Fresh Berry Trifle

Make a simple syrup by combining the 1/4 cup sugar with the lemon juice and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

While this is cooling slice the store-bought pound cake then brush the syrup over each slice, covering each side. This seems like an easy step to omit, but it really adds so much flavor and moisture to the cake. Then quarter each slice of cake.

Beat the cream cheese and sugar together. Scrape the vanilla bean into the mixture. Slowly add cream and continue to beat until soft whipped cream forms.

In a glass trifle dish layer pieces of the cake in the bottom, top with whipped cream and berries, alternating layers until trifle dish is full. Garnish with fresh berries on top. Cover and refrigerate at least an hour.