traditional english trifle recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best traditional english trifle recipe

I’ve always been a sucker for traditional English trifle recipe. There’s something about the layers of moist cake, fresh fruit, and creamy custard that just makes my heart skip a beat. I remember my grandmother making it for special occasions when I was growing up, and now I make it for my family whenever we have a big gathering.

It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by using different types of cake, fruit, and custard. I like to use a homemade sponge cake, juicy strawberries, and a rich vanilla custard.

My kids love helping me assemble the layers, and it’s become a fun family tradition for us. One of the things I love about trifle is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a dessert or even as a brunch dish by adding some savory elements like sausage or bacon.

It’s also an amazing way to use up leftover cake and fruit that might otherwise go to waste. My family loves trifle so much that we often have it as a regular Sunday dessert instead of pie or cake. And let’s not forget the health benefits – with all the fresh fruit and creamy custard, trifle is actually a relatively healthy option compared to other rich desserts.

Of course, you can always adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste preferences. But overall, traditional English trifle recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

Traditional English Trifle

4.5 from 1465 votes

A classic English dessert featuring layers of sponge cake soaked in sherry, fruit preserves, custard, and whipped cream. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time40 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

8 eggs
8 oz caster sugar
8 oz self-raising flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract

For the Fruit Layer

1 lb mixed fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam
1/2 cup sherry or orange juice

For the Custard

2 cups whole milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Topping

2 cups heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
grated chocolate or chopped nuts for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
3In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and caster sugar until pale and thick.
4Gently fold in the flour, vanilla extract, and almond extract until just combined.
5Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
6Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into thin slices.
8In a saucepan, heat the mixed fruit over medium heat until it releases its juices and softens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
9Remove from heat and stir in the jam until melted.
10Allow the fruit mixture to cool.
11In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
12In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, caster sugar, and cornstarch.
13Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
14Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
15Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
16Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
17In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
18To assemble the trifle, arrange a layer of sponge cake slices in the bottom of a trifle dish.
19Brush the cake with sherry or orange juice.
20Spread a layer of the fruit mixture over the cake, then pour a layer of custard over the fruit.
21Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of custard.
22Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the trifle.
23Garnish with grated chocolate or chopped nuts.
24Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
25Serve chilled, spooning out portions of the trifle with a large spoon.
26Enjoy the traditional English trifle with its rich layers of cake, fruit, custard, and cream.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Trifle dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 45g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: Use fresh, in-season fruits for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount of sherry or orange juice according to your preference.

This traditional English trifle recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply need a delicious dessert for your family. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it keeps – you can make all the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to reheat leftovers! Simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About English Trifle

Q: What type of cake should I use for this recipe?

For this traditional English trifle recipe, you’ll want to use a sturdy sponge cake that can hold up to the layers of custard and fruit. A homemade sponge cake made with butter and eggs is ideal.

Q: Can I use store-bought custard instead of making my own?

While store-bought custard will save you time in the kitchen, making your own from scratch is worth the extra effort – it’s much more flavorful and creamy.

Q: How do I prevent the custard from curdling?

To avoid curdling the custard, make sure to cook it over low heat while constantly whisking until it thickens – then remove it from the heat source immediately.

Q: Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this recipe?

The beauty of this traditional English trifle recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or even coffee to create unique variations.

Q: How long can I store this dessert in the fridge?

You can store this dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – just be sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving.

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