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Delicious English Trifle with layers of fruit, cream, and sponge cake

English Trifle

A delightful layered dessert combining creamy custard, light cake, and fresh fruits, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine British
Servings 10 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Custard Base

  • 4 cups whole milk Adds moisture
  • 8 large egg yolks Provides structure and richness
  • ½ cup granulated sugar Sweetens the custard
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the custard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances flavor
  • ½ cup butter, cut into small pieces Adds creaminess

Trifle Layers

  • 1 9x13 white or yellow cake, baked and cooled Light texture
  • ½ cup cream sherry Adds depth of flavor
  • 3 heaping tablespoons seedless red raspberry jam or preserves Adds sweetness and fruitiness
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries Adds freshness and color
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries Adds tartness
  • 1 tablespoon cream sherry For marinating fruit
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Sweetens the fruit
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream Creates a fluffy topping
  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar Sweetens the whipped cream

Instructions
 

Prepare the Custard

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture together until smooth.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted and smooth.
  • Allow the custard to cool before assembling the trifle.

Assemble the Trifle

  • Slice the baked cake into bite-sized pieces and lay half of them in the serving dish.
  • Drizzle half of the cream sherry over the cake pieces.
  • Spoon half of the cooled custard over the cake layer.
  • Add a layer of seedless red raspberry jam over the custard.
  • Evenly layer in the sliced strawberries.
  • Toss fresh raspberries with cream sherry and sugar, then distribute them as a topping over the strawberries.
  • Whip the heavy cream, add powdered sugar, and whip until soft peaks form.
  • Spoon whipped cream over the top of the trifle.
  • Chill the assembled trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Notes

For optimal flavor, use fresh fruits for layering. Allow the custard to cool completely before assembly.
Keyword Custard, family recipe, fresh fruit, Layered Dessert, Trifle