Nothing quite beats the festive atmosphere of a traditional British Christmas, filled with the sights and smells of mouthwatering baked goods. This year, why not add a delightful touch to your holiday table with a classic dessert that is sure to impress your guests – Red Currant Trifle. This delightful dessert combines layers of sponge cake, custard, fresh red currants, and whipped cream for a festive treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
**Red Currant Trifle**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 store-bought sponge cake or homemade equivalent
– 2 cups of fresh red currants, stemmed
– 2 cups of vanilla custard
– 1 cup of whipped cream
– 1/2 cup of red currant jelly
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by cutting the sponge cake into small cubes, about 1-inch in size, and set aside.
2. Wash and stem the red currants, then set them aside as well.
3. In a trifle dish or a glass serving bowl, start assembling the layers. Begin with a layer of sponge cake cubes covering the bottom of the dish.
4. Spoon a layer of vanilla custard over the sponge cake, ensuring it covers the cake evenly.
5. Scatter a handful of red currants over the custard, creating a colorful and flavorful layer.
6. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of custard.
7. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Gently spread the whipped cream over the top layer of custard.
8. In a small saucepan, melt the red currant jelly over low heat until it becomes a smooth glaze.
9. Drizzle the red currant jelly glaze over the whipped cream, creating a shiny and festive finish to your trifle.
10. Garnish the trifle with a few whole red currants and fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.
11. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to chill properly.
12. When ready to serve, scoop generous portions of the Red Currant Trifle into individual dessert bowls, making sure each serving has a beautiful array of layers.
Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this Red Currant Trifle, a time-honored British Christmas dessert that will surely become a new favorite at your holiday gatherings. The vibrant red currants add a pop of color and a slight tartness that perfectly complements the creamy custard and fluffy whipped cream. So, treat your loved ones to this delightful dessert and create lasting memories this holiday season.
