10 Twists On Trifle

Apple crumble trifle in a large bowl with visible layers

This super-fruity retro trifle goes all out on indulgence. Layer raspberry jelly and compote with clotted cream custard and custard cream biscuits. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and cherries, this towering treat is a delight to behold and even more so to devour.

Feeling nostalgic? Discover more of our retro dessert recipes.

2. Tiramisu trifle

Tiramisu trifle with lady fingers on a blue background

Although a little more effort, this impressive tiramisu trifle makes the most of shop-bought cake, custard and sponge fingers to skip out the most time-consuming elements of both a tiramisu and a trifle. It also keeps for up to three days in the fridge, so you can get ahead with your dessert prep.

Coffee lover? Try more tiramisu recipes.

3. Chocolate orange-tini trifle

Chocolate and orange trifle layered up in glass bowl

This brilliantly boozy pud brings together the flavours of a Mississippi mud pie with a marmalade martini. Our chocolate-tini trifle features a creamy citrus posset, silky chocolate custard, madeira chocolate mousse, madeira cake and clementines – could it get more more extravagant? Yep – it’s topped with crushed biscotti, chocolate buttons and orange zest.

Try more chocolate orange recipes for that classic flavour combination.

4. Peach panna cotta trifle

Peach panna cotta trifle in a trifle glass

Panna cotta and trifle join forces in this stunning centrepiece. Combining seasonal peaches with soft madeira sponge and custard, it's a must-make pud for the summer months.

Try more ways with peaches.

5. Apple crumble trifle

If you thought the classic apple crumble couldn't be improved upon, think again. Blending the best textures and flavours of both iconic desserts to make nothing short of show-stopping, this statuesque dessert is sure to impress. To save effort on the day, you can do most of the prep ahead of time.

Follow it up with one of our most popular crumble recipes.

6. Vegan trifle

Vegan trifle topped with raspberries in a large low trifle bowl, next to a large serving spoon and two bowls with spoons in

Boasting layers of homemade sponge, raspberry compote, custard and dairy-free cream, this pretty vegan trifle is a real winner for plant-based folk, yet will please everyone at the table. It's a great dessert for all manner of celebration.

Discover more vegan desserts.

7. Boozy brownie trifle

If there’s a way to turn a classic pud chocolatey, you can guarantee we’ve tried it. Our boozy brownie trifle uses shop-bought ingredients, so it’s super-simple to make and even includes crunchy chocolate-covered malt balls – what more could you ask for? A splash of coffee liqueur or Irish cream takes the richness of the brownies to the next level.

Discover our brownie recipe collection.

8. Black forest trifle

Black forest trifle served in a trifle bowl, topped with cream and three whole cherries

For an even more nostalgic, 1970s-style pud, this black forest trifle ticks all the boxes. It’s two retro desserts combined to make the ultimate party piece. Use chocolate brownies, cherries in kirsch and chocolate custard for waves of fruity, chocolatey delight.

Try more black forest recipes.

9. Gooseberry & elderflower trifle

Diana Henry's Gooseberry & elderflower trifle, served in a large clear trifle bowl against a clear backdrop

Take your trifle-making skills to the next level by baking your own homemade sponge – it makes this gooseberry trifle an extra-special pud to serve to your nearest and dearest. With a gooseberry purée and elderflower cordial, it's brimming with floral summer flavours.

Now find out how to use elderflowers and gooseberries.

10. Eggnog trifle

A vibrant orange eggnog trifle in a clear trifle bowl, topped with a mountain of cream

Combine a classic English pud with the traditional American Christmas tipple, and you’ve got yourself an eggnog trifle. Get the blowtorch out and scorch the meringue topping to create golden brown peaks for an extra-special touch. There are even profiteroles hidden underneath the cream for a twist on the usual sponge fingers.

Learn how to make creamy eggnog.