Introduction
If you’re looking for a dessert that sparks nostalgia, wows a crowd, and balances the perfect trio of citrus, chocolate, and cream, then you’re in the right place. The Jaffa Cake Trifle is a modern twist on a traditional British trifle, infused with the unmistakable flavors of tangy orange jelly, rich chocolate custard, fluffy whipped cream, and—of course—plenty of Jaffa Cakes.
This dessert has been making waves on social media, dessert blogs, and festive dining tables, thanks to its playful layers and stunning presentation. It’s indulgent enough for a holiday showstopper yet simple enough to make for a weekend treat. Inspired by Jane’s Patisserie but with room for customization, this trifle recipe is the ultimate comfort dessert with a retro charm.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Jaffa Cake Trifle: what it is, its origins, the detailed recipe, creative variations, tips for success, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to whip up this masterpiece and impress anyone lucky enough to grab a spoon.
What is a Jaffa Cake Trifle?
A Jaffa Cake Trifle is a layered dessert that takes inspiration from the beloved British Jaffa Cake—an iconic snack featuring a sponge base, orange jelly, and chocolate topping. Trifle itself is a centuries-old British dessert, traditionally layered with sponge fingers, custard, jelly, fruit, and cream.
The genius of this recipe lies in marrying two classics:
- The retro trifle, often enjoyed at Christmas and family gatherings.
- The Jaffa Cake, a tea-time favorite that combines citrus and chocolate in perfect harmony.
By combining them, you get a multisensory experience: the jiggle of jelly, the creaminess of custard, the zest of orange, and the snap of chocolate—all in one spoonful. It’s a dessert that doesn’t just taste good, it tells a story of nostalgia and creativity.
Origin of the Jaffa Cake Trifle
The original Jaffa Cake dates back to 1927, created by McVitie & Price in the UK. Named after the Jaffa orange grown in Israel, the snack quickly became a British household staple. Over time, it became a cultural icon—even sparking debates about whether it was a cake or a biscuit (legally, it’s a cake!).
The trifle, on the other hand, goes back even further. Records of the trifle stretch back to the 16th century, when early versions were flavored custards thickened with sugar and ginger. By the 18th century, trifles had evolved into the layered dessert we know today, often featuring sponge, fruit, jelly, custard, and whipped cream.
So how did the Jaffa Cake Trifle come about? While not a traditional recipe, it emerged from the modern food blogging scene, where bakers love to reimagine classics. It’s particularly popular in festive seasons, when people crave both nostalgic flavors and playful presentations. Recipes like Jane’s Patisserie version gave it a mainstream spotlight, and now it’s become a must-try dessert trend.
Ingredients for Jaffa Cake Trifle
To create this spectacular dessert, you’ll need a mix of store-bought staples and fresh touches. Here’s the full list:
- 400g Jaffa Cakes – the hero ingredient that defines the dessert.
- 1 packet orange jelly cubes – creates the nostalgic wobbly layer.
- 250ml boiling water + 250ml cold water – for dissolving and setting the jelly.
- 400g marmalade (optional, for extra citrus punch) – adds richness and a tangy kick.
- 2 tins mandarin segments, drained – brings a juicy, fruity layer.
- 500ml custard (store-bought or homemade) – the creamy base for chocolate.
- 150g dark chocolate, chopped – melted into the custard for richness.
- 600ml double cream – whipped to fluffy perfection.
- 2 tbsp icing sugar – for lightly sweetening the cream.
- Zest of 1 orange – elevates the flavor and ties the layers together.
- Sprinkles or extra Jaffa Cakes, for decoration – because presentation matters!
Step-by-Step Directions – How to Make Jaffa Cake Trifle
1. Make the Jelly Layer
- Dissolve orange jelly cubes in 250ml boiling water.
- Stir well, then add 250ml cold water (and marmalade if using).
- Arrange half of the Jaffa Cakes at the bottom of a large trifle dish.
- Pour over the jelly mixture, ensuring the cakes are submerged.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, until completely set.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Custard
- Gently heat the custard in a saucepan.
- Add chopped dark chocolate, stirring until melted and silky.
- Let it cool slightly before layering.
3. Whip the Cream
- In a chilled bowl, whisk double cream with icing sugar and orange zest.
- Stop at soft peaks—you want it fluffy but not stiff.
4. Assemble the Trifle
- Spread the cooled chocolate custard over the jelly.
