Classic English Trifle

🧂 Ingredients

• 300 g Sponge cake or ladyfingers(Store-bought or homemade. Day-old cake works well.)
• 100 ml Sweet sherry(Or to taste. Amontillado or medium sherry is traditional. Can substitute with fruit juice for an alcohol-free version.)
• 600 ml Ready-made custard(Or homemade custard. Ensure it's thick enough to hold its shape.)
• 400 g Mixed berries or fruit(Fresh or frozen (thawed). Strawberries, raspberries, and peaches are popular choices. If using larger fruits, chop them into bite-sized pieces.)
• 400 ml Heavy whipping cream(Chilled. For whipping.)
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar(Optional, for whipping cream.)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract(Optional, for whipping cream.)
• Optional Toasted flaked almonds or grated chocolate(For decoration.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the base: Cut the sponge cake into 1-inch cubes or slices. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a large glass trifle bowl (approximately 2-liter capacity). Drizzle the sherry evenly over the sponge, ensuring it's well-soaked but not swimming. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to absorb.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
2. 2

   Add the fruit layer: Scatter the prepared berries or fruit evenly over the sherry-soaked sponge. If using larger fruits, ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Pour the custard: Gently pour the custard over the fruit layer, ensuring it covers the fruit completely and reaches the edges of the bowl. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Chill the trifle: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4 hours, to allow the custard to set firmly and the flavors to meld. The longer it chills, the better the layers will hold.

   ⏱️ 2-4 hours
5. 5

   Whip the cream: Just before serving, pour the chilled heavy whipping cream into a clean bowl. Add the optional sugar and vanilla extract. Whip using an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Top and decorate: Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled trifle. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream evenly over the custard layer, creating a smooth or decorative finish. Garnish with toasted flaked almonds, grated chocolate, or a few fresh berries, if desired.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Ensure each layer is distinct and visible through the glass bowl for the classic trifle presentation.
• ✓Sherry is the traditional alcohol, but other sweet wines or even fruit juices can be used.
• ✓For an alcohol-free version, use fruit juice that complements your chosen fruit, such as orange juice or apple juice.
• ✓Make sure your custard is thick enough; a runny custard will make the layers blend together.

🔄 Variations

• Alcohol-free: Replace sherry with fruit juice (e.g., orange, apple, or berry juice).
• Jelly layer: Add a layer of set jelly (jello) over the fruit before adding the custard. Allow the jelly to set completely before proceeding.
• Different cakes: Use Madeira cake, pound cake, or even stale gingerbread for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate trifle: Use chocolate sponge cake and a chocolate custard.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving