one. I think they were just drawn into the layering action….or the Oreos…that’s more likely. Regardless, it’s awesome. Just make sure to chill it for a while before preparing the individual servings. I’d say closer to 2 hours to make sure it has time to chill through. The colder the better in my opinion.

Banana Nutella Trifle via Glorious Treats:

Ingredients:

Oreo Crumble
10 whole oreos
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Whipped Cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Nutella Cream
4 oz. (1/2 of a block) cream cheese
1/3 cup Nutella (hazelnut spread)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup powdered sugar

2 ripe bananas

Directions:

Prepare oreo crumble-
Place cookies (cookie and filling) in a large ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies. Place crumbs in a bowl and pour melted butter onto crumbs. Stir until crumbs are evenly moist. Spread crumbs onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350*F for 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. (Crumbs may appear soft and/or oily when still hot, but will become crisper as they cool).

Whipped cream-
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add vanilla and powdered sugar (while mixing) and continue to beat until the cream has more than doubled in volume and when you stop the mixer and lift up the whisk, the cream stays in place. Be careful not to over beat, or the cream will become clumpy and too stiff. Scoop finished whipped cream into a bowl and keep in the fridge as you prepare the remaining layers.

Prepare Nutella cream-
In the bowl of an electric mixer (no need to wash if there are small remnants of whipped cream), beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Nutella and blend until fully incorporated. Continue mixing and slowly pour in heavy cream. Beat until the cream is fully incorporated and the mixture has thickened and increase in volume. Add vanilla and powdered sugar (while mixing). Mix until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is light and fluffy. Place in the refrigerator until ready to assemble desserts (up to 2 hours).

Assemble dessert-
Both the whipped cream and the Nutella cream can be placed (separately) in a large piping bag or large ziplock bag for easy (and prettier) layering. You may also simply spoon those elements into the dishes.
Slice bananas.
Begin assembly by adding a spoonful of oreo crumble to the bottom of each dish. Add a layer of Nutella cream, then a layer of sliced banana. Repeat layers… crumbs, Nutella, bananas. Add a layer of whipped cream and garnish with a slice or two of banana and a few oreo crumbs. Garnish just before serving. If making ahead, the desserts can be store in the refrigerator (without the garnish) for up to 2 hours. Save 1/2 of a banana (in the peel) and slice just before serving.

I’ve had this recipe on my radar for a while now. I finally got around to making it for a Staff Appreciation lunch at my son’s school a few week’s ago and I barely got a bite of it before it had disappeared! It always makes me nervous serving something before I get a chance to try it, but apparently I had nothing to worry about with this one. I decided to make it again to take to my parents for Easter dessert. I finally had a full piece to myself (with the exception of bites my daughter stole) and it really is wonderful. Dense, moist and full of amazing flavor. Perfect with coffee for breakfast, an afternoon treat with tea or dessert with a glass of milk :) This one’s a keeper.

Recipe via A Spicy Perspective:

Ingredients:

For the Blueberry Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all purpose Gold Medal Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
Zest of 2 lemons
1 pound fresh blueberries

For the Buttermilk Glaze:

3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup powdered sugar

For the Oat Crumble Topping:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons oats
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions:

For the blueberry cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle lightly with flour. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the flour and buttermilk, alternating each, until all incorporated. Finally beat in the lemon zest before turning the mixer off. Use a spoon the stir in half the blueberries.

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and sprinkle the remaining blueberries over the top. Bake for 60-80 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before flipping out onto a cooling rack. DO NOT try flipping the cake any earlier than 20 minutes, or the cake will stick. Promise! Waiting 30+ minutes is safer.

Once the cake is cooling on the rack, mix the oat crumble. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and pinch with your fingers to blend the ingredients and break into small pieces. Sprinkle the mixture over a baking sheet and bake in the heated oven for 5-10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet before proceeding.

For the glaze, whisk the buttermilk and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the cake and immediately sprinkle the oat crumble over the top of the cake before the glaze dries.