When it comes to a Christmas Trifle that will amaze your guests, Aeroplane has got you covered
Whether you prefer the classic flavours of custard, fruit and cream, or are looking to switch it up this year and put a spin on your centrepiece dessert, we’ve got recipes that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the whole family this festive season.
Be inspired by our collection of trifle recipes and find your most frequently asked questions below.
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Trifle FAQs
All your trifle questions answered!
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Can I make trifle the day before?Absolutely! Trifle is best made the day before serving so all the flavours can gel together. Leave the top decorative layer until just prior to serving for a show-stopping masterpiece.
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What are the layers of a trifle?Traditionally the layers of a trifle are cake, fruit, jelly, custard and cream, in that order. You can of course mix them up, it's always a good idea to start with cake so it can soak up all the flavours and any extra liquid.
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What is the best way to layer a trifle?Heaviest to lightest is the best layering technique. Start with cake, add the fruit and jelly, and allow to set. Then add your custard, cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve, then add the cream and any decorative elements.
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Will trifle get soggy overnight?
This depends on what your layers are and how you have layered them. A trifle should be made in advance and left in the fridge for at least an hour, if not overnight.
The leftover trifle will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days before becoming too soggy.
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Should trifle have jelly?Of course! A trifle isn’t really a trifle without the inclusion of that wonderful jelly texture and flavour.
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Can the trifle be made two days in advance?This is not ideal as the cake may become soggy, once the cake is saturated with liquid any extra liquid will seep into the other layers, potentially splitting the custard, cream or jelly. Instead, you could prepare all the layers separately and then layer on the day or the night before serving.
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Do you put hot custard on a trifle?No. If you are making your custard, be sure to cool in before adding it to your trifle. The heat may cause other layers to split or spoil.
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How long does custard take to set on a trifle?
This depends on the type of custard you are using. Most store-bought custards won't require setting time but allowing it to sit in the fridge for 20-30mins will let it settle into the layers below. Extra thick custard is the best to use in your trifle.
So the custard doesn’t develop a skin, cover with a lightly greased piece of baking paper pushed directly onto the surface and then place in the fridge, and allow to cool completely before adding it to your trifle. Once cooled spoon into your trifle and smooth the top ready to decorate.
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What can I use instead of trifle sponges or ladyfingers in a trifle?Any cake or cake-based dessert is great for trifle. Some of our favourites are Swiss roll slices, fruit cake or lamington fingers. Leftover cake is great in a trifle too, try leftover brioche or panettone.
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Can I thicken ready-made custard?Yes. The easiest way to thicken store-bought custard is to gently warm it over a low heat (the heat is important for fully developing the starch in the cornflour) and for every cup of custard add 1 tablespoon of cornflour mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk together until well incorporated, remove from heat and allow to cool before adding to your trifle.