Indulge in the quintessential British dessert experience with our Classic English Trifle. This iconic treat boasts layers of sheer delight, starting with delicate sponge cake soaked in sherry, topped with a velvety smooth layer of custard, and generously adorned with vibrant seasonal fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and kiwis. Each spoonful promises a symphony of textures and flavors, from the airy whipped cream to the crunchy slivers of toasted almonds. Whether served as the grand finale to a dinner party or enjoyed as a comforting afternoon treat, our English Trifle is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you longing for more.

Here's a traditional recipe for English Trifle:

Ingredients:

For the sponge cake:

• 1 store-bought sponge cake or homemade sponge cake, cut into cubes
• 2-3 tablespoons of sherry or fruit juice (such as orange juice)

For the custard:

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the fruit layer:

• 2 cups mixed fresh fruits (such as strawberries, raspberries, kiwis, or any other fruit of your choice), sliced

For the whipped cream:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish:

• Sliced almonds, toasted
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Custard:

1- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's just about to simmer.

2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth and pale.

3- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

4- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Assemble the Trifle:

1- Arrange the sponge cake cubes in the bottom of a trifle dish or a large glass bowl. Drizzle the sherry or fruit juice over the cake cubes to soak them.

2- Layer the sliced fruits over the sponge cake.

Pour the Custard:

1- Once the custard has cooled, pour it evenly over the fruit layer, covering it completely.

Whip the Cream:

1- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Finish Assembling:

1- Spread the whipped cream over the custard layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Garnish:

1- Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the whipped cream.

2- Optionally, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Chill and Serve:

1- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

2- Serve chilled and enjoy the layers of deliciousness!

This classic English Trifle is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive gathering or a casual family dinner. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values for the entire recipe is complex due to variations in ingredient brands and sizes. However, I can offer approximate values per serving for some key ingredients:

Sponge Cake (per serving, assuming 1/8th of a standard cake):

• Calories: 150-200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fat: 5-10g
• Protein: 2-4g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy, and depending on the recipe, it may contain some protein and fat as well.

Sherry or Fruit Juice (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 20-30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5-8g
• No significant fat or protein content

benefits:Offers hydration and can contribute natural sugars and vitamins from fruits, such as vitamin C in citrus juices.

Custard (per serving, assuming 1/8th of the total custard):

• Calories: 100-150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Fat: 5-10g
• Protein: 3-5g

benefits:Contains calcium and protein from milk and eggs, providing essential nutrients for bone health and muscle repair.

Mixed Fresh Fruits (per serving, assuming 1/8th of the total fruit):

• Calories: 20-50 kcal (depending on the types and amounts of fruits used)
• Carbohydrates: 5-15g
• Fiber: 1-3g
• Vitamins and minerals vary based on the fruits chosen

benefits:Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support overall health and immune function. Fruits also provide dietary fiber for digestive health.

Heavy Cream (per serving, assuming 1/8th of the total cream):

• Calories: 100-150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1-3g
• Fat: 10-15g
• Protein: 1-2g

benefits:Supplies energy from fat and can add richness and creaminess to dishes. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Powdered Sugar (per serving, assuming 1/8th of the total sugar):

• Calories: 30-40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g
• No fat or protein content

benefits:Adds sweetness and texture to desserts but provides little to no nutritional value other than carbohydrates for energy.

Sliced Almonds (per serving, assuming 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 20-30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Fat: 1.5-2.5g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:Rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese. Almonds are known to support heart health, aid in weight management, and promote skin health.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities used. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information, you may need to calculate the values based on the exact ingredients and amounts you use in your recipe.