Classic sherry trifle
Layers of jam-spread sponge soaked in sherry, raspberries, thick custard and softly whipped cream. A make-ahead showstopper.
- Prep
- 30 mins
- Total
- 30 mins
- Serves
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Moderate
Recipe: Classic sherry trifle
Classic sherry trifle
Ingredients
- 8 trifle sponges, or 175g Madeira cake, sliced
- 4 tbsp raspberry jam
- 6 tbsp sweet or medium sherry, or orange juice for an alcohol-free version
- 400g raspberries, fresh or frozen and defrosted
- 500g thick vanilla custard, shop-bought or homemade, cooled
- 300ml double cream
- 1 tbsp icing sugar
- 25g flaked almonds, toasted, optional
Kitchen kit
- 2 litre glass trifle bowl Search Amazon for glass trifle bowl
- Electric hand whisk Search Amazon for electric hand mixer
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Method
-
Step 1: Sponge layer
Split the trifle sponges, spread with jam and sandwich back together. Cut into chunks and pack into the base of a 2 litre glass bowl. Spoon over the sherry so the sponge is evenly moistened.
-
Step 2: Fruit layer
Scatter over the raspberries, pressing a few down into the sponge.
-
Step 3: Custard layer
Spoon the cooled custard over the fruit in an even layer, spreading it right to the edges of the bowl. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours so it firms up.
-
Step 4: Cream layer
Whip the cream with the icing sugar to soft peaks – stop while it's still soft and billowy. Spoon over the custard.
-
Step 5: Finish
Scatter with toasted almonds just before serving.
Tips
- Make the sponge, fruit and custard layers the day before; add the cream on the day.
- If making custard from scratch, cool it completely before layering or it will melt the cream.
Storing & reheating
Keep covered in the fridge and eat within 2 days.
Freezing
Not suitable for freezing.
Variations
- Alcohol-free for children: replace the sherry with orange or apple juice.
- Christmas: add a layer of sliced clementines and use cinnamon-spiced custard.
Allergies: Always check the labels of the ingredients you buy for allergens — our dietary tags are a guide, not a guarantee.
From feeed.co.uk/recipes/classic-sherry-trifle/ · Checked 17 October 2026
Questions people ask
Can I use ready-made custard?
Yes – a thick 'fresh' chilled custard works best. Or use our homemade custard recipe and let it cool.
Should trifle have jelly?
Opinions differ. This version skips jelly (which is usually made with gelatine) so it's vegetarian; add a set fruit jelly layer if your family loves it.
Sources & inspiration
Checked 17 October 2026. Written in our own words; we checked proportions, technique and food safety against:
See other recipes that use the same kit on our kitchen kit pages.
