If you’re craving a light, fruity dessert that combines layers of luscious custard, sparkling strawberry jelly, and juicy fresh fruit, look no further than this beloved JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE. Each bite is a balanced harmony of silky richness and sweet, wobbly jelly, beautifully finished with fresh strawberries for a burst of color and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging with family, this showstopper is effortless to prepare yet guaranteed to leave everyone beaming with delight.

Jelly custard trifle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients transform into the star of your dessert table. Every element contributes its own essential magic — from the creamy base to the vibrant fruity layer.

Strawberry jelly: The heart of our JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE, this brings a shimmering, sweet-tart layer packed with flavor and gorgeous color.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced thin, these not only decorate the trifle but also add bursts of freshness and visual appeal to every serving.
Milk: The foundation for that dreamy, velvety custard — use whole milk for best texture, but any will do in a pinch.
Custard powder: Your shortcut to creamy, fuss-free custard that thickens up perfectly and delivers that nostalgic flavor.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness that ties together the custard, making every spoonful comfortingly sweet but not overpowering.

How to Make JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE

Step 1: Prepare the Trifle Base with Strawberries

Start by arranging your sliced strawberries around the inner edge of your trifle jar or serving glasses. This not only creates a stunning visual frame but ensures that every portion has that fresh, fruity bite nestled in each layer.

Step 2: Make and Set the Jelly

Prepare the strawberry jelly as instructed on the packet — usually this means dissolving the powder in boiling water, letting it cool slightly, then pouring it into your trifle jar over the prepared strawberries. Transfer the jar to the fridge, allowing the jelly to set for 40 to 50 minutes. Patience is key here; you want that top layer to wobble but hold its shape.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Custard

While the jelly chills, it’s time to prepare the custard. Combine 1 and 1/2 cups of milk and the sugar in a saucepan over gentle heat. Meanwhile, mix the custard powder with your remaining half cup of milk to create a smooth slurry — this step helps avoid lumps. Once the sugar is fully dissolved in the saucepan, pour in your slurry, whisking constantly. Let the mixture cook till it thickens up and reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 4: Layer Custard Over the Jelly

Once your jelly is fully set and the custard has cooled to room temperature, slowly pour or spoon the custard over the jelly layer. Spread it evenly to create distinct, beautiful layers. This two-step cooling process is what gives the JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE those picture-perfect stripes!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your trifle by garnishing generously with more fresh sliced strawberries on top. This little flourish doesn’t just look delightful — it also adds a pop of freshness that perfectly balances out the creamy and jiggly layers. Serve immediately or chill for a bit longer for a more unified, refreshing dessert experience.

How to Serve JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE

Garnishes

Top your JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE with artful arrangements of fresh strawberries, and if you’re feeling playful, add a few mint leaves for a splash of color. A sprinkle of toasted nuts can also lend a lovely crunch, while edible flowers turn it into a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

Side Dishes

This trifle is a star all on its own, but pairing it with light, crisp cookies or delicate meringues can make your dessert spread feel even more special. Consider serving with a platter of assorted fresh fruit or a bubbly, refreshing lemonade to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get creative by assembling your JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE in individual jars or elegant glasses for single-serve portions, ideal for parties or picnics. Try swapping in different berries or even create mini trifles in shot glasses for a festive, bite-sized treat at your next gathering. Layering in a sponge or ladyfinger base turns it into a more classic British-style trifle experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE (lucky you!), simply cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days. The fresh strawberries may release a little juice, but the flavors will only meld more beautifully over time.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this trifle, as both the custard and jelly tend to lose their signature creamy and wobbly textures once thawed. If you must freeze, do so without the strawberries, but be prepared for some changes in consistency upon defrosting.

Reheating

This JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE is meant to be enjoyed chilled, not reheated. Serve straight from the fridge for that perfect contrast between silky and jiggly layers with juicy berries on top. If it sits out for a while, just chill again to firm up the layers before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of jelly?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with raspberry, orange, or even mango jelly for a new twist, though strawberry is a classic favorite in this JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE and plays beautifully with the custard and strawberries.

What if I don’t have custard powder?

If custard powder is unavailable, you can substitute with an instant vanilla pudding mix or create a homemade custard using eggs, sugar, and milk. Just make sure the consistency is thick enough to layer over the jelly.

Can I layer in cake or cookies?

Yes, for extra indulgence, add a layer of sponge cake or ladyfingers beneath the jelly. Make sure it’s cut to fit your dish, and give it a quick soak in fruit juice or sweet syrup for more flavor — a fun way to personalize your JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE.

How far in advance can I make this trifle?

You can prepare the trifle 24 hours ahead; it actually benefits from a good chill! Assemble and garnish just before serving to keep the strawberries fresh and vibrant.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE is a favorite among children, thanks to its bright colors and sweet flavors. Just be sure to use age-appropriate serving glasses, and supervise little hands with the jelly!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to delight your loved ones with a treat that looks like a masterpiece but comes together in minutes, this JELLY CUSTARD TRIFLE is your new go-to. It brings so much happiness to any table, so grab your ingredients and give it a whirl — I promise, you’ll want to make this custardy, fruity favorite again and again!

Jelly custard trifle Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and colorful dessert, this Jelly Custard Trifle is a perfect blend of fruity strawberry jelly, fresh strawberries, and creamy custard. Easy to make and visually appealing, it’s a great choice for a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Jelly:

1 packet strawberry jelly

Trifle Layers:

10–12 sliced strawberries

Custard:

2 cups milk
2+1/2 tbsp custard powder
4 tbsp sugar

Instructions

Assemble the Trifle: Arrange sliced strawberries around the edges of a trifle jar.
Prepare the Jelly: Make the strawberry jelly following the instructions on the packet. Pour the jelly into the trifle jar and let it set for 40-50 minutes.
Make the Custard: In a saucepan, heat 1+1/2 cups of milk with sugar until the sugar dissolves. Prepare a cornflour slurry with the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and cornflour. Add the slurry to the saucepan and cook until the custard thickens and boils.
Chill and Assemble: Let the custard cool for 30-40 minutes. Once the jelly is set and the custard is cooled, pour the custard over the jelly in the trifle jar.
Garnish and Serve: Top the trifle with more sliced strawberries before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Cooking
Cuisine: International