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Orange Almond Trifle Recipe


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3.8 from 26 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes plus chilling time (including jelly set time, or overnight chilling)
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

This Orange Almond Trifle is a beautifully layered dessert featuring tropical mango slices set in vibrant orange jelly, moist orange and almond cake, creamy custard mascarpone blend, and topped with whipped cream and crunchy almond brittle. It's a refreshing and elegant treat perfect for gatherings, combining zesty citrus flavors with rich textures and nutty accents.


Ingredients

Make Ahead Components

  • Almond Brittle (homemade, shards)
  • Dried Mangos, finely sliced
  • Coconut Shavings
  • Almond Slices
  • 1 Orange & Almond Cake (prepared up to 4 days ahead, see linked recipe)
  • 1 Packet Orange Jelly (prepared with 500 mls boiling water)

Main Trifle Ingredients

  • 1 Can Mango Slices, 425 grams, drained
  • 1 Orange, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 1 KG Custard, pre-made
  • 2 Cups Mascarpone (500 mls)
  • 250 mls Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Icing Sugar (8 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orange & Almond Cake: Make the Orange & Almond Cake up to 4 days prior as per the linked recipe to allow flavors to develop.
  2. Prepare the Orange Jelly: Dissolve the packet of orange jelly crystals in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and stir well, then pour over the drained mango slices in a 3.5 litre trifle bowl. Place in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight to set.
  3. Arrange Orange Slices: Once jelly has set, peel and slice the orange into rounds, then halve these slices. Press them carefully against the sides of the glass trifle dish on top of the jelly layer for a decorative effect.
  4. First Cake Layer: Cut the prepared orange and almond cake into square chunks. Place a single layer of these chunks close together over the jelly and orange slices. If the cake hasn’t been soaked with syrup, optionally drizzle with orange juice or orange liqueur to keep moist.
  5. Mix Custard and Mascarpone: In a large bowl, whisk together the pre-made custard and mascarpone until smooth and fully combined.
  6. First Custard Layer: Spoon half of the custard-mascarpone mixture evenly over the cake layer, ensuring the layers remain distinct and neat.
  7. Second Cake Layer: Add the remaining cake chunks in a single, even layer on top of the custard layer, covering right up to the edges of the bowl.
  8. Final Custard Layer: Top the second cake layer with the rest of the custard-mascarpone mixture, smoothing it out gently.
  9. Prepare Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, whisk the cream, icing sugar, and vanilla essence on medium-high speed until soft to medium peaks form—when the cream holds its shape but still has a slight bend at the peak.
  10. Top the Trifle: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the custard layer and smooth the surface.
  11. Garnish: Sprinkle the top generously with almond brittle shards, coconut shavings, finely sliced dried mango, and almond slices. Optionally, add fresh orange slices or candied orange rind for extra flavor and decoration.
  12. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the completed trifle until ready to serve. For best results, prepare at least a few hours ahead or the day before to allow flavors to meld.
  13. Serve and Enjoy: If desired, add an extra dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Enjoy this refreshing, layered orange and almond dessert with family and friends.

Notes

  • Prepare the almond brittle, dried mangos, coconut shavings, and orange & almond cake ahead of time as these components need to be ready before assembling.
  • The orange jelly can be set overnight for convenience.
  • If you prefer, add a drizzle of orange liqueur to soak the cake layer for an adult version.
  • Use a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers.
  • This dessert can be made up to a day in advance to enhance flavor melding and ease of serving.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
  • For a lighter option, substitute mascarpone with low-fat cream cheese and use reduced sugar jelly mix.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding make-ahead cake and brittle preparation)
  • Cook Time: N/A (jelly setting and assembling only)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: British