English Toffee Trifle
A luscious layered dessert combining angel food cake soaked in Kahlua, creamy coffee-flavored pudding, and whipped cream, perfect for gatherings and coffee lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 cups half and half ⓘ
- 5 medium egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 6 cups angel food cake ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Kahlua
- 2 cups whipping cream ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle the angel food cake with Kahlua and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix the pudding (prepared from the ingredients) with the cake and set aside.
- Pour the whipping cream and coffee into a mixing bowl.
- Let stand for 1 minute.
- Beat until the mixture begins to thicken, then add sugar and vanilla.
- Continue beating until the mixture forms soft peaks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. If you don’t have Kahlua, a coffee-flavored liqueur or even brewed coffee can be used as a substitute. Ensure to beat the cream until just thickened – overbeating can lead to a grainy texture, which is best avoided in this delicate dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the English Toffee Trifle in clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful layers. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings. Consider serving alongside a light salad like Vincie'S Salad for a balanced meal, or enjoy it as a standalone treat after a hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The trifle may lose some of its texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reassemble, you can layer the cake and pudding again, but whipped cream should be added just before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Toffee Trifle contains roughly 2074 calories, with 19g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 166g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1518mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components a day in advance. However, it's best to assemble the trifle just before serving to keep the cake layers from becoming too soggy. The whipped cream should always be added last for the best texture.
What can I substitute for the egg yolks?
If you're looking for an egg-free option, you can use a commercially available egg substitute or make a cornstarch-based pudding using additional cornstarch and non-dairy milk, adjusting the quantities to maintain the consistency.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, particularly the angel food cake, as many traditional recipes contain wheat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).