english trifle dessert recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best english trifle dessert recipe

I have always been fascinated by the English trifle dessert recipe. Its origins date back to the 16th century, and it’s believed to have been created by the noble classes as a way to use up leftover bread, fruit, and other ingredients.

The name ‘trifle’ itself is thought to come from the Old French word ‘trufle,’ meaning a mixture of sweet and savory ingredients. I love that this recipe is not only delicious but also has a rich history behind it.

When I make English trifle for my family, I feel like I’m carrying on a tradition that dates back centuries. My kids adore helping me layer the ingredients, and the end result is always a hit with them.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to get some extra fruits and veggies into their diet. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it can be served as a light dessert or as a rich treat after a big meal.

With its layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream, English trifle is truly a show-stopper. I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings, holidays, and even just because.

It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress my guests and leave them wanting more.

Classic English Trifle

Classic English Trifle

4.6 from 1037 votes

A traditional layered dessert with sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream. This English trifle is a showstopper for any occasion, combining creamy, fruity, and cakey textures in every spoonful.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake Layer

1 store-bought or homemade sponge cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup sherry or fruit juice (such as orange or raspberry)

For the Fruit Layer

2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Custard

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Prepare the fruit layer by combining the mixed berries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
2Gently toss and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
3Make the custard by whisking together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, and cornstarch in a medium bowl until smooth.
4In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to a gentle simmer until small bubbles form around the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
6Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
7Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
9Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
10Be careful not to overwhip; the cream should be billowy and hold its shape.
11Assemble the trifle by placing a layer of sponge cake cubes at the bottom of the trifle bowl.
12Drizzle half of the sherry or fruit juice evenly over the cake cubes so they absorb the liquid.
13Spoon half of the macerated berries and their juices over the cake layer.
14Then pour half of the cooled custard over the berries, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
15Repeat the layers: add the remaining cake cubes, drizzle with the remaining sherry or juice, top with the remaining berries and juices, and then the remaining custard.
16Spread the whipped cream over the top layer of custard, covering it completely.
17Garnish with toasted sliced almonds and fresh mint leaves if desired.
18Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to soften.
Serve chilled.

🔧Equipment

Large trifle bowl or glass serving dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 195mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, use fruit juice like orange or raspberry instead of sherry. The trifle can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; the flavors will deepen and the cake will become perfectly soft.

Watch Video Of How Classic English Trifle Works

English trifle is one of those desserts that’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a special event or just a Tuesday evening dinner with my family. One thing that always impresses me about this recipe is how easy it is to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

And when you’re storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer (which I usually do), you can simply thaw and reheat as needed – no fuss at all! For me, this makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when we’re short on time but still want something satisfying.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About English Trifle

1. What is English trifle?

English trifle is a traditional dessert made with layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream.

2. How long does it take to make an English trifle?

The preparation time for an English trifle can vary depending on the complexity of the recipe you choose to follow; however, on average, it takes around 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients and assemble the dessert.

3. Can I make individual servings of English trifle?

Yes, you can make individual servings of English trifle by using small glasses or parfait dishes.

4. Is English trifle suitable for vegans?

No, traditional English trifle recipes typically include dairy products such as custard and whipped cream; however, you can easily substitute these with vegan alternatives to make the dessert suitable for plant-based diets.

5. Can I store leftover English trifle in the refrigerator?

Yes, you can store leftover English trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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