Go Back

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
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Chill Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
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.