Summers in South Africa bring to mind sunny days, braais (BBQ) and, of course, delicious desserts.
Among the most cherished is this Easy South African Trifle.
A classic layered dessert that graces tables during family gatherings, especially during the festive season.
This easy South African summer trifle recipe blends nostalgia and fresh flavors, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
A Classic Summer Treat
This South African trifle recipe is a nod to the traditional trifle recipes that many of us grew up with.
It combines layers of sponge cake, jelly, homemade custard and fresh fruits. All into a stunning dessert that's as delicious as is beautiful.😻
The trifle bowl — a clear glass bowl or a trifle dish—is key to showcasing the vibrant layers.
Why This Trifle Recipe Is a Must-Try
This easy South African summer trifle recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a piece of heritage.
A layered dessert, local ingredients and a summer trifle recipe with a twist!
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Ingredients You'll Need
Madeira cake: Aka sponge cake. Make your own sponge cake or use store-bought. Swiss roll is another option here.
Jelly: I use a strawberry flavored one in this recipe.
Custard: Creamy and smooth custard is the heart of the trifle. You can make it from scratch or use store-bought for convenience.
Thick Whipping Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream crowns the trifle, adding a luxurious finish. Whip it until it forms soft peaks for the perfect topping.
Fresh Strawberries: You can use any fresh fruit that you like or any fresh berries.
How to Make An Easy Trifle Recipe
Set the jelly: According to the packet instructions, make the jelly and let it cool in the fridge until firm. It will take about 2 hours so making it ahead is convenient.
Strawberries: While the jelly sets, clean and slice the strawberries in half.
Combine: Add the strawberry halves into the jelly and gently fold. Pour half of the jelly and strawberry combination into the serving glass bowl.
Build the foundation: Slice the cake into finger like shapes. Use some of the slices as a base/foundation. Lay them flat down over the jelly and strawberry combination.
Build the wall: Now use the remaining cake fingers to creat a wall around the glass bowl. Leave some cake for the next step.
Fill the top: Break up some pieces of cake or cut them into cubes and add into the center. See image below.
Add Liquor (optional): Feel free to add a touch of liquor over the cubed cake pieces. Be careful not to overdo the liquor or it can be a soggy liquored texture.
Great if that's your preference though! I left it out since not everyone likes the taste.
Fresh raspberries: Place fresh raspberries on the side, a good distance apart.
Add custard: Now pour custard over the top. I left the raspberries out because it enhances the appeal of the dish. You can pour the custard over if you prefer.
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Cream: Add whipped fresh cream and another layer of custard.
Tip: Cover the custard with a layer of whipped cream. Spread it evenly with a spatualr or the back of a spoon. Keeps everyting neat and tidy.
Finishing touches: Garnish with more fresh fruits or seasonal fruits and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or toasted nuts, if desired.
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this easy trifle recipe in a large bowl or individual trifle dishes to showcase the layers.
The clear glass bowl makes it easy for everyone to appreciate the vibrant colors and textures before diving in.
This dessert is perfect for family celebrations, Christmas Day, or any summer gathering.
Variations
- Jelly: Substitute the raspberry-flavored jelly for a similar fruity and colorful option.
- Cake: Sponge cake, trifle sponge or a Swiss roll.
- Fruit: Swap the fresh berries for canned fruit cocktail.
- Liquor: A splash of your favorite liquor to enhance the flavor.
- Garnish: Seasonal fruits like kiwi, mango, or pineapple instead of berries.
Recipe Notes
- Add some egg yolks to the custard for a richer flavor.
- Experiment with different fresh fruits. Even a layer of chocolate brownie for added indulgence.
- To save time, use store-bought whipped cream and a packet of jelly. However, making your own custard adds a homemade touch that's hard to beat.
Conclusion
This South African trifle recipe is versatile and easily adapted to your taste.
Its combination of fresh berries, custard, and whipped cream makes it a dessert that never goes out of style.
So, the next time you're looking for a summer dessert that will impress, try this trifle.
Your friends and family will thank you!
More Quick, Easy & Delicious Dessert-Type Recipes
This recipe was originally published on March 2023. The recipe itself has not changed, the images have been updated and a how to section added.
⭐ If you’ve tried this Easy Summer Trifle Recipe or any other recipe on MyAnosmicKitchen, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear from you. And, if you post it to Instagram, then tag me so that I can repost it to my stories!
South African Summer Trifle
Ingredients
- 480 grams Vanilla Flavored Trifle Sponge
- 2 x80 grams Jelly strawberry flavored
- 1 Litre Custard you can make your own or use store bought
- 500 ml thick whipping cream
- fresh strawberries
- fresh raspberries
Garnish
- fresh fruit
- fresh mint
- meringue pieces link below
- icing sugar
Instructions
- Jelly: Make the jelly according to packet instructions and once cooled, transfer to the fridge for an hour or two to set. You want it set yet still jiggly, to add the fruit.
- Strawberries: Meanwhile, rinse the strawberries removing the ends and slice in half. Add into the soft jelly and gently fold together.
- Cake: Slice the cake into finger-like slices leaving some behind which can be sliced or broken up into cubes, set aside.
- Prepare the trifle bowl: First layer, pour jelly and strawberry mix into the bowl. Arrange the finger-shaped cake slices into the trifle bowl all along the inside of the bowl standing upright. Add the remaining cake pieces to the center of the bowl over the jelly.
- Place fresh raspberries on top of the cake around the bowl.
- Custard and Fresh cream: Pour half the custard over followed by half the fresh whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining custard and last layer of cream.
- Garnish: Top with fresh fruit, meringue pieces, fresh mint and a sprinkle of icing sugar.
Notes
Any one that you don't mind the taste of, ones most used are sherry, brandy, rum or Frangelico for something different or even a port! What fruit to use in trifle? This is a South African Summer Trifle because trifles are best with fresh berries when seasonal. Try to use them when in season or any other preferred seasonal fruit. Looking for a meringue recipe? If using meringues for the top as garnish, you can find the recipe on my other Easy Trifle Recipe Make Ahead Tips: Make the custard 2 days ahead as long as the surface is covered with cling wrap and the cling wrap must touch the custard to prevent drying. Meringue Cream: Make the whole meringue cream recipe the day before and gently transfer it using a soft spatula to an airtight container, in the fridge overnight. It must be air tight. Whipping Cream: Feel free to add a tablespoon of icing sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla into the cream. I don't think it needs the sugar, the meringue cream is already very sweet and the vanilla does take it one shade down from the snow white color. Homemade custard recipe: You can make your own custard or you can use store bought. You can find my homemade custard recipe here.
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