Trifle

Trifle is a classic British dessert made by layering pieces of sponge cake, fruit jams or fruit purée, and egg custard. The sponge is usually soaked in fortified wine or brandy such as sherry, port, or Marsala, and the whole dessert is commonly topped with whipped cream.

Trifle is traditionally prepared in glass bowls, and the classic version is often altered with various flavorings and additions such as chocolate, jelly, nuts, glacé cherries, as well as fruit juice or soft drinks in a non-alcoholic version.

The familiar form of trifle was well-known by the Victorian era, but unlike today, it was primarily made to make use of leftover sponge cakes and custards. Similar desserts can be found in Scotland (tipsy laird) and the Southern United States (tipsy cake).