Jubilee Trifle: A Royal Celebration Dessert
When it comes to celebratory desserts, few can rival the grandeur and elegance of a traditional trifle. With layers of sponge, fruits, custard, and cream, a trifle is the perfect way to indulge in a delicious, layered treat that is as visually stunning as it is flavorful. Among the many variations, the Jubilee Trifle stands out as a decadent and festive dessert perfect for any celebration, especially a royal occasion like the Jubilee celebrations. This delightful dessert features the vibrant colors of red, white, and blue, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. In this guide, we’ll take you through the ingredients, preparation, and variations of the Jubilee Trifle, ensuring you create a dessert fit for any royal event.
What is Jubilee Trifle?
A Jubilee Trifle is a layered dessert that combines the rich textures of sponge cake, fresh fruit, creamy custard, and whipped cream. This dessert is often a focal point during special occasions and is especially popular during national celebrations, such as the Jubilee of a monarch. The dessert’s layers of Swiss roll, fresh berries, smooth coulis, and whipped cream come together to create a treat that is both indulgent and visually stunning. Whether served at a grand banquet or a simple family gathering, this trifle will elevate any occasion.
The Origin of Jubilee Trifle
The trifle as we know it today has been around for centuries, but the Jubilee Trifle is a more modern interpretation that celebrates royal milestones and festivities. The word “trifle” originates from the Middle English word “trufle,” meaning a sweet or light dessert. Over time, the recipe evolved to include layers of cake, fruit, custard, and cream, making it a perfect dessert for any celebratory event. The Jubilee Trifle specifically draws inspiration from the Jubilee celebrations, particularly the British royal Jubilees, which commemorate milestones in the reign of a monarch. The red, white, and blue colors reflect the festive nature of the event and the nation’s pride.
Ingredients for Jubilee Trifle
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make a Jubilee Trifle. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
For the Base:
- 1 Swiss roll, sliced
- 240g strawberries, halved
- 200g blueberries
For the Coulis:
- 140g strawberries, halved
- 100ml sherry
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- ½ vanilla pod, scraped
And for the Cream Layer:
- 300ml double cream
- 500g Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- Remaining vanilla pod, scraped
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Jubilee Trifle:
1. Prepare the Coulis:
Start by making the strawberry coulis, which will serve as a flavorful syrup to soak the Swiss roll.
- In a saucepan, combine 140g of strawberries, 100ml of sherry, and 2 tablespoons of caster sugar.
- Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
- Add the scraped half vanilla pod into the mix and allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes. The vanilla will infuse the coulis with a rich aroma.
- Once the strawberries are soft and the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- After cooling, blend the mixture into a smooth coulis.
2. Layer the Base:
Now that the coulis is ready, you can start assembling the trifle.
- Begin by arranging the sliced Swiss roll at the bottom and sides of a large trifle bowl. This will form the base layer of your trifle.
- Place the halved strawberries along the sides of the bowl for a decorative touch, ensuring the red color contrasts beautifully with the other layers.
- Pour 4 tablespoons of the coulis over the Swiss roll, allowing it to soak in and infuse the sponge with flavor.
3. Make the Cream Layer:
Next, prepare the cream layer, which will add richness and a creamy texture to the trifle.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the double cream with 2 tablespoons of icing sugar until soft peaks form. This will create a light, fluffy texture.
- Fold in 500g of Greek yogurt to give the cream layer a tangy richness. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream as you mix.
- Scrape the remaining vanilla pod into the cream mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the Trifle:
Now it’s time to layer the cream and fruit.
- Spoon a generous layer of the cream mixture over the soaked Swiss roll and coulis.
- Between the layers of cream, add additional coulis to enhance the flavor and maintain the vibrant color contrast.
- Top the trifle with a handful of blueberries and any remaining coulis.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Once assembled, refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. This will also help the layers firm up, making it easier to serve.
Variations of the Jubilee Trifle
While the Jubilee Trifle recipe is traditional in many ways, there are several variations you can try based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.
- Fruit Variations: Swap out the strawberries and blueberries for other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, or even mangoes, depending on the time of year and your flavor preferences.
- Alcohol-Free Version: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply substitute the sherry in the coulis with orange juice or another fruit juice of your choice.
- Vegan Trifle: For a dairy-free or vegan option, use coconut cream instead of double cream and almond or soy yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. You can also make a vegan sponge cake or use a store-bought option.
FAQs About Jubilee Trifle
1. Can I make Jubilee Trifle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the trifle a day or two ahead of time. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight will give the layers more time to set and the flavors to develop.
2. Can I substitute the Swiss roll?
If you can’t find Swiss roll, you can use sponge cake, ladyfingers, or even pound cake as a substitute.
3. Can I make the coulis without sherry?
Yes, you can substitute the sherry with fruit juice, such as apple juice or even cranberry juice, for a non-alcoholic version.
4. How long will the trifle last?
The trifle will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for the freshest taste.
Conclusion
The Jubilee Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration in a bowl. With its layers of sponge, fresh fruit, and rich cream, this festive treat brings together the best of British dessert traditions in a modern and visually stunning way. Perfect for any royal occasion or family gathering, the Jubilee Trifle is bound to impress with its elegance and deliciousness. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own variations, this trifle is sure to become a favorite at any celebration. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create your very own royal treat that will delight both the eyes and the taste buds!
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Jubilee Trifle Recipe: A Festive, Layered Dessert Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Jubilee Trifle is a layered dessert that combines the rich textures of sponge cake, fresh fruit, creamy custard, and whipped cream. This dessert is often a focal point during special occasions and is especially popular during national celebrations, such as the Jubilee of a monarch. The dessert’s layers of Swiss roll, fresh berries, smooth coulis, and whipped cream come together to create a treat that is both indulgent and visually stunning. Whether served at a grand banquet or a simple family gathering, this trifle will elevate any occasion.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 Swiss roll, sliced
- 240g strawberries, halved
- 200g blueberries
For the coulis:
- 140g strawberries, halved
- 100ml sherry
- 2 tbsp caster sugar
- ½ vanilla pod, scraped
For the cream layer:
- 300ml double cream
- 500g Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- Remaining vanilla pod, scraped
Instructions
- Prepare the coulis:
- In a saucepan, heat strawberries, sherry, and caster sugar until soft.
- Add vanilla pod scrapings and let it cool.
- Blend into a smooth coulis.
- Layer the base:
- Arrange Swiss roll slices at the bottom and sides of a trifle bowl.
- Place halved strawberries along the sides for a decorative touch.
- Pour 4 tbsp of coulis over the Swiss roll.
- Make the cream layer:
- Whip double cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold in Greek yogurt and remaining vanilla.
- Layer the cream over the coulis.
- Final assembly:
- Spoon additional coulis between layers.
- Top with blueberries and any remaining coulis.
- Chill before serving.
Notes
This Jubilee Trifle is a showstopping dessert perfect for national celebrations, garden parties, or any festive gathering. Feel free to customize with your favorite berries or a splash of liqueur for an adult twist. It’s not just a treat—it’s a tribute to tradition with a modern flair!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Jubilee Trifle Recipe