Traditional Family English Trifle

This classic dessert features layers of custard, sherry-soaked cake, fruits, jam, and whipped cream, making it a nostalgic favorite.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Servings: 12

Full Ingredient List

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 8 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 9x13 white or yellow cake, baked and cooled
  • 1/2 cup cream sherry
  • 3 tablespoons seedless red raspberry jam
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Custard Layer

Tools and Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Stand Mixer
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
4 cups whole milk
8 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup, cut into small pieces butter

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat milk in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. (Tips: Stir frequently to prevent scorching.)
  2. Step 2: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. (Tips: Use a KitchenAid stand attachment to ease the process.)
  3. Step 3: Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding the hot milk while whisking continuously. (Tips: This gradual process prevents curdling.)
  4. Step 4: Return the mixture to the saucepan, heat, and whisk until thickened. (Tips: Ensure it boils gently to thicken properly.)
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla and butter, then cool. (Tips: Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin formation.)

Cake Layer

Tools and Equipment

  • Trifle bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
9x13, baked and cooled white or yellow cake Slice in half horizontally
1/2 cup cream sherry
3 heaping tablespoons seedless red raspberry jam

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brush cake halves with cream sherry. (Tips: Allow time for cake to absorb the sherry.)
  2. Step 2: Spread raspberry jam over the sherry-soaked cake. (Tips: Ensure even coverage.)
  3. Step 3: Cut cake into small squares for layering. (Tips: Pieces should be 1-2 inches.)

Fruit Layer

Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Macerate strawberries and raspberries with sugar and sherry in a bowl. (Tips: Allow time for flavors to meld.)

Whipped Cream

Tools and Equipment

  • Stand mixer

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. (Tips: Chill the mixing bowl for best results.)

Assemble the Trifle

Tools and Equipment

  • Trifle bowl

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place one-third of the cake cubes at the bottom of the trifle bowl, jam side up. (Tips: Press gently for even layer.)
  2. Step 2: Top with one-third of the fruit, followed by custard and whipped cream. (Tips: Smooth each layer evenly.)
  3. Step 3: Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream. (Tips: Decorate with fresh fruit if desired.)
  4. Step 4: Chill until ready to serve. (Tips: Allows flavors to meld together well.)

Additional Information

Notes: Bird's Custard Powder can be used as a substitute for homemade custard to save time.

Tags

Dessert British Traditional