English Trifle with Ladyfingers: The Creamy Traditional Dessert is a delicious, colorful, and scenic spoon dessert, typical of Italian pastry. It is prepared by alternating layers of ladyfingers soaked in alchermes liqueur with classic custard and chocolate cream, resulting in a soft, enveloping, and flavorful treat.
The texture is reminiscent of tiramisu, but the vibrant colors and intense aroma of alchermes make the trifle unique. It is perfect to prepare in advance and serve cold, even for parties and celebrations.
I made it with ladyfingers, following my tried and tested recipe for custard: simple, smooth, and velvety. You’ll see, it’s a dessert that captivates at first taste… absolutely a must-try!
See you soon, Susy
Did you like this recipe? Then you might also be interested in:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 5 Hours
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 5
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 498.05 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 64.97 (g) of which sugars 45.64 (g)
- Proteins 11.60 (g)
- Fat 19.47 (g) of which saturated 10.08 (g)of which unsaturated 8.88 (g)
- Fibers 2.24 (g)
- Sodium 50.77 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 201 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for the English Trifle with Ladyfingers
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 4 large egg yolk (4 XL egg yolks)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 oz dark chocolate
- 15 ladyfingers
- 2 fl oz alchermes
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/3 cup water
You’ll only need a few tools to prepare the recipe:
- Container
- Pan
- Whisk
Steps for the English Trifle with Ladyfingers
Chop the dark chocolate and set it aside in a large bowl.
In another bowl, pour the sugar, egg yolks, and sifted cornstarch. Mix with a whisk until you obtain a smooth, lump-free mixture.
In a non-stick pan, heat the milk until it almost boils, then slowly pour it over the egg yolk mixture, always stirring with the whisk.
Return everything to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens. Be careful not to form lumps.
Once ready, pour part of the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and mix until you obtain a smooth and velvety chocolate custard. Let the two creams cool.In a cup, combine the water, alchermes, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The soaking liquid is ready to be used.
Choose a rectangular glass container (my measurements: 7.5x5x2.5 inches).
On the bottom, distribute a couple of tablespoons of classic custard and chocolate cream, keeping them well separated.
Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the soaking liquid and arrange them over the creams, forming the first layer.
Add a layer of custard, leveling it well.
Proceed with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and a layer of chocolate cream.
Finish with the last layer of soaked ladyfingers and a generous topping of chocolate cream.
Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but if you can, prepare it the day before: it will be even better and more compact.
Storage and Tips
The English trifle with ladyfingers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, well-covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
I recommend preparing it a few hours in advance, or the night before: resting in the fridge makes the dessert even more compact and flavorful.
It is not suitable for freezing, because the cream would lose its smooth and velvety texture.
You can customize the recipe by using sponge cake or pavesini instead of ladyfingers, or by flavoring the cream with lemon zest for a fresher note.
Questions and Answers
What can I use instead of alchermes?
You can make a non-alcoholic soaking liquid with water, sugar, and strawberry or cherry syrup: the result will be suitable for children too.
Can I make it in single-serving portions?
Absolutely! You can serve it in individual glasses or cups, layering it just like the classic dessert. It’s perfect for buffets and special dinners.
