How to make Easy Blackberry and Apple Trifle

Easy Blackberry and Apple Trifle is an ideal dessert to make the most of autumn (fall) fruit.   It’s simple to make and the layers of cake, fruit, custard, and cream make it one of my very favourite desserts. 

Why make Blackberry and Apple Trifle?

The most common fruit for a trifle are raspberries and they do make the most amazing Raspberry Trifle. However, I like to ring the changes and use seasonal fruit. Blackberries and apples are a great combination and they work really well with the cake, custard and cream in this delicious dessert.

What ingredients do I need for the trifle?

Although this looks like a long list, these are common ingredients that are readily available. Here is what you need:

• blackberries
• apples
• sugar
• water
• sponge cake
• custard
• cream
• alcohol or orange juice
• flaked almonds
• fresh blackberries for decoration
• apple slices for decoration

What are blackberries?

Blackberries are the fruit of a usually prickly bush which is part of the rose family. Each individual blackberry, when ripe, is made up of 20-50 single seeds known as drupelets that are small, juice-filled, and a deep purplish-black when ripe.

Are brambles the same as blackberries?

In Scotland blackberries are known as brambles, the terms can be used interchangeably. Sometimes the long, prickly arching stems are referred to as the brambles and the fruit the blackberries. Whatever you call them, they are absolutely delicious!

I don’t have access to foraged blackberries what can I use?

I’m lucky that I have access to all the blackberries in the hedgerows on our farm and I have my own apple tree. However, if you don’t have access to the countryside and have no apple tree, never fear, you can buy cultivated blackberries or use frozen fruit. And apples are available everywhere and all year round.

Where can I forage for blackberries?

Wild blackberries grow in all kinds of places. You will find them growing over ruined buildings, at the edges of woodlands, in parks, and in hedgerows. I even have them invading my garden!

Can I use cultivated blackberries?

Yes, you certainly can, cultivated berries tend to be larger and sweeter than foraged berries. You can buy cultivated blackberries at markets, in supermarkets and in greengrocer’s shops. You can also grow the cultivated varieties in your garden. One of the advantages of cultivated blackberries is that you can get thornless varieties.

How to pick blackberries

If you’ve never picked wild blackberries or brambles, then here are a few tips to help you with your foraging and avoid disappointment.

• Blackberries are at their best towards the latter half of summer, peaking in August and early September.
• You will find blackberries in woods, hedges, roadside verges, and possibly even your garden.
• Do not trespass on private property, always ask if you see blackberries in an area that looks private.
• Don’t pick blackberries close to a busy road as the berries will be covered in pollution from exhaust fumes.
• Pick only berries that are fully black and shiny. Mature berries are plump yet firm, a deep black colour, and pull free from the plant without a yank. Berries do not ripen after being picked.

• Once you pick each berry check the core (see photo above) it should be white and not discoloured.  If it is brown then the berry is past its best and should go into the compost.
• Pick blackberries during the cooler parts of the day. Once picked, place berries in the shade and refrigerate as soon as possible
• Once you get your berries home, pour them out into trays or baking trays in a single layer, and remove any soft or unripe berries and random leaves.
• Don’t wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.

What kind of apples should I use in the Blackberry and Apple Trifle?

Use apples from your apple tree or any apples that you have. A sharp tasting apple makes the best contrast with sweet custard in the trifle. Bramley Seedlings are the classic tart cooking apple in the UK and Granny Smiths are used in the US.

What kind of cake should I use in the trifle?

I use trifle sponges which are small squares of sponge cake (yellow cake) that you can buy in UK supermarkets. They are convenient and if there are any leftover I freeze them for another time.

What can I use instead of trifle sponges?

Use any kind of light vanilla sponge cake such as Victoria sponge, Madeira cake or sponge (lady) fingers. You can also use a slice of Swiss Roll (jelly roll).

What kind of alcohol do I need?

I like to moisten the trifle sponges with some alcohol, just like the classic sherry trifle. You can use sherry, madeira, sloe gin or some of my Hedgerow Vodka!

Do I need to use alcohol in the trifle?

Absolutely not! If children will be eating the trifle or if you prefer not to serve alcohol, then use orange or apple juice or try my Blackberry and Vanilla Cordial.

Can I use ready-made custard for the Blackberry and Apple Trifle?

Yes, I often use ready-made custard for convenience. Choose the best quality custard you can afford. I like to use the premium chilled custard but also make the trifes with long-life custard in a carton. Or make your own delicious creamy custard with this recipe for Easy Vanilla Custard Sauce.

I can’t find custard what else can I use?

Custard is a very British ingredient and I’m aware that it isn’t available easily in the US. Make your own using the recipe above or use Vanilla pudding as a substitute.

Why is there no jelly (jello) in these trifles?

The first recipe for the ‘modern trifle’ is found in Hannah Glasse’s cookery book from 1747. A recipe for trifle also features in the first edition of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management from 1861. Neither of these recipes includes jelly. At that time jelly was very much a dessert in its own right and usually set in fancy moulds.

I prefer my trifle without jelly as this is how my mum and gran made it. However, if you like jelly in trifel there is no reason why you shouldn’t add some raspberry jelly (jello) over the sponge and fruit and leave to set in the fridge before adding the custard and cream layers.

Can I use whipping cream?

I use double (heavy) cream as it has 48% fat and whips to a thick luscious cream. Whipping cream has around a 36% fat content and will also whip sufficiently to create a whipped cream that is suitable to top the Blackberry and Apple trifles.

Do I have to pipe the cream onto the Easy Blackberry & Apple Trifle?

It does look pretty when the cream is piped onto the trifle, but you can simply put it on with a spoon and swirl it with the back of the spoon.

How should I decorate the Blackberry and Apple Trifles?

Decorate the individual dishes with a sprinkling of toasted flaked almonds, a single blackberry and a slice of apple. Dip the apple in lemon juice to prevent it from going brown and add it just before serving.

Can I make the trifle ahead of time?

Make the trifle on the day you plan to serve it. However, you can make it and keep in the fridge for about 6 hours beforehand. Add the flaked almonds and decorative fruit just before serving.

Can I freeze Blackberry & Apple Trifle?

No, this dessert isn’t suitable for freezing. I often use frozen blackberries to make the compote for the trifle but the finished trifle will not freeze successfully.

Can I make a large trifle?

Yes, you can make the trifle in a single bowl with the same layers and serve into dishes. Or you can layer up individual trifles in glass bowls.

Vegetarian

Blackberry and Apple Trifle is suitable for vegetarians. Please check the cake and custard packaging to ensure that there are no animal products.

Gluten Free

Please use a gluten-free vanilla cake for the trifle base and check the packaging on the custard for any ingredients that may contain gluten.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Blackberry and Apple Trifle?

You can serve this delicious dessert in individual portions at a formal dinner party, on a buffet or simply as a treat at a family supper. Just before serving sprinkle the trifle with toasted flaked almonds, a fresh blackberry and a thin slice of apple.

More Blackberry and Apple Recipes from Farmersgirl Kitchen

What to make with Blackberries

What to make with Blackberries is a collection of 30 Blackberry recipes. You’ll find Blackberry Desserts;  Jams, Jellies & Preserves; Cakes & Bakes; Drinks & Cocktails and even a savoury recipe all using blackberries. There is bound to be a blackberry recipe you want to make.

More Blackberry and Apple Recipes

• Elizabeth’s Kitchen – Blackberry and Apple Skillet Breakfast Crumble
• Family Friends Food – Blackberry and Apple Crumble Cake
• Fab Food 4 All – Blackberry and Tofu Brulee