Next level sherry trifle

Method

• step 1

  First, make the custard. Pour the double cream, milk and vanilla into a large pan and bring to a simmer over a low heat. Meanwhile, stir the sugar and custard powder together in a large bowl. Stir a little of the hot cream mixture into the sugar mixture to make a paste, then gradually whisk in the rest of the cream mixture until completely combined. Return the custard to the saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 6 mins, whisking often until thickened and just simmering. Pour into a bowl, cover the surface with a disc of baking parchment (to prevent a skin from forming) and leave to cool. Will keep chilled for up to two days.

• step 2

  Cut the loaf cake into 12 slices, and sandwich the slices with the jam. Arrange these in the base of a trifle dish or bowl in an even layer, trimming any that don’t quite fit. Scatter over the frozen raspberries, then drizzle over the orange juice and sherry. Set aside for 1-2 hrs to give the fruit time to defrost and for the sponge to soak up all of the juices.

• step 3

  Whisk the cooled custard until smooth, then tip this over the raspberry layer and smooth the surface with a spatula. For the cream, whisk together the double cream, sugar, orange zest and sherry to soft peaks, then spoon over the custard layer. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hr or up to 1 day. Scatter over the crushed amaretti biscuits and almonds to serve.