Description of this recipe
The Royal Summer Trifle is an exquisite dessert that embodies the essence of summer. Layers of fruity jelly, rich custard-soaked cake, tangy orange cream, and fluffy whipped cream create a symphony of textures and flavours. Garnished with fresh strawberries and mint, this trifle is a visual masterpiece as well as a culinary delight. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want to impress your guests with a truly stunning dessert.
Why you will love this recipe
This Royal Summer Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. You’ll love it because:
- It’s a flavour explosion: The combination of sweet berries, citrusy orange, creamy custard, and vanilla-infused whipped cream is irresistible.
- It’s visually stunning: The vibrant colours and layered presentation make this trifle a showstopper. It’s guaranteed to impress everyone at your table.
- It’s perfect for entertaining: This trifle can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for parties and gatherings. Simply assemble the components and chill until you’re ready to serve.
- It’s customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Use different fruits, liqueurs, or flavourings to create your own signature trifle.
- It tastes amazing: Every bite is heaven.
Introduction
Trifles have a long and storied history, evolving from simple cream-based desserts to the elaborate layered creations we know and love today. The Royal Summer Trifle is a modern take on this classic dessert, combining traditional elements with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, with clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfect result every time. Although it might seem complicated, breaking it down into smaller components makes the entire process manageable. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Jelly Layer:
- 6 gelatine leaves
- 100g caster sugar
- 1 lemon, zest pared into strips, juiced
- 500g strawberries, hulled
- 400ml water
- A drop of red food colouring (optional)
For the Custard and Cake Layer:
- 500ml fresh shop-bought vanilla custard
- 400g madeira cake, cut into chunks
- 70ml berry cordial of your choice
- 150g raspberries
For the Orange Cream Layer:
- 600ml double cream
- 200ml caster sugar
- 2 oranges, zested and juiced
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 300ml double cream
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
For the Garnish:
- 250g strawberries
- Small handful of mint leaves
- 1 orange, halved and sliced
- Remaining whole strawberries
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Jelly
Start by softening the gelatine. Place the gelatine leaves in a small bowl and cover them with cold water. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to soften. This step is crucial, as it ensures the gelatine dissolves evenly and creates a smooth, wobble-worthy jelly.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Base
In a saucepan, combine the caster sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 400ml of water. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a flavorful base for the strawberry jelly.
Step 3: Cook the Strawberries
Add the hulled strawberries to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the strawberries have broken down and released their juices. This intensifies the strawberry flavour and creates a beautiful red colour.
Step 4: Strain the Jelly Mixture
Pour the strawberry mixture through a sieve into a jug, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids, or save them to use in a smoothie or as a topping for yogurt.
Step 5: Dissolve the Gelatine
Squeeze out any excess water from the softened gelatine leaves and stir them into the warm strawberry mixture until completely dissolved. If desired, add a drop of red food colouring to enhance the colour of the jelly. The amount to add is minimal so don’t over do it!
Step 6: Layer Custard and Cake
Pour the vanilla custard into the base of a 3-litre trifle bowl. This provides a creamy foundation for the subsequent layers.
Step 7: Arrange the Cake
Top the custard with the madeira cake chunks, distributing them evenly. Drizzle the berry cordial over the cake, allowing it to soak in and infuse the cake with flavour.
Step 8: Add Raspberries
Scatter the raspberries over the cake layer, adding a burst of fresh, tart flavour.
Step 9: Pour in the Jelly
Slowly and carefully pour the strawberry jelly mixture over the cake and raspberries, ensuring it covers everything evenly. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours, or until the jelly is fully set.
Step 10: Prepare the Orange Cream
In a saucepan, combine the double cream, caster sugar, and orange zest. Heat over low heat, stirring gently, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just beginning to simmer.
Step 11: Simmer the Cream
Increase the heat to medium and bubble the mixture for exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step thickens the cream and infuses it with the orange flavour.
Step 12: Add Orange Juice
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange juice. The mixture may curdle slightly, but don’t worry – this is normal.
