“This seemingly simple delight has evolved over centuries, each layer telling a story of cultural exchange, innovation and the pursuit of exquisite taste.”
One evening this past November, Phillip and I were watching an episode of The Great British Bake Off (GBBO) where the consensus on one contestant’s crumbly cake was that it would have been better as a trifle.
All the Pretty Trifles
Phillip wasn’t familiar with the term, but I knew he’d seen these classic, layered desserts before. I did an image search, looking for quintessential trifle examples to show him.
He did, in fact, recognize it once he saw it. So I didn’t need to keep scrolling through lovely layered desserts. I did, though.
We finished the episode, but I kept browsing through photos of trifles, basically nonstop, for the rest of the evening.
I think my brain needed more of a break from bad news and horrifying election results than I’d realized. So, when presented instead with a screen full of pretty desserts, it just latched on.
Rather than doomscrolling, we decided this was dessert scrolling. Or maybe yum scrolling. Whatever you call it, it’s much better for my mental health.
So, in that spirit, let me offer up some trifle-therapy.
What is Trifle?
In case you’re not familiar…
“The traditional English trifle is a cold dessert that layers fresh fruit with whipped cream, custard and pieces of cake that have been soaked in alcohol, most commonly sherry.”
It’s served in a glass dish, so you can see all the different layers. Often, this means a bowl with straight sides that’s big enough to serve a crowd. Other times, people make little single-serve trifles, which seem very cute and very time consuming.
Daily Trifles
“The trifle is the centrepiece of summertime celebrations and Yuletide tables alike.”
–Ben Mervis, food historian
I had thought of trifle only as a fancy, special-occasion dessert – until I heard Welsh GBBO baker Beca Lyne-Pirkis mention how common it was in Cardiff, where she’s originally from.
“I was brought up on trifle. It’s a staple in West Wales. After your Sunday roast … you have trifle.”
–Beca Lyne-Pirkis on Great British Bake Off
She made her version of one of her “mum’s” recipes for her signature bake during Dessert Week in Series 4 / Season 2.
Where Did Trifle Come From?
“The trifle made its official debut in the 1585 cookbook, The Huswives Jewell. In its early days, the trifle was nothing more than a creamy dessert flavored with rose water and ginger.”
–Nicola Lamb, Serious Eats
The layers came later, incorporating new flavors as ingredients became more readily available and flexing with food trends over time.
Trifle Twists
While typical trifle may be made with pieces of cake soaked in sherry, you don’t actually have to use cake. Or sherry.
Recipes may call for other alcoholic beverages, like brandy or a certain liqueur, or non-alcoholic alternatives like orange juice. Cookies – especially ladyfingers – often sub in for cake.
Chocolate Choux Puff Trifle
One of Martha Stewart’s holiday trifle recipes uses chocolate-filled cream puffs! Rather than submerging the pastry, it’s the fruit that steeps in anisette (anise-flavored liqueur) for up to 3 days.
Orange Almond Trifle
“You can make the cake ahead of time and it will stay lovely and fresh for up to 5 days if stored well. If you are going to attempt a homemade almond brittle this can be made a day ahead also.”
–Anna, Just a Mum’s Kitchen
- Anna includes some helpful tips and a recipe for Classic Trifle.
- Recipe is gluten-free if you make her orange and almond syrup cake or use another gluten-free cake recipe.
Cranberry Trifle
“I love that you can see a trifle’s layers in all its messy glory, like a cake inside out!”
–Liren Baker, Kitchen Confidante
This dessert is made with a layer of cranberry wine sauce that could stand alone as a side dish.
Sloe Gin + Srawberry Trifle
We saw blue-purple sloe berries growing wild in Italy, but I don’t think you can find them in the States.
Sloe gin, on the other hand, is available. A quick search showed it’s in stock at a big box, discount wine and liquor store – definitely an American concept.
Caramel Chocolate Trifle
“A highlight of our annual family reunion is the dessert competition. The judges take their jobs very seriously! Last year’s first-place winner was this tempting trifle.”
—Barb Hausey, recipe submitter from Missouri
Barb’s sweet slice of life made me smile. I wonder what other traditions they have during their family reunions-?
Jubilee Trifle
Swiss roll slices, summertime berries, and chocolate bark on top! There’s jelly and custard in the trifle, but no additional booze or juice.
This trifle was inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee (celebration of her 70th year being queen).
To be honest, I don’t know what exactly makes this a Jubilee trifle. It is very festive looking. And it does have the colors of the British flag. Is there something else I’m missing?
Take care of yourself, because no one can be you but you.
And when life gives you crumbly cake, make a trifle.
