Go Back

English Trifle Recipe: A Classic Dessert Made Simple

Yasser
This iconic dessert combines creamy custard, fluffy whipped cream, and tender ladyfingers with bursts of fruity jam for a showstopping treat. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a nostalgic sweet, this traditional trifle is as impressive as it is easy to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pastry Cream

  • 500 ml milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 100 g sugar
  • 40 g cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Assembly

  • 24 ladyfingers
  • 250 g red berry or strawberry jam
  • 150 ml milk for dipping ladyfingers
  • 400 ml heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 50 g semisweet chocolate, grated
  • Cherries for decoration

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rectangular serving dish
  • Plastic wrap

Instructions
 

  • Heat the milk in a saucepan until very hot but not boiling.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Gradually add some of the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened to a custard consistency.
  • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, then transfer to a bowl, covering the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool.
  • In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.
  • Lightly dip each ladyfinger into milk—just enough to moisten without making them soggy.
  • Arrange a layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish.
  • Spread a generous layer of cooled pastry cream over the ladyfingers, followed by dollops of jam.
  • Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers, custard, and jam.
  • Top with whipped cream, smoothing the surface for an elegant finish.
  • Sprinkle grated chocolate over the whipped cream and garnish with fresh cherries.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before serving.

Notes

Trifle is an ideal make-ahead dessert, as the flavors meld beautifully while chilling.