English Trifle with Angel Food Cake

Recipe View 5 mins The night before: Slice the angel food cake into 1/2-inch thick slices. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Sprinkle the cake slices generously with cream sherry, if desired. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 12 hrs Cover the cake lightly with plastic wrap or foil and let sit at room temperature overnight to allow the sherry to absorb and the flavors to meld. (12 hours)

Recipe View 3 mins To make the pastry cream: In a double boiler, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon. (10-15 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Slowly pour about half of the hot milk mixture into the bowl of beaten egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 7 mins Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the double boiler and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the pastry cream is thick and smooth. (5-7 minutes)

Recipe View 1 mins Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. (1 minute)

Recipe View 2 hrs Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator until completely cooled. (2 hours)

Recipe View 5 mins The next day: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on each sherry-soaked cake slice. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins In a large trifle bowl or serving dish, layer one-third of the cake slices on the bottom. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Pour one-third of the chilled pastry cream over the cake layer and sprinkle with one-third of the sliced almonds. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Repeat the layers of cake, pastry cream, and almonds two more times, finishing with a layer of pastry cream on top. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top layer of pastry cream. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Garnish with maraschino cherries and additional slivered almonds. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 2 hrs Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the trifle to set. (1-2 hours)