English Trifle I

English Trifle I Recipe - Traditional Dessert from England

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 2 days | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

English trifle is a classic dessert that consists of layers of sponge cake, fruit, jelly, custard, and whipped cream. It is a popular dish in England and is often served at special occasions and holidays.

History

The English trifle has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in England in the 16th century. It was traditionally made with leftover cake, fruit, and custard, layered in a glass bowl. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include different variations and flavors.

Ingredients

1 angel food cake - fresh baked or purchased
1 jar low-calorie raspberry jam
1 pack sugar-free raspberry jello (6-serving size)
1 large package instant vanilla pudding (sugar-free)
0.5 cup to 1 cup dry sherry (not cooking variety)
1 or 3 maraschino cherries with stems
3 fresh mint leaves or similar garnish
cool-whip lite

How to prepare

Do you have a recipe for a low-calorie English trifle?
In case you do (note: it takes up to two days to prepare properly), break the angel cake into medium-sized pieces and spread a small amount of raspberry jam on each piece. Arrange the pieces in a straight-sided glass bowl.
Pour sherry over the cake and lightly press down with a saucer. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside for a few hours. Once the sherry has been absorbed, prepare the jello according to the directions, but do not add ice.
Pour the prepared jello over the cake and sherry in the bowl.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight until the jello is set.
Before serving, prepare the vanilla pudding mix and pour it over the top of the jello. Use a knife to slide down the sides of the bowl, allowing some of the pudding to go down the sides.
Cover the bowl again and chill it. Garnish with cherries and mint, or use some of the candied holiday fruits to decorate the top of the bowl.
When serving, make sure to slide the spoon to the bottom of the bowl for each serving. This will not only showcase the different layers but also ensure that each serving captures the flavor of the sherry.
Top each serving with a small dollop of Cool Whip Lite.
If you're not concerned about sugar content or calories, you can use regular jam, regular jello, and regular pudding mix in the same recipe.
The trifle will look best when served in a straight-sided glass bowl.

Variations

Use different flavors of jelly or pudding mix for a unique twist.
Add fresh berries or sliced bananas between the layers for added flavor and texture.
Substitute the sherry with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the sherry soak into the cake for a few hours before adding the jello layer.

- Use a straight-sided glass bowl for serving to showcase the layers of the trifle.

- Garnish with cherries and mint leaves for a festive touch.

- Serve the trifle chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve English trifle as a dessert at a holiday dinner or special occasion. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Layer the ingredients in a glass bowl to create a visually appealing trifle. Make sure to let each layer set before adding the next one.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use a different type of cake, such as pound cake or sponge cake, in place of angel food cake.

- Substitute the raspberry jam with strawberry or apricot jam for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

English trifle can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the whipped cream and garnishes right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the trifle with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or toasted nuts for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve English trifle with a glass of dessert wine or champagne for a luxurious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of English trifle contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of English trifle contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of English trifle contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of English trifle contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

English trifle is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

English trifle may contain allergens such as wheat (from the cake), dairy (from the custard), and nuts (if used as a garnish).

Summary

English trifle is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and fats. However, it is high in carbohydrates due to the cake and jelly layers.

Summary

English trifle is a classic dessert that is perfect for special occasions and holidays. With layers of cake, jelly, custard, and whipped cream, it is a delicious and visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Margaret. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and chatting about this and that. Suddenly, Margaret jumped up from her seat and disappeared into the pantry.

"I have something to show you," she said with a mischievous grin.

She returned with an old, worn-out cookbook in her hands. As she flipped through the pages, I couldn't help but notice the delicious looking desserts and pastries that adorned the pages. And then, I saw it. The English Trifle.

Margaret explained to me that a trifle is a traditional English dessert that consists of layers of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream. It sounded absolutely divine. She promised me that it was easy to make and always a hit at dinner parties. I knew I had to try it.

Over the next few weeks, I obsessed over the English Trifle recipe. I read and re-read the instructions, visualizing each step in my mind. I couldn't wait to give it a try. Finally, the perfect opportunity presented itself when my family decided to have a summer barbecue.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients - sponge cake, custard, fresh berries, and whipped cream. As I assembled the layers in a glass trifle dish, I could feel the excitement building inside me. I decorated the top with a generous amount of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

When it was time to serve dessert, I proudly presented my creation to my family. Their eyes widened in amazement as they took in the beautiful layers of the trifle. And when they took their first bite, I knew I had succeeded. The flavors melded together perfectly - the sweetness of the custard, the tartness of the berries, and the lightness of the whipped cream. It was a triumph.

From that day on, the English Trifle became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I made it for every special occasion - birthdays, holidays, and dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As the years went by, I continued to make the English Trifle, always experimenting with different variations and flavor combinations. Sometimes I would add a layer of lemon curd for a citrusy twist, or swap out the berries for peaches and raspberries. Each version was a hit in its own right.

I never forgot the day I learned how to make the English Trifle from Margaret. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, sparking a passion for baking and creating delicious desserts. And even though Margaret is no longer with us, I like to think that she is smiling down on me from heaven every time I whip up a batch of trifle for my loved ones.

So here's to the English Trifle - a timeless classic that never fails to bring joy and delight to those who taste it. And to Margaret, who opened my eyes to the world of sweet treats and inspired me to become the baker I am today.