Description
Layered traditional English trifle brings classic British dessert magic to dinner tables. Sweet sponge, custard, and whipped cream create an irresistible treat you cannot wait to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 9×13 white/yellow cake
- 1/2 cup cream sherry
- 1 tablespoon cream sherry for fruit
Fruit Layer:
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 3 tablespoons raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon sugar for fruit
Custard and Cream:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 8 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup butter, cut up
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Gently warm milk until it reaches a gentle steaming point, creating a velvety base for the custard.
- Carefully temper egg mixture by slowly incorporating hot milk, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
- Return custard to low heat, stirring consistently until it reaches a thick, luxurious consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Enhance custard with fragrant vanilla and a touch of butter, creating a rich, smooth texture.
- Refrigerate custard for at least 1 hour to allow it to set and develop deeper flavors.
- Slice cake horizontally, creating delicate layers ready for transformation.
- Generously brush cake layers with aromatic sherry, infusing moisture and depth.
- Spread a thin layer of sweet jam between cake layers, adding complexity to the dessert.
- Cut cake into elegant, bite-sized squares for easy assembly.
- Macerate fresh berries by gently mixing with sherry and a sprinkle of sugar, allowing fruits to release their natural juices.
- Whip cream to soft, billowing peaks, incorporating powdered sugar for subtle sweetness.
- In a transparent trifle bowl, create harmonious layers: cake squares, macerated fruit, silky custard, and cloud-like whipped cream.
- Repeat layering process two more times, building a visually stunning and deliciously complex dessert.
- Chill for 2-3 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Notes
- Customize Custard Thickness by whisking constantly and removing from heat at the first sign of thickening to prevent curdling.
- Make Ahead Friendly prepare custard and cake components a day in advance for easier assembly and deeper flavor melding.
- Alcohol Optional swap sherry with fruit juice for kid-friendly version or use orange liqueur for adult twist.
- Texture Trick freeze cake slightly before cutting to get cleaner, more precise squares that hold shape during layering.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg