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
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
-
Step 1:
Heat milk in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. (Tips: Stir frequently to prevent scorching.)
-
Step 2:
Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. (Tips: Use a KitchenAid stand attachment to ease the process.)
-
Step 3:
Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding the hot milk while whisking continuously. (Tips: This gradual process prevents curdling.)
-
Step 4:
Return the mixture to the saucepan, heat, and whisk until thickened. (Tips: Ensure it boils gently to thicken properly.)
-
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
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
-
Step 1:
Brush cake halves with cream sherry. (Tips: Allow time for cake to absorb the sherry.)
-
Step 2:
Spread raspberry jam over the sherry-soaked cake. (Tips: Ensure even coverage.)
-
Step 3:
Cut cake into small squares for layering. (Tips: Pieces should be 1-2 inches.)
Fruit Layer
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
| Quantity |
Name |
Preparation Notes |
Substitutions |
| 2 cups |
sliced fresh strawberries |
|
|
| 1 cup |
fresh raspberries |
|
|
| 1 tablespoon |
sugar |
|
|
Instructions
-
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
Ingredients
| Quantity |
Name |
Preparation Notes |
Substitutions |
| 1 1/2 cups |
heavy whipping cream |
|
|
| 1 teaspoon |
powdered sugar |
|
|
Instructions
-
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
Ingredients
| Quantity |
Name |
Preparation Notes |
Substitutions |
Instructions
-
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.)
-
Step 2:
Top with one-third of the fruit, followed by custard and whipped cream. (Tips: Smooth each layer evenly.)
-
Step 3:
Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream. (Tips: Decorate with fresh fruit if desired.)
-
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.
