No Christmas is complete without a delicious trifle. Trifle is an English dessert usually made with fruit, a layer of sponge biscuits soaked in sherry, topped with custard, jelly and whipped cream. Some reports say that trifle cakes might be the origin of the modern sandwich cake.  Today the trifle has blossomed and there are a wide variety of trifle options on offer. Many people wonder “how to make a proper trifle”. Well here are three fool-proof trifle recipes that you can impress your friends with this Christmas.

Decadent chocolate trifle recipe

If chocolate is your thing, then try this wonderful recipe that transforms the traditional trifle recipe with the addition of decadent chocolate:

Ingredients:

• Small chocolate swiss roll
• 4 double chocolate chip muffins
• 40 fl oz of chocolate mousse
• 30 fl oz whipping cream
• 4 tbsp Nutella
• 12 chunks/pieces of soft, caramel-filled chocolate – like Rolos

Method:

1. Cut the swiss roll into 1/2-inch slices and line the sides of your bowl – at the base – with them.
2. Roughly chop the muffins, and place half of the muffin chunks in the centre of the bowl.
3. Top with half of the chocolate mousse
4. Whisk the cream until soft peaks form and spoon half of it over the mousse
5. Top with the remaining chocolate muffin chunks, followed by the remaining chocolate mousse.
6. Spoon the remaining cream on top and smooth it out so that it covers the whole of the top of the trifle.
7. Spoon the Nutella on top of the cream in 8-10 little dollops around the edges of the trifle. Use a toothpick to swirl the Nutella into the cream.
8. Break the chocolate caramel pieces up and scatter them on top of the trifle in the middle.
9. Either serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to a day before serving.

Sweet strawberry trifle recipe

Strawberries are the ideal summer fruit in South Africa. Sweet and delicious, they are the perfect addition to your Christmas trifle. Here is a very simple strawberry Christmas trifle that is completely fool-proof:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
• 8 cups cubed vanilla cake
• 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Method:

1. In a large bowl, beat the milk, sour cream, pudding mix and orange zest on low speed until thickened. Fold in whipped cream.
2. Place half of the cake cubes in a large glass serving bowl. Arrange a third of the strawberries around the sides of the bowl and over cake.
3. Then top with half of the pudding mixture.
4. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining berries.
5. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Traditional South African summer fruits trifle recipe

Now for a traditional recipe with jelly, custard and a medley of South African fruit – the best part? You get to choose what fruit to include:

Ingredients:

• 1 large swiss roll or sponge cake
• 1 packet of jelly – the flavour of your choice, but red is very festive
• 75ml of medium sherry, or rum or brandy or another liqueur
• South African fruit of your choice – try strawberries, peaches, bananas, and even blueberries
• Custard – either bought or homemade
• Whipped Cream
• Grated Chocolate

Method

1. Make the jelly and allow to set.
2. Make the custard and allow to cool.
3. Slice the swiss roll (or sponge cake) and place at the bottom of a large glass bowl.
4. Pour the alcohol over the swiss roll/cake
5. Chop up the set jelly and place over the cake at the bottom of the bowl
6. Add fruit to the concoction and pour custard over
7. Sprinkle nuts or berries on top
8. Cover with whipped cream.
9. Decorate the top of the trifle with the nuts and/or grated chocolate.
10. Refrigerate and serve cold

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