Sherry Trifle

Prep: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: British

Sherry Trifle is a luscious layered dessert combining ladyfingers soaked in sherry, topped with fruity Jell-O, and chilled to perfection. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat to impress guests with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

  • 4 oz. pkg. ladyfingers
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • grated rind of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 c. sherry
  • 3 oz. pkg. Jell-O
  • 3 Tbsp. flour
  • 2 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Arrange a layer of ladyfingers in an attractive 1-quart dish or serving bowl.
  2. Sprinkle the ladyfingers with sherry.
  3. Prepare the Jell-O according to package directions and pour over the ladyfingers.
  4. Chill until the Jell-O is set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a sweet sherry like Pedro Ximénez. If you don't have ladyfingers, sponge cake can work as a substitute. To enhance the lemon flavor, add a bit of lemon juice to the custard mixture. If you're short on time, you can use instant pudding instead of making the custard from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Sherry Trifle chilled, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Chilled Berry Soup for a light meal. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or mint leaves. This dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be made a day in advance.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The Jell-O may begin to separate over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to reheat, serve chilled; there's no need to heat this dessert, as it is meant to be served cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sherry Trifle contains roughly 1027 calories, with 42g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

1027 kcal 51% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42.2g 84% DV
Total Fat 76.1g 98% DV
Carbs 22.5g 8% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 9.1g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 214.2mg 9% DV
Potassium 556.2mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 640mcg 71% DV
Vitamin C 11.9mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 12.8mcg 64% DV
Calcium 404mg 31% DV
Iron 13.2mg 73% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make the Sherry Trifle a day in advance. Just assemble it and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors blend nicely overnight, and it will be ready to serve when you're hosting.

What can I use instead of sherry?

If you prefer not to use sherry, you can substitute it with fruit juice or a non-alcoholic wine for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, a flavored syrup can add a nice touch without the alcohol.

How can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake. To make it dairy-free, substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and opt for dairy-free whipped cream for topping.

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).

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