Traditional English Trifle

[Nat Quinn]

Ingredients

• 6 sponge fingers  halved horizontally and cut into thick slices
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sherry, optional
• 2 cups fresh raspberries or strawberries (do not use frozen)
• 2 cups jelly or Jell-O made to packet instructions 
• 2 cups thick homemade custard (or canned)
• 2 cups softly whipped cream
• Whole raspberries or strawberries, garnish
• Toasted sliced almonds, optional garnish
• Grated chocolate, optional garnish

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.

   

2. Line the bottom of the trifle bowl or glasses with the sponge fingers or cake in a nice even layer. If you want to use sherry, now is the time to add it. Brush it on the sponge and let it soak in for 5 minutes.

   

3. Cover the fingers with a thick layer of raspberries or strawberries. Slowly and gently pour over 1/3 of the liquid jelly and put into the fridge—doing this will set the sponge and fruit into the bottom of the bowl. Once this layer is set, pour over the remaining jelly and leave to set.

   

4. Once set, spoon a thick layer of custard on top.

   

5. Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream either spooned over or piped using a piping bag

   

6. All that’s left to do is to decorate as you wish, with fresh fruit, maybe almonds or chocolate—it is up to you.

   

7. Serve and enjoy.

   

Tips

• If you don’t have sponge cake, you can use 6-ounce/160-gram packages of trifle sponges or sponge fingers instead.
• If you have some trifle leftover, cover the dish and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days. The sponge will soak up the layers, and it will not look as beautiful, but it will remain delicious.

Can a Trifle Be Made in Advance?

Over time, a trifle will settle to the bottom and lose its layers, so you don’t want to make it too early. If using jelly, prepare the bottom layers with enough time for them to set up. You can also prepare all of the ingredients and have them ready in the refrigerator. It’s generally best to finish assembling a trifle no more than an hour in advance.

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