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Easy South African Summer Trifle Recipe

easy trifle recipe summer

A Classic Summer Treat

Why This Trifle Recipe Is a Must-Try

Ingredients You’ll Need

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 berriescustard, 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!

summer fruit with berries  easy trifle recipe

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!

summer trifle recipe

South African Summer Trifle

 South African trifle. A classic layered dessert that graces tables during family gatherings, especially during the festive season.
Author: Miranda
Prep 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

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

Liquor:  If using any liquor, add it over the cake pieces in step 4. 
Types of alcohol to use for trifle? 
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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