Granola Custard Triffle with Fresh Fruit

What is a Trifle?
A Trifle is a dessert with layers of cream and fruit with a sponge cake or some
other form of cake or cookie, such as a ladyfinger.

It was so much fun to create this exciting dessert.  I was thinking, "how
great it would be if I were to create a granola, but also incorporate
tiny cubes of raisin bread".  This way, the bread could replace the cake, giving
the trifle a nice tasty crunch, when baked.
Adding the oats and almonds gives this recipe a nutty chewing effect, which you
would be expecting to find.  The slightly sweet flavors
 from the honey and sweet and savory from the pungent taste
and aroma of the cinnamon, brings this dessert to a new level.
Can you just taste it now?

Make this recipe ahead of time and chill.  You will be
pleasantly surprised how amazing this is.

This recipe can also be assembled into individual dessert bowl.
No time to make the custard?
Make this dessert with layers of your favorite yogurt.

Italian Custard Ingredients:

3/4 cups sugar

6 egg yolks

2/3 cups whipping cream

2 (8) ozs mascarpone cheese

2 TBS marsala wine

Directions:

1.  In medium size saucepan mix together sugar, yolks and cream.  Place on medium heat and stir continuously until starts to thicken (approx 5 mins).  Remove from heat and add to separate bowl.  Let cool for approx 15 mins.
2.  Add the mascarpone cheese and Marsala Wine and stir until incorporated.  Use electric mixer, if needed.  Cover 

Note: Custard may also be made in double boiler.

Granola Ingredients:

8 slices Three Bakers Raisin Bread

1 cup gluten free oats

6 TBS butter, melted

1/2 cup honey, I use local raw 

1 TBS cinnamon

1 TBS vanilla

1/3 cup sliced almonds

pinch salt

Granola Directions:

1.  Make small stacks of bread.  Slice into 1/4 inch slices.  Turn bread and slice opposite direction, making 1/4 inch cubes.  Place in bowl.

2.  Add all other ingredients to bowl.  Toss well making sure all bread and oats are coated.

3.  Place on large baking sheet.  Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for approx 13-15 mins.  Bread should be slightly toasted.  Remove and cool

Note:  Do not cover while still warm, if making ahead of time.  Let it dry out.

Fruit:

1 pint raspberries

4 ripe bananas

2 cups peaches, ripe

5 kiwi, ripe

Or any other type of fresh fruit

To Layer Triffle:

In large Triffle Bowl add approx 1/4 of the granola to bottom.  Add 1/4 of the custard on top of granola.  Add one variety of fruit across the custard.  Repeat these directions for remaining ingredients.  

Note:  Recipe may also be made with your favorite yogurt.