Delightful English Trifle for Holidays

Ready in: 4 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 8 · Technique: Layering · Storage: 3 days in the refrigerator.

Quick Answer

Create a beautiful English trifle by layering sponge cake, creamy custard, fresh fruits, and whipped cream for a delightful holiday dessert.

As the holiday season approaches in the heart of New York City, I find myself daydreaming about the perfect dessert that captures the warmth and nostalgia of family gatherings. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I can't help but think about how a beautifully layered English trifle can become the showstopper on any festive table. This traditional British dessert combines layers of sponge cake, creamy custard, vibrant fruit, and fluffy whipped cream, making it a delightful treat that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

A Festive Showstopper

This English trifle is not just a dessert; it's a memory-maker, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Its vibrant layers and rich flavors make it a centerpiece that invites conversation and joy at any festive occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This English Trifle is a stunning centerpiece for any festive gathering, sure to impress your guests.
• Layers of sponge cake, creamy custard, and fresh fruits create a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
• It's adaptable! Customize it with seasonal fruits or add a splash of sherry for an extra kick.
• This dessert can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Perfect for sharing, it evokes warm family memories around the holiday table.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients to create your English Trifle:

Fruit

• 1 pound of strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 pound of raspberries
• 1 pound of blueberries

Cake

• 1 sponge cake or pound cake (store-bought or homemade)

Custard

• 2 cups of vanilla custard (store-bought or homemade)

Whipped Cream

• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup of powdered sugar

Other

• 2 tablespoons of sherry or fruit juice (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make English Trifle (Step-by-Step)

Creating this beautiful English Trifle is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a delightful dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Toss them gently with a bit of powdered sugar to sweeten, letting them macerate for about 30 minutes. The juices from the fruits bloom, creating a vibrant syrup that will add flavor to the trifle.

Step 2: Layer the Sponge Cake

Take your sponge cake and cut it into thick slices. If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle the slices with sherry or fruit juice for an extra layer of flavor. Arrange the cake pieces at the bottom of your trifle dish or individual serving glasses.

Step 3: Add the Custard

Pour the creamy vanilla custard over the cake layer, ensuring it seeps between the sponge and coats every surface. I encourage you to make your custard from scratch, as nothing beats the richness and authenticity of homemade custard.

Step 4: Layer the Fruits

Generously spoon half of the macerated fruit mixture over the custard. Don't be shy; let some of the juices flow over the edges. It's all about embodying that festive spirit.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spoon this luscious cream over the fruit layer, creating a soft, pillowy finish.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining sponge cake, followed by the rest of the custard, then the remaining fruit, culminating with a fluffy layer of whipped cream. Your trifle should now be a tower of colors and textures, ready to charm your guests.

Step 7: Chill

Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want to let those flavors mingle and deepen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Maceration: Don't overlook allowing the fruits to sit. This step develops their flavor and creates a delicious syrup.
• Using Dry Cake: Ensure your sponge or pound cake is moist enough. Drizzling with sherry or fruit juice helps, but a quality cake is essential for texture.
• Overwhipping the Cream: Stop whipping when soft peaks form. Overwhipped cream can become grainy, losing its luxurious texture that's key for a trifle.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For a colorful touch, consider incorporating green kiwis or bananas for extra layers of flavor and color.
• Ensure you use a clear trifle dish or glass serving cups to showcase the beautiful layers.
• Customize the fruits according to what's in season for your trifle. Peaches in the summer, pomegranates in winter-each fruit contributes a unique taste.

Variations

• Replace strawberries with diced peaches or mango for a tropical twist.
• Use chocolate custard instead of vanilla for a richer flavor.
• Incorporate different berries like blackberries or cranberries for a festive touch.

How to Serve

• Serve in individual glass cups for a more elegant presentation.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color and aroma.
• Drizzle with additional fruit syrups or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Assemble the trifle up to a day in advance for best flavor.
• Storage: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Not applicable as this dessert is served cold.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the layers may separate upon thawing.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

During my testing of this English trifle, I discovered that the longer it sits, the more harmonious the flavors become-each layer melding into a symphony of taste. This dessert not only delights during the holidays but also serves as a sweet reminder of the connections we nurture with family and friends around the table.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 5g protein · 45g carbs · 18g fat

Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Delightful English Trifle for Holidays

Create a beautiful English trifle by layering sponge cake, creamy custard, fresh fruits, and whipped cream for a delightful holiday dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Chill Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: British

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Fruit

• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 pound raspberries
• 1 pound blueberries

Group: Cake

• 1 sponge cake or pound cake (store-bought or homemade)

Group: Custard

• 2 cups vanilla custard (store-bought or homemade)

Group: Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Group: Other

• 2 Tbsp. sherry or fruit juice (optional)
• fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Trifle dish or glass serving cups
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Toss them gently with a bit of powdered sugar to sweeten, letting them macerate for about 30 minutes.
2. Take your sponge cake and cut it into thick slices. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle the slices with sherry or fruit juice. Arrange the cake pieces at the bottom of your trifle dish or individual serving glasses.
3. Pour the creamy vanilla custard over the cake layer, ensuring it seeps between the sponge and coats every surface.
4. Generously spoon half of the macerated fruit mixture over the custard. Let some of the juices flow over the edges.
5. In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spoon this cream over the fruit layer, creating a soft finish.
6. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining sponge cake, followed by the rest of the custard, then the remaining fruit, culminating with a fluffy layer of whipped cream.
7. Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 4 hours, or overnight if desired.

Notes

Allow the trifle to chill for at least 4 hours for the best flavor. The longer it sits, the more harmonious the flavors become.

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