Treat of the Week: A Decadent Trifle

This classic English desert is known as much for its rich flavor as it is for its beauty. The first trifles were made in England in the late Sixteenth Century, though this version of the dessert was flavored with rosewater and didn’t feature cream. Over time, trifles evolved, becoming grander, creamier, and more attractive—usually presented in a tall glass or high-sided, footed bowl which allows the lucky recipient to view the many layers of delight that away him with each spoonful.


Typically a trifle consists of layers of fruit, cream and cake and is almost exclusively flavored with some kind of alcohol. The Scots call their trifle “Tipsy Laird.” The Italians refer to it as “Zuppa Inglese” (English Soup). In the United States, the Southern “Tipsy Cake” is a cousin to trifle while in New Orleans, a “Creole Trifle” involves a variety of cakes mixed together with fruit and liquor-infused cream.

This past weekend, we enjoyed some delectable trifle. My mother’s version is a combination of the traditional English trifle which slightly leans toward the “Creole Trifle.” Here, we have layers of gorgeous homemade gingerbread and chocolate pound cake which are interspersed with Chantilly Cream (in this instance, freshly whipped cream infused with blackberry brandy) and a coulis of raspberries and blackberries. The coulis features whole raspberries, blueberries and blackberries which have been glazed with a fruit reduction. This sweet sauce makes the fruit glisten as well as adds moisture to the cake which, when combined with the cream, gives the whole trifle a pudding-like texture. The addition of chocolate chips adds a bite to the overall texture and makes for a truly luxurious dessert.

My mother made individual trifles in single servings which look quite nice and give the eater a sense of pride and ownership which I always find appealing in food. I come from the “that’s mine” school of eating (not unlike a dog, I suppose). However, if you consider making your own trifle, you might wish to make a large one in a beautiful pedestal-based dish. A search for trifle recipes will give you some great ideas, but remember, the beauty of food comes from making it your own. Include the fruits, cakes and liquor that you enjoy. You won’t be disappointed.