A classic British trifle is a delicious dessert that showcases a perfect combination of flavors and textures, including fruit, sponge cake, custard, and whipped cream. It’s visually appealing with its beautiful layers and is perfect for festive occasions or just a family treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a traditional British trifle with layers of fruit and custard.
Ingredients:
For the trifle base:
- 1 packet of sponge fingers (ladyfingers) or 1 sponge cake (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons of sherry or fruit juice (optional)
For the fruit layer:
- 2 cups of mixed fresh fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and bananas)
For the custard:
- 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 75 grams (⅓ cup) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
For the whipped cream:
- 300 ml (1¼ cups) double cream (heavy cream)
- 1 tablespoon icing sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Garnish:
- Shaved chocolate or grated chocolate (optional)
- Fruit for decoration
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruit Layer:
- Wash and prepare your fruit. For the best presentation, slice the strawberries and bananas, and keep other berries like raspberries and blueberries whole.
- Set the fruit aside. You can also use canned fruits like peaches or apricots if fresh fruit is not available. Just be sure to drain them properly.
2. Prepare the Sponge Base:
- If using sponge fingers, arrange them at the bottom of a large glass trifle dish. If you prefer sponge cake, cut it into cubes and layer it at the bottom.
- Drizzle the sponge with sherry (or fruit juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version). The sponge will absorb the liquid, helping to create a moist base for the trifle.
3. Make the Custard:
- In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat, but do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat. Continue to whisk constantly until the custard thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Be patient, as it can take a little time to thicken.
- Once thickened, remove from the heat and allow it to cool. To avoid a skin forming, place a piece of cling film (plastic wrap) directly on the surface of the custard and set aside.
4. Assemble the Trifle:
- Start with a layer of fruit on top of the sponge base in the trifle dish. Arrange the fruit as evenly as possible, spreading it out to cover the sponge.
- Pour the custard over the fruit, ensuring it covers the fruit layer completely.
- Once the custard is added, allow the trifle to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) to set and allow the flavors to meld.
5. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a bowl, whip the double cream using an electric whisk until soft peaks form. If you want it slightly sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of icing sugar while whipping.
- Once the cream is whipped, carefully spoon it on top of the custard layer, spreading it evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the whipped cream layer with more fresh fruit or shaved chocolate for an added decorative touch.
- Chill the trifle for another 30 minutes to set the whipped cream and allow the flavors to come together.
7. Enjoy:
- Once chilled and set, your British trifle is ready to serve! Use a spoon to serve generous portions of this delightful dessert, ensuring each layer is visible for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for a Perfect Trifle:
- Custard Consistency: If your custard becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little extra milk and reheating gently while stirring.
- Fruit Varieties: The fruit layer is highly customizable. You can use any combination of berries, bananas, or even poached fruits like pears for added richness.
- Layering: When assembling the trifle, try to make your layers as neat and even as possible for a visually appealing result.
- Chilling: The longer you let the trifle chill, the better it will taste as the flavors meld together. For the best result, leave it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Variations:
- Non-Alcoholic Version: If you want to skip the sherry, use fruit juice like orange or apple juice to moisten the sponge layers.
- Flavored Custard: Add a little orange zest or a splash of almond extract to the custard to give it a unique twist.
A classic British trifle is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Its beautiful layers of fruit, custard, and whipped cream are perfect for special occasions, yet simple enough for an everyday dessert.