old fashioned trifle recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best old fashioned trifle recipe

I have been making old-fashioned trifle recipe for years, and it’s a dish that never fails to impress my family and friends. The origins of trifle date back to medieval England, where it was made with leftover bread, fruit, and nuts.

Over time, the recipe has evolved to include layers of sponge cake, custard, and fruit, creating a rich and decadent dessert. When I make trifle, I love watching my kids’ eyes light up as they see the towering layers of sweetness.

It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or everyday treats. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make.

The key to a good trifle is in the layers – you want to create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. I like to start with a moist sponge cake, followed by a layer of creamy custard, then fresh fruit, and finally a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients from the fruit and nuts. My kids love helping me assemble the trifle, and it’s become a fun family tradition for us.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or just need a sweet treat after dinner, this old-fashioned trifle recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Old Fashioned Trifle

4.8 from 1552 votes

A classic dessert featuring layers of sponge cake soaked in sherry, custard, and fruit, topped with whipped cream. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk

For the Fruit Layer

2 cups mixed berries
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Custard

1 1/2 cups milk
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cornstarch

For Assembly

1/2 cup sherry
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar.
4Add butter, eggs, and milk.
5Mix until well combined and the batter is smooth.
6Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
7Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8Allow the cake to cool completely.
9In a saucepan, combine mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
10Cook over medium heat until the berries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
11Remove from heat and let it cool.
12In a separate saucepan, heat the milk until it just begins to simmer.
13In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
14Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
15Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens.
16Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
17Stir in the vanilla extract.
18Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
19Cut the cooled sponge cake into cubes.
20Arrange a layer of cake cubes in the bottom of a trifle dish.
21Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of sherry.
22Spoon half of the berry mixture over the cake, followed by half of the chilled custard.
23Repeat with another layer of cake, remaining berries, and remaining custard.
24In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
25Spread the whipped cream over the top of the trifle.
26Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking pan
Saucepan
Trifle dish
Hand mixer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use store-bought sponge cake and custard to save time. Adjust the sherry amount to taste or substitute with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

This old-fashioned trifle recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a special treat after dinner. The layered dessert is easy to assemble and looks stunning on any table setting.

You can serve it chilled or at room temperature; either way, it’s sure to impress your guests. For storage ideas, consider covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or freeze for up to three months – simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Trifle

Q: What is the history behind old-fashioned trifle recipe?

The origins of trifle date back to medieval England, where it was made with leftover bread, fruit, and nuts.

Q: What are the essential ingredients for making an authentic old-fashioned trifle?

You’ll need sponge cake, custard, fresh fruit (such as strawberries or raspberries), and powdered sugar.

Q: How do I assemble the layers of my trifle?

Start with a layer of sponge cake, followed by a layer of custard, then fresh fruit, and finally sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Q: Can I use store-bought custard instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought custard if you prefer – just be sure to follow the package instructions for heating.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly; however, if you’re using eggs in your custard mixture (which is optional), you may want to substitute them with egg substitutes or omit them altogether.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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