English Trifle Recipe: A Creamy, Fruity, and Timeless Dessert Classic
English Trifle is a showstopping layered dessert that blends soft sponge cake, luscious custard, fruit preserves, and whipped cream into one beautifully balanced dish. Often served in a clear glass bowl to showcase its colorful layers, this traditional British dessert is just as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Whether made for the holidays, dinner parties, or special occasions, trifle is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat that’s both elegant and easy to assemble.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
English Trifle stands out for its gorgeous presentation and irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Each spoonful delivers soft sponge cake soaked in jam or sherry, velvety custard, sweet fruit, and airy whipped cream. It’s a no-bake dessert that you can customize endlessly—from using fresh berries to incorporating your favorite flavored liqueurs. Plus, it’s made ahead, which means less stress when guests arrive.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
- 1 pound cake or sponge cake (store-bought or homemade), sliced
- 1 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- ½ cup sherry or fruit juice (optional, for soaking the cake)
- 2 cups prepared vanilla custard (cooled)
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh berries or mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Layer the Cake
Arrange the sponge cake slices in the bottom of a large trifle dish or glass bowl. Spread a thin layer of jam over the cake, and drizzle with sherry or juice if using.
2. Add the Custard
Spoon a generous layer of vanilla custard over the cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges of the dish.
3. Layer the Berries
Scatter a mix of berries over the custard. You can press some against the side of the dish for a beautiful visual effect.
4. Add Whipped Cream
In a bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream on top of the berry layer.
Repeat the layers once more if your dish is tall enough, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Cover and chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cake and chocolate custard for a decadent version.
- Tropical Trifle: Use mango, pineapple, and coconut cream for a summery twist.
- Boozy Layer: Add layers of liqueur-soaked cake (like amaretto or Grand Marnier).
- Mini Trifles: Make individual servings in small glasses or jars.
- Cookie Base: Substitute crushed ladyfingers or vanilla wafers for the cake.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Trifle dish or large glass bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk (for whipped cream)
- Spatula
- Spoons for layering
- Knife and cutting board (if using fresh fruit)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Approximate values. May vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance for best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream and custard may separate.
My Cooking Experience
With over 4 years in the kitchen, I’ve made countless layered desserts—but English Trifle holds a special place. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to bring a wow factor to the table. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how such simple ingredients came together into something so elegant and flavorful. It’s become a staple at gatherings, and I always love seeing the reactions when people dig into those creamy, fruity layers.
Conclusion
English Trifle is a classic dessert that combines flavor, beauty, and ease in every spoonful. Whether you make it traditional or add your own twist, it’s a dish that’s always impressive yet wonderfully comforting. With soft cake, rich custard, fresh fruit, and whipped cream, this layered delight is perfect for any celebration—or whenever you’re craving a dessert that feels both fancy and familiar. Give it a try, and it just might become your new go-to showstopper.
English Trifle
Ingredients
Method
- Arrange the sponge cake slices in the bottom of a large trifle dish or glass bowl. Spread a thin layer of jam over the cake, and drizzle with sherry or juice if using.
- Spoon a generous layer of vanilla custard over the cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges of the dish.
- Scatter a mix of berries over the custard. You can press some against the side of the dish for a beautiful visual effect.
- In a bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream on top of the berry layer.
- Repeat the layers once more if your dish is tall enough, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Cover and chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance for best flavor and texture.
