Sherry Trifle

5 of the Best Trifle Recipes to Make at Home

Sunday 14th Dec 2025 |

5 of the Best Trifle Recipes

Trifle is one of those desserts that looks impressive, feeds a crowd and can be made well ahead — which is exactly why it’s stood the test of time. Whether you love a traditional sherry-soaked version or prefer something chocolatey and modern, these five trifle recipes are reliable, crowd-pleasing and genuinely easy to pull together.

Each recipe below serves 6–8 people and can be assembled the day before serving.

1. Classic Sherry Trifle Recipe

Best for: Christmas, family gatherings, tradition

Ingredients:

  • 6 sponge fingers or slices of plain sponge
  • 4 tbsp sweet sherry
  • 1 pack raspberry jelly
  • 300ml boiling water
  • 500ml fresh custard (cooled)
  • 300ml double cream
  • Flaked almonds or glacé cherries (optional)

Method:

  1. Arrange the sponge in the base of a trifle bowl and drizzle evenly with sherry.
  2. Dissolve the jelly in boiling water, allow to cool slightly, then pour over the sponge. Chill until set.
  3. Pour over the custard and level gently.
  4. Whip the cream to soft peaks and spoon on top.
  5. Decorate with almonds or cherries before serving.

2. Chocolate Lover’s Trifle Recipe

Best for: Dinner parties, chocolate fans

Ingredients:

  • 1 chocolate sponge or brownie, cut into chunks
  • 3 tbsp chocolate liqueur or milk
  • 400ml chocolate custard or chocolate mousse
  • 300ml double cream
  • Dark chocolate shavings

Method:

  1. Layer the chocolate sponge in the bowl and drizzle with liqueur or milk.
  2. Spoon over the chocolate custard or mousse.
  3. Chill for at least 1 hour.
  4. Whip the cream and layer on top.
  5. Finish with chocolate shavings before serving.

3. Lemon & Berry Trifle Recipe

Best for: Spring and summer desserts

Ingredients:

  • 6 sponge fingers
  • 3 tbsp limoncello or elderflower cordial
  • 300g mixed berries
  • 5 tbsp lemon curd
  • 300ml fresh custard
  • 300ml double cream

Method:

  1. Place sponge fingers in the bowl and drizzle with limoncello or cordial.
  2. Scatter over half the berries and dot with lemon curd.
  3. Add the custard layer and chill briefly.
  4. Whip the cream and spoon on top.
  5. Finish with remaining berries before serving.

4. Strawberries & Cream Trifle Recipe

Best for: Summer parties, Wimbledon season

Ingredients:

  • 1 plain sponge cake, sliced
  • 300g fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tbsp strawberry jam
  • 300ml fresh custard
  • 300ml double cream
  • Optional: prosecco or strawberry liqueur

Method:

  1. Layer the sponge in the base and drizzle lightly with prosecco or liqueur if using.
  2. Mix strawberries with jam and spoon over the sponge.
  3. Pour over the custard and chill until set.
  4. Whip the cream and spread on top.
  5. Decorate with extra strawberries to serve.

5. Chocolate Orange Trifle Recipe

Best for: A modern festive dessert

Ingredients:

  • Chocolate sponge or brownies
  • Zest and juice of 1 orange
  • 3 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)
  • 400ml chocolate custard
  • 300ml double cream
  • Chocolate orange segments

Method:

  1. Layer chocolate sponge in the bowl and drizzle with orange juice and liqueur.
  2. Spoon over chocolate custard and chill.
  3. Whip the cream and layer on top.
  4. Finish with chocolate orange segments or curls before serving.

Why These Trifle Recipes Always Work

Each of these trifles balances sponge, creaminess and flavour without being overly complicated. They’re adaptable, forgiving and ideal for making ahead — which is exactly what a good trifle should be.


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