Trifle in a Tray

Trifle in a Tray is the perfect dessert for any celebration. This layered delight combines vibrant jelly, fluffy lamingtons, rich chocolate cake, and luscious whipped cream, all beautifully presented in a tray. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, this recipe stands out with its colorful presentation and delightful flavors that everyone will appreciate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, making Trifle in a Tray is simple and quick.
• Feed a Crowd: This dessert serves ten people generously, making it suitable for parties or family gatherings.
• Versatile Layers: Customize the layers with your choice of fruits or cakes to suit your taste.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of creamy custard, juicy berries, and fluffy textures creates a satisfying dessert experience.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful trifle, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large dish (23cm x 33cm)
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large dish: Essential for holding all the layers of your trifle. A large dish ensures you have enough space to create beautiful layers.
• Saucepan: Used for simmering the berry coulis. A good saucepan allows even heat distribution for perfect results.

Ingredients

An amazing trifle made in a tray from layers of jelly, lamingtons, custard, chocolate cake, cream, strawberries and berry coulis.

For the Jelly Layer

• 2 x 85g Raspberry Jelly

For the Berry Coulis

• 500g frozen mixed berries
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Cake Layers

• 2 x packets Mini Lamingtons (200g each)
• 1 x store bought chocolate cake (360g)

For the Creamy Layers

• 200g punnet strawberries, stalks removed
• 500ml cream, whipped
• 1kg custard
• 30g Flake bar

How to Make Trifle in a Tray

Step 1: Prepare the Jelly

1. Make the double portion of raspberry jelly as per packet instructions.
2. Pour into a large dish (23cm x 33cm).
3. Place in the fridge to chill overnight.

Step 2: Make the Berry Coulis

1. Add frozen berries and sugar into a saucepan.
2. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
3. Set aside to cool (this can also be made the day before).

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

1. Chop the lamingtons and chocolate cake into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice strawberries in half.
3. Whip the cream until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Create Your Trifle Layers

1. Remove jelly from fridge.
2. Place half of the strawberries around the edge of the dish for visual appeal.
3. Layer chopped lamingtons on top of jelly followed by remaining strawberries.

Step 5: Add Coulis and Custard

1. Dollop berry coulis over lamingtons.
2. Pour custard on top and spread it to cover edges evenly.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Scatter chopped chocolate cake on top of custard layer.
2. Top with whipped cream layer.
3. Sprinkle flake bar pieces over whipped cream.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

1. Place your trifle back in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Trifle in a Tray at your next gathering!

How to Serve Trifle in a Tray

Serving Trifle in a Tray is all about presentation and enjoyment. This delightful dessert can be served in various ways to impress your guests or treat your family.

Individual Portions

• Use small cups or bowls to create individual servings of the trifle. This makes for an elegant touch at parties.

Family Style

• Serve the entire tray at the table for a communal experience. Guests can help themselves, making it more interactive and fun.

Garnished Plates

• Plate single servings with a drizzle of berry coulis and a fresh strawberry on top. This adds an extra layer of sophistication.

Layered Glass Jars

• For a cute twist, layer the trifle in mason jars. These are perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings.

How to Perfect Trifle in a Tray

To achieve the best Trifle in a Tray, follow these simple tips that will elevate your dessert game.

• Chill Properly: Ensure each layer is well chilled before assembling. This helps maintain structure and taste.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh strawberries and high-quality cream. Freshness enhances flavor significantly.

• Layer Thoughtfully: Pay attention to how you layer ingredients. Start with jelly, followed by cake, then custard, and finish with cream for visual appeal.

• Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or flavors of jelly depending on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Trifle in a Tray

Pairing your Trifle in a Tray with the right side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Shortbread Cookies: These buttery treats provide a crunchy contrast to the soft layers of the trifle.

2. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the trifle, making it feel less indulgent.

3. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses to offer savory bites alongside your sweet dessert, creating flavor contrasts.

4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent bites complement the berry flavors in the trifle beautifully.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well with any dessert, adding creaminess that enhances the overall experience.

6. Coconut Macaroons: The chewy texture and sweetness of macaroons harmonize nicely with layers of creamy custard and whipped cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Trifle in a Tray can be simple, but some common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some tips to ensure your trifle is perfect.

• Skipping the chilling time: Always allow the jelly to set overnight. This ensures proper layering and prevents a runny texture.
• Using fresh berries without preparation: Wash and prepare your berries ahead of time. This helps in preventing excess moisture that could affect the layers.
• Not whipping cream properly: Ensure your cream is whipped until soft peaks form. Over-whipping can cause it to turn into butter.
• Ignoring layer balance: Make sure to distribute each layer evenly. Too much of one ingredient can overwhelm the trifle’s structure.
• Rushing assembly: Take your time when layering ingredients. Proper assembly leads to a visually appealing dessert as well as better flavor combinations.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the trifle in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• If possible, cover with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Freezing Trifle in a Tray

• It’s best not to freeze assembled trifle due to the custard and whipped cream texture changes.
• You can freeze individual components (like berry coulis) separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Trifle in a Tray

• Oven: Not recommended, as heating may alter textures and flavors.
• Microwave: Not suitable for reheating; serve cold for best taste.
• Stovetop: Avoid, as this will melt layers and ruin the presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Trifle in a Tray?

A Trifle in a Tray is a layered dessert made with jelly, cake, custard, and cream, all beautifully assembled in a large dish for easy serving.

Can I customize my Trifle in a Tray?

Yes! You can change ingredients based on personal preferences, such as using different fruits or cake types. Get creative!

How long does it take to make Trifle in a Tray?

The total time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes, including chilling time for the jelly and assembling layers.

What alternative fruits can I use in my Trifle in a Tray?

You can use any berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or kiwi for unique flavors.

Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare components like jelly and berry coulis the day before; just assemble it on the day you plan to serve it.

Final Thoughts

This Trifle in a Tray is not only visually stunning but also versatile enough for any occasion. With layers of flavor and texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Feel free to customize it according to your preferences—add different fruits or switch up the cakes—to create your own unique version!