- Add a layer of mandarin segments and dollops of marmalade.
- Arrange the remaining Jaffa Cakes on top.
- Spoon over the whipped orange cream.
5. Decorate & Chill
- Garnish with extra Jaffa Cakes, sprinkles, grated chocolate, or more orange zest.
- Chill for 1–4 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Variations of Jaffa Cake Trifle
One of the joys of trifle is its adaptability. Here are some exciting ways to customize your Jaffa Cake Trifle:
1. Boozy Twist
Add a splash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier to the jelly or cream for an adults-only dessert.
2. White Chocolate Version
Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate in the custard for a sweeter, creamier result.
3. Jaffa Cheesecake Trifle
Instead of custard, use a layer of orange cheesecake filling for a richer, no-bake twist.
4. Fresh Fruit Upgrade
Replace mandarin tins with fresh oranges, raspberries, or strawberries for a refreshing bite.
5. Mini Trifles
Assemble in individual glasses for elegant dinner-party servings.
FAQs About Jaffa Cake Trifle
Q1: Can I make Jaffa Cake Trifle ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better when chilled overnight. Just add the whipped cream topping closer to serving to keep it fresh.
Q2: What if I can’t find Jaffa Cakes?
You can substitute with chocolate orange biscuits or sponge fingers layered with orange marmalade and chocolate.
Q3: Can I use instant custard instead of homemade?
Absolutely. Store-bought custard works perfectly, especially when infused with chocolate.
Q4: How long does Jaffa Cake Trifle last?
Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2–3 days for the best taste and texture.
Q5: Can I freeze Jaffa Cake Trifle?
Unfortunately, no. The jelly and cream don’t freeze well and will lose their texture.
Conclusion
The Jaffa Cake Trifle is more than just a dessert—it’s an edible celebration of nostalgia, creativity, and indulgence. From the jiggle of the orange jelly to the smoothness of the chocolate custard, every spoonful delivers a balance of textures and flavors that few desserts can rival.
Whether you’re making it for a festive holiday, a dinner party, or just a weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and become a new family favorite. With countless variations, easy substitutions, and room for personalization, the Jaffa Cake Trifle proves why it has quickly become a modern classic in the world of desserts.
So, grab your spoon and dive in—the perfect blend of citrus, chocolate, and cream awaits in every bite of this stunning Jaffa Cake Trifle.
Jaffa Cake Trifle Recipe – A Showstopping Dessert with Citrus, Chocolate & Cream
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Jaffa Cake Trifle is a layered dessert that takes inspiration from the beloved British Jaffa Cake—an iconic snack featuring a sponge base, orange jelly, and chocolate topping. Trifle itself is a centuries-old British dessert, traditionally layered with sponge fingers, custard, jelly, fruit, and cream.
Ingredients
- 400g Jaffa Cakes
- 1 packet orange jelly cubes
- 250ml boiling water + 250ml cold water
- 400g marmalade (optional, for extra citrus punch)
- 2 tins mandarin segments, drained
- 500ml custard (store-bought or homemade)
- 150g dark chocolate, chopped
- 600ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- Sprinkles or extra Jaffa Cakes, for decoration
Instructions
- Make the jelly layer:
- Dissolve jelly cubes in boiling water.
- Add cold water and marmalade, whisk until smooth.
- Layer half the Jaffa Cakes in the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Pour jelly mixture over and chill for 3–4 hours until set.
- Prepare chocolate custard:
- Gently heat custard in a pan.
- Stir in chopped chocolate until melted and smooth.
- Let cool slightly.
- Whip the cream:
- In a bowl, whip cream with icing sugar and orange zest until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the trifle:
- Pour chocolate custard over the jelly layer.
- Add mandarin segments and a few spoonfuls of marmalade.
- Layer remaining Jaffa Cakes.
- Top with whipped orange cream.
- Decorate:
- Garnish with extra Jaffa Cakes, orange zest, grated chocolate, or sprinkles.
- Chill for 1–4 hours before serving.
Notes
This Jaffa Cake Trifle is a fun, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for parties and family gatherings. For a citrusy twist, try adding a splash of orange liqueur to the jelly layer, or garnish with fresh orange zest and chocolate shavings before serving. Best enjoyed chilled, and it can be made a day ahead for even deeper flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling time extra)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Jaffa Trifle, Orange Chocolate Trifle, Jaffa Cake Dessert
