Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House Trifle
A classic, comforting American dessert made with pieces of sponge cake folded into creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping. This simple, no-cook recipe gets a traditional touch from sherry extract and a garnish of bright maraschino cherries.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 20 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 437 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 144 ginstant vanilla pudding mix
- 720 mlwhole milk, cold
- 300 gsponge cake
- 1 tspsherry extract
- 1.5 cupwhipped topping, thawed if frozen
garnish
- 12 pcsmaraschino cherry, drained and halved
Equipment
spatula · mixing bowl · cutting board · knife · whisk · serving bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Make sure the milk is very cold to help the instant pudding set properly.
- 2
Let the pudding stand for 5 minutes to set completely.
About 5 min
- 3
While the pudding is setting, cut or tear the sponge cake into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large serving bowl.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: A glass bowl is traditional for a trifle so you can see the layers, but any large bowl will work.
- 4
Stir the sherry extract into the set pudding until it is fully incorporated.
About 1 min
- 5
Pour the pudding over the cake pieces, then add the whipped topping to the bowl.
About 2 min
- 6
Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined, being careful not to break up the cake too much.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Overmixing can make the trifle dense and cause the cake to disintegrate.
- 7
Arrange the halved maraschino cherries over the top for garnish.
About 1 min
- 8
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
About 5 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 436.7kcal
- Protein
- 6.1g
- Carbs
- 62.3g
- Fat
- 18.8g
- Fibre
- 0.8g
- Sugar
- 52g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator.
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