English Trifle

Indulge in the timeless elegance of an English Trifle, a classic no-bake dessert that layers indulgent flavors and textures for a truly show-stopping treat. This traditional recipe begins with pillowy cubes of sponge cake, optionally moistened with sherry or fruit juice, and a generous spread of tangy raspberry or strawberry jam. Fresh, vibrant berries add a burst of color and sweetness between layers of silky custard, creating a stunning visual and flavorful impact. Topped with fluffy whipped cream lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla, and optionally garnished with toasted almonds, grated chocolate, or extra berries, this trifle is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfectly suited for festive gatherings or elegant dinners, this quick-to-prepare dessert requires just 30 minutes of hands-on time and is best served chilled to allow the layers to meld harmoniously. Try this iconic English Trifle recipe for a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines tradition with timeless charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 g Sponge cake
• 120 ml Sherry or fruit juice (optional)
• 200 g Raspberry or strawberry jam
• 300 g Mixed fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
• 500 ml Custard (store-bought or homemade)
• 300 ml Whipping cream
• 20 g Powdered sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 50 g Toasted almonds or grated chocolate (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the sponge cake into evenly sized cubes about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide.

Step 2

Optional: Sprinkle the sponge cake cubes lightly with sherry or fruit juice for added flavor.

Step 3

Spread a thin layer of jam over half of the sponge cubes, then sandwich them with the remaining cubes to form small jam-filled layers.

Step 4

Place the jam-filled sponge cubes at the bottom of a large glass trifle dish or individual serving cups to form the first layer.

Step 5

Scatter half of the mixed fresh berries evenly over the sponge layer.

Step 6

Pour half of the custard over the berry layer, spreading it gently to ensure complete coverage.

Step 7

Repeat the layers: add another set of sponge cubes, followed by the remaining berries, and then the rest of the custard. Smooth the top layer of custard for a clean finish.

Step 8

In a medium bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 9

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the custard layer or pipe it decoratively, if desired.

Step 10

Optional: Garnish the trifle with toasted almonds, grated chocolate, or a few extra fresh berries for a polished presentation.

Step 11

Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Step 12

Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful English dessert!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1895 grams (1895.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3875

Total Fat 156.80g	201%
Saturated Fat 76.70g	384%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 875mg	292%
Sodium 3051mg	133%
Total Carbohydrate 528.10g	192%
Dietary Fiber 29.40g	105%
Total Sugars 364.70g
Protein 49.50g	99%

Vitamin D 165IU	827%
Calcium 942mg	72%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 1976mg	42%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.9%

Protein: 5.3%

Carbs: 56.8%