English Trifle (Sponge, Berries, Custard and Cream)
In short: A layered British dessert of sherry-soaked sponge, raspberries, homemade custard and whipped cream. Make it the day before for the best flavor. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 440 kcal
Trifle is a layered British dessert of sponge, fruit, custard and cream, built in a glass bowl so every layer shows. The sponge is soaked in sherry or fruit juice, the berries add tartness, and a proper homemade custard gives it body. It is a fixture on Christmas tables and at summer parties, and it is best made the day before so the layers settle and the flavors come together.
Instructions
- Whisk the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. Heat the milk and vanilla in a saucepan until steaming, then pour it slowly into the yolks, whisking all the time.
- Return the mixture to the pan over low heat. Stir constantly for 5 to 6 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, then pour it into a bowl.
- Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the custard to stop a skin forming, and cool completely.
- Spread the sponge slices with jam and arrange them in a 2 liter (2 quart) glass bowl. Sprinkle with the sherry or juice so it soaks in.
- Scatter the raspberries over the sponge, pressing some in. Spoon the cooled custard over the top and smooth it level.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Whip the cream with the powdered sugar to soft peaks and spoon it over the custard. Top with the toasted almonds and extra raspberries, and chill until serving.
Tips
- Cool the custard fully before layering, or it will melt the cream. Make it a day ahead and keep it covered.
- For a jelly layer, make raspberry jelly with a vegetarian setting agent such as agar, pour it over the fruit and chill until firm before adding the custard. Tinned peaches or poached plums also work in place of raspberries.
Questions and answers
What is a trifle made of?
Trifle is made of layers of sponge, fruit, custard and whipped cream, often with sherry and sometimes a jelly layer. It is a classic British Christmas and party dessert.
Can I make trifle ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to the custard layer a day ahead and chill it. Add the cream and toppings on the day so they look fresh.
Can I use ready-made custard?
Yes, a thick ready-made custard saves time. Avoid runny ones, which soak through the sponge and make the base soggy.
How long does it take to make English Trifle (Sponge, Berries, Custard and Cream)?
About 55 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in English Trifle (Sponge, Berries, Custard and Cream)?
About 440 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 43 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 440 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 31 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
