English Trifle

English Trifle Recipe with Ladyfingers, Raspberries, and Mandarin Oranges

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

English Trifle is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This delicious and visually stunning dessert is made up of layers of sponge cake or ladyfingers, fruit, custard, and whipped cream. It is a favorite at holiday gatherings and special events.

History

Trifle has been a popular dessert in England for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century and has evolved over time to become the delicious dessert we know today. Trifle recipes vary from region to region and family to family, but the basic components remain the same.

Ingredients

2 packages of ladyfingers or a pound cake
raspberry jam
1 package of frozen raspberries, thawed and sweetened
2 cans of mandarin oranges, drained
1 package of Bird's custard powder prepared according to directions with whole milk
1 pt (473 ml) of heavy whipping cream
good quality sweet sherry, according to taste (start with at least 0.5 a cup, do not use cooking sherry)
sliced and toasted almonds

How to prepare

Spread ladyfingers with raspberry jam and arrange them around the sides and bottom of a trifle bowl.
If using pound cake, slice it, spread jam on each slice, and cube it before arranging it in the bowl.
Set aside a few orange segments for decoration.
Arrange the fruit on top of the ladyfingers.
Moisten with sherry according to your taste.
If you prefer, you can also use some of the syrup from the oranges instead of using as much sherry.
I recommend using about half to three-quarters of a cup of sherry and a small amount of syrup.
Pour the prepared custard over the cake and fruit.
Allow it to cool well.
Whip the cream with 1 tbsp of sugar until stiff.
Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cooled custard.
Decorate with mandarin orange segments and almonds.
Chill for several hours before serving.

Variations

Try using different types of fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches.
For a boozy twist, soak the cake in rum or brandy before assembling the trifle.
Experiment with different flavors of jam or custard to create a unique trifle recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to allow enough time for the trifle to chill before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.

- You can customize your trifle by using different fruits, jams, or flavored liqueurs.

- For a quick and easy version, you can use store-bought pound cake or ladyfingers instead of making your own.

Serving Suggestions

English Trifle is best served chilled and can be garnished with fresh fruit, mint leaves, or additional whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful English Trifle is layering the ingredients in a trifle bowl to create a visually appealing dessert. Be sure to allow enough time for the trifle to chill before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to sherry, you can use a different type of sweet wine or fruit juice as a substitute. You can also use store-bought custard instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

English Trifle can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It is best enjoyed within 24 hours of assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate your English Trifle with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or toasted almonds for a beautiful presentation. You can also layer the ingredients in individual serving glasses for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

English Trifle pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience. It is also a great accompaniment to a glass of dessert wine or champagne.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover English Trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped cream from drying out. Do not freeze the trifle as it will affect the texture of the ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of English Trifle contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of English Trifle contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of English Trifle contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of English Trifle contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

English Trifle is a rich source of Vitamin C from the fruit used in the recipe. It also contains calcium and iron from the custard and almonds.

Alergens

English Trifle contains dairy, nuts, and gluten. It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

English Trifle is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

English Trifle is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream, it is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Try making this delicious dessert for your next gathering and enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this traditional English treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a beautiful summer day, the sun was shining brightly, and the smell of fresh flowers filled the air. I had just finished browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, and I stumbled upon a recipe for English Trifle.

I had never heard of this dessert before, but the description in the cookbook sounded absolutely delightful. Layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream all combined into one delicious treat. I knew I had to give it a try.

I immediately set to work gathering all the ingredients I would need. I carefully measured out flour, sugar, eggs, and butter to make the sponge cake base. As I mixed the ingredients together, memories of my own childhood flooded back to me. I remembered my own grandmother standing in the kitchen, teaching me how to bake for the first time. She had always been my inspiration when it came to cooking and baking.

Once the sponge cake was baked and cooled, I began assembling the trifle. I layered slices of the cake on the bottom of a glass dish, followed by a generous amount of sherry to soak into the cake. Next came a layer of mixed berries - strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries - adding a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

I then poured over a thick layer of homemade custard, made with eggs, sugar, and milk, and let it set in the fridge for a few hours. Finally, I whipped up some fresh cream and dolloped it on top of the trifle, finishing it off with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a bit of crunch.

As I stood back and admired my creation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This English Trifle looked absolutely stunning, and I couldn't wait to taste it. I called my family over to the table and served them each a generous portion.

The first bite was pure bliss. The sponge cake was light and airy, soaked in sherry and bursting with flavor. The custard was creamy and rich, the berries added a touch of sweetness, and the whipped cream was the perfect finishing touch. My family couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dessert.

From that day on, English Trifle became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, holidays, or simply just because. Each time I made it, I would think back to that sunny day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's old cookbook, and I would smile.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. But the essence of that first English Trifle recipe has always remained the same - a delicious, comforting dessert that brings joy to all who taste it.

As I look back on that day now, I am filled with gratitude for the traditions and recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Cooking and baking have always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to share memories and stories, and to create something beautiful and delicious out of simple ingredients.

And so, every time I make an English Trifle, I am reminded of the love and history that has gone into creating this dish. It is a reminder of the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise of many more delicious memories to come.