Step 13: Strain the Orange Cream
Pour the orange cream mixture through a sieve over the set jelly layer. This removes any lumps and creates a smooth, velvety cream layer.
Step 14: Chill the Trifle
Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the orange cream to set.
Step 15: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
In a large bowl, combine the double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat with an electric whisk until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can result in a grainy texture.
Step 16: Top with Whipped Cream
Dollop the whipped cream over the trifle using a large spoon, creating a generous layer on top. Chill the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the whipped cream to firm up.
Step 17: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, halve most of the strawberries through the stem and scatter them over the trifle along with the mint leaves. Arrange the orange slices and remaining whole strawberries in a bowl on the side.
COOKING Rating:
- Complexity: Medium
- Skill: Beginner-Friendly
- Taste: Amazing, Fruity, Creamy, Heavenly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Royal Summer Trifle chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
- Offer a variety of fresh fruits on the side to complement the trifle.
- A glass of chilled sparkling wine or prosecco pairs perfectly with this dessert.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the trifle. Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries, good-quality vanilla custard, and full-fat double cream.
- Don’t oversoak the cake: Be careful not to overdo the berry cordial, as the cake can become soggy. A light drizzle is all you need.
- Chill thoroughly: Chilling the trifle for the recommended time is crucial for the layers to set properly and the flavours to meld together.
- Make ahead: This trifle can be made up to 2 days in advance. Simply assemble all the layers and chill until you’re ready to serve. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving to prevent it from weeping.
- Customize the flavours: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, liqueurs, and flavourings to create your own unique trifle.
Prep Time:
Approximately 45 minutes
Cook Time:
Approximately 15 minutes (for the jelly and orange cream)
Total Time:
Approximately 6 hours (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
Please note that the following values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 100-150mg per serving
Conclusion
The Royal Summer Trifle is a dessert that truly lives up to its name. With its layers of vibrant colours, delightful textures, and irresistible flavours, it’s a perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this trifle is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to create a dessert that will be remembered long after the last spoonful is savoured.
Questions and Answers about the Royal Summer Trifle:
Q1: Can I use different types of cake instead of madeira cake?
A: Absolutely! Madeira cake is a classic choice for trifles because of its sturdy texture, but you can certainly substitute it with other types of cake. Sponge cake, pound cake, or even ladyfingers would work well. Just be mindful of the cake’s absorbency – if it’s very porous, reduce the amount of berry cordial you use to prevent it from becoming too soggy. A simple vanilla or lemon cake would also complement the other flavours in the trifle beautifully.
Q2: Can I make this trifle without alcohol?
A: Yes, definitely! The berry cordial adds a subtle flavour and helps moisten the cake, but it’s not essential to the recipe. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the berry cordial with a non-alcoholic fruit syrup, such as raspberry, strawberry, or elderflower. Alternatively, you can simply use extra fruit juice or even a little bit of the strawberry jelly mixture to moisten the cake. The key is to ensure the cake is slightly damp but not overly saturated.
Q3: Can I use frozen strawberries for the jelly?
A: While fresh strawberries are ideal for the jelly, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using, and drain off any excess liquid. Frozen strawberries may release more water during cooking, so you may need to simmer the mixture for a bit longer to allow it to thicken slightly. The flavour and texture of the jelly might be slightly different compared to using fresh strawberries, but it will still be delicious.
Q4: How long will the Royal Summer Trifle keep in the refrigerator?
A: The Royal Summer Trifle is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. The layers tend to soften over time, and the whipped cream topping may start to weep. Store the trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odours. It’s also best to add the whipped cream topping just before serving to ensure it stays light and fluffy.
Q5: Can I make individual trifles instead of one large trifle?
A: Yes, you can definitely make individual trifles! Simply layer the ingredients in individual serving dishes or glasses instead of a large trifle bowl. This is a great option for parties or when you want to create a more elegant presentation. The cooking and chilling times will remain the same, but you may need to adjust the quantities of ingredients depending on the size of your serving dishes. Individual trifles are also easier to transport and serve, making them a convenient choice for potlucks or picnics.
