Description
A delightful and elegant dessert that combines layers of sponge cake, mixed berries, creamy custard, and whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (about 300 g) sponge cake, pound cake, or ladyfingers
- ½ cup (120 ml) sweet sherry or Madeira wine
- 2 tbsp raspberry jam (optional, for brushing)
- 2 cups (250 g) mixed berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or cherries)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup toasted almond slices (for garnish)
- Optional: drizzle of caramel or sherry syrup
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat for 3–4 minutes, just until the fruit softens and releases juices. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and cream until just steaming (don’t boil). In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool completely, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin.
- Cut sponge cake into cubes and place a layer at the bottom of a large glass trifle bowl. Brush lightly with sherry and (if desired) a thin layer of raspberry jam. Spoon over half of the fruit mixture. Pour a layer of cooled custard over the fruit. Repeat the layers: sponge → sherry → fruit → custard. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spoon or pipe over the chilled trifle. Garnish with toasted almonds and an optional drizzle of caramel or sherry syrup.
Notes
- For best results, chill the trifle overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Feel free to substitute the mixed berries with your favorite fruits.
- Ensure the custard is completely cooled before layering to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg