Sherry Trifle Recipe

Indulge in a Dreamy Sherry Trifle Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories of childhood desserts flood back when I recall my grandmother’s delightful sherry trifle that always sparked joy at family gatherings.

Layers of soft sponge cake soaked in rich amber liquid create a magical dessert experience.

Soft custard and whipped cream blanket the cake in delicate waves of creamy goodness.

Hints of nutmeg and vanilla dance across each spoonful, promising pure indulgence.

Elegant yet simple, this classic British treat brings sophistication to any dinner table.

Generations have cherished this recipe, passing down its delectable secrets from one cook to another.

You’ll want to savor every decadent bite of this timeless dessert that connects us through shared culinary love.

Why Delia Smith Sherry Trifle Is A Timeless Treat

Why Delia Smith Sherry Trifle Is A Timeless Treat
  • Create a Stunning Dessert: Impress guests with a visually striking trifle that looks professionally made but requires minimal cooking skills.
  • Quick and Simple Assembly: Layer ingredients without complex techniques, making it perfect for home cooks seeking a stress-free dessert preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Blend sweet Swiss rolls, tangy raspberries, rich custard, and creamy whipped topping for a crowd-favorite dessert that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
  • No-Bake Delightful Treat: Skip the oven and enjoy a chilled dessert that's refreshing and perfect for warm gatherings or after-dinner celebrations.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Sherry Trifle

Main Ingredients:
  • Swiss Rolls: Soft, sweet sponge cakes perfect for creating layers in this classic dessert.
  • Raspberries: Fresh, bright berries that add a pop of color and fruity flavor to the trifle.
  • Sherry: A rich, fortified wine that enhances the sponge cake's flavor with its distinctive taste.
Jelly Components:
  • Jelly Cubes, Cold Water, Boiling Water: A sweet, wobbly layer that creates a vibrant base for the trifle and helps set the dessert.
Custard Layer:
  • Custard Powder, Sugar, Milk: A creamy, smooth mixture that provides a rich and luxurious texture to the dessert.
Topping:
  • Heavy Cream, Vanilla, Icing Sugar: A light and fluffy whipped topping that adds sweetness and a delicate finish to the trifle.
  • Rainbow Sprinkles: Colorful decorative elements that bring a playful touch to the dessert.

Easy Instructions For Delia Smith Sherry Trifle

Easy Instructions For Delia Smith Sherry Trifle

Step 1: Prepare Swiss Roll Base

Line the trifle dish with thinly sliced Swiss roll pieces. Scatter fresh raspberries across the center of the dish, creating a vibrant and colorful foundation.

Step 2: Create Fruity Jelly Layer

Dissolve jelly cubes in boiling water, then mix in cold water. Carefully pour the liquid jelly over the Swiss roll and raspberry base. Refrigerate until the jelly sets completely, which takes about 4 hours.

Step 3: Add Sherry-Soaked Sponge

Chop the remaining Swiss roll into bite-sized pieces. Gently drizzle sherry over the pieces, allowing them to absorb the rich, sweet flavor. Spread these alcohol-infused sponge pieces on top of the set jelly layer.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Custard

Combine custard powder and sugar with a small amount of milk to create a smooth paste. Gradually mix in the remaining milk, then cook the mixture over medium heat. Stir continuously until the custard thickens and becomes silky. Allow the custard to cool completely.

Step 5: Pour Custard Layer

Carefully pour the cooled custard over the sherry-soaked sponge layer, ensuring an even distribution across the trifle.

Step 6: Whip Dreamy Cream Topping

Whip cream with vanilla and icing sugar until soft, billowy peaks form. Gently spoon the whipped cream over the custard layer, creating a cloud-like topping.

Step 7: Final Festive Touch

Sprinkle a generous amount of colorful rainbow sprinkles over the cream to add a playful and celebratory finish to the trifle.

Smart Tips For Delia Smith Sherry Trifle

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Drizzle sherry generously over Swiss roll pieces to enhance the rich, boozy taste of the trifle.
  • Perfect Jelly Setting: Ensure the jelly is completely set before adding subsequent layers to maintain a clean, defined structure.
  • Custard Consistency Trick: Stir constantly while cooking custard to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Whipping Cream Technique: Chill the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for faster, more stable whipped cream peaks.
  • Decorative Sprinkle Strategy: Scatter rainbow sprinkles just before serving to keep them crisp and colorful.

Tasty Twists On Delia Smith Sherry Trifle

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace Swiss rolls with gluten-free sponge cake or almond flour cake slices. Use certified gluten-free jelly and custard powder.
  • Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute sherry with orange juice or apple juice. Maintains flavor without alcohol content.
  • Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based Swiss rolls, coconut milk custard, and dairy-free whipped cream. Replace eggs with cornstarch or chia seeds for thickening.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Select sugar-free jelly, use stevia instead of sugar, and opt for low-fat cream. Include fresh berries for natural sweetness.

Pairing Tips For Delia Smith Sherry Trifle

  • Perfect Wine Match: Select a sweet Moscato or Pedro Ximénez sherry to complement the dessert's rich sweetness and match the sherry used in the recipe.
  • Flavor-Boosting Companion: Serve a shot of espresso alongside the trifle to enhance the dessert's complexity and provide a contrasting bitter note.
  • Temperature Contrast: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add creamy coldness against the trifle's layered textures.
  • Fruit Accent Pairing: Offer fresh raspberries on the side to echo the fruit in the trifle and provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweet layers.

How To Store Delia Smith Sherry Trifle Properly

  • Seal trifle in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation on custard and cream layers.
  • Wrap trifle carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Note that cream and custard texture might slightly change upon thawing.
  • Gently warm custard layer in microwave at 50% power for 20-30 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain smooth consistency.
  • Remove trifle from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow layers to soften and flavors to develop naturally.

Your FAQs On Delia Smith Sherry Trifle

  • What is a Swiss roll?

A Swiss roll is a light, thin sponge cake rolled with a sweet filling like jam or cream, typically sold in cylindrical shapes in bakeries and stores.

  • How does sherry affect the dessert's flavor?

Sherry adds a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet alcoholic depth to the trifle, enhancing the sponge cake’s taste and creating a more complex dessert profile.

  • Can I use a different type of jelly?

Yes, you can substitute the current jelly with other flavors like strawberry or raspberry, but traditional trifle recipes often use red fruit-based jellies for best results.

  • Is this dessert suitable for children?

Since the recipe contains sherry, which is alcoholic, it’s recommended to use a non-alcoholic alternative like fruit juice for a child-friendly version.

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Sherry Trifle Recipe

Sherry Trifle Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rich, velvety Sherry Trifle beckons with layers of sponge cake soaked in sweet Spanish sherry, nestled between silky custard and whipped cream. Elegant British dessert promises a delightful journey through classic flavors you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake and Fruit Base:

  • 3 (190 grams / 6.7 ounces) jam Swiss rolls
  • 200 grams (7 ounces) fresh raspberries
  • 2 (135 grams / 4.8 ounces) packs raspberry jelly cubes
  • 3 tablespoons sherry

Custard and Cream Layers:

  • 1 liter (33.8 fluid ounces) full-fat milk
  • 70 grams (2.5 ounces) custard powder
  • 70 grams (2.5 ounces) caster sugar
  • 600 milliliters (20.3 fluid ounces) whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration:

  • 30 grams (1 ounce) icing sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Create a decorative base in the trifle dish by artfully arranging Swiss roll slices, ensuring complete coverage. Strategically place fresh raspberries in the central area for vibrant color and flavor.
  2. Dissolve jelly cubes thoroughly in boiling water, then incorporate cold water. Gently cascade the liquid mixture over the Swiss roll and raspberry foundation. Refrigerate for approximately 4 hours until completely set.
  3. Cut remaining Swiss roll into delicate pieces, generously drizzle with sherry, and distribute evenly across the jellied surface.
  4. Create a smooth custard by blending custard powder and sugar with milk to form a silky paste. Gradually integrate remaining milk, stirring constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and reaches a creamy consistency. Allow to cool completely.
  5. Carefully pour the cooled custard over the sherry-infused sponge layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
  6. Whip cream with vanilla and icing sugar until soft, billowy peaks form. Delicately spoon the cream across the custard layer, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
  7. Garnish with a playful scattering of rainbow sprinkles for a festive, colorful finish.

Notes

  • Choose soft, moist Swiss rolls for a tender base that absorbs liquid beautifully.
  • Use fresh raspberries for vibrant color and bursting fruity flavor, or swap with other berries like strawberries or blackberries.
  • Control alcohol strength by adjusting sherry amount – a light drizzle adds complexity without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Ensure jelly sets completely before adding next layer to maintain distinct texture and prevent layers from blending.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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