Ingredients:

  • 24 Ladyfingers/Sponge Fingers (about 200g / 7 oz)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Dry Sherry (or Madeira or Orange Juice for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) Whole Milk
  • 1 Vanilla Bean, split and scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
  • 6 Large Egg Yolks
  • 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 2 cups (about 500g / 1.1 lb) Mixed Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries), hulled and sliced if large
  • 1/4 cup (50g) Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste based on berry sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups (475 ml) Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • Fresh Berries, for garnish
  • Toasted Almonds, slivered, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Arrange sponge fingers in the base of the trifle bowl and drizzle with sherry. Set aside.
  2. Heat milk and vanilla bean (if using) in a saucepan.
  3. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
  4. Temper the egg mixture with a small amount of hot milk.
  5. Pour tempered mixture into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  6. Strain custard through a fine-mesh sieve. Stir in vanilla extract (if not using vanilla bean).
  7. Cover the surface of the custard with cling film to prevent a skin from forming and chill for at least 1 hour.
  8. Gently heat berries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
  9. Simmer until berries soften slightly and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
  10. Let cool slightly.
  11. Pour half of the cooled berry mixture over the sherry-soaked sponge fingers.
  12. Top with half of the chilled custard.
  13. Repeat layers: sponge fingers, berry mixture, custard.
  14. Cover with cling film and chill for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  15. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  16. Spread whipped cream evenly over the top of the trifle.
  17. Garnish with fresh berries and toasted almonds (optional).