A crowd pleaser! Can be made as one large dish or as individual servings
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
300g (10oz) Madeira cake or plain sponge cake
700g (1lb 9oz) fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed
2 x 250ml tubs mascarpone
284ml carton double cream
200g (7oz) white chocolate
Be careful when melting the white chocolate – don’t let any hot water splash on it
Method
- Slice the cake into 2cm (3/4in) slices and use to line the base and sides of one large glass serving bowl or 6-8 individual glass dishes. If using fresh raspberries, squash them lightly so they release some of their juices, then spoon half over the sponge cake. If using frozen, drain the fruit (reserving the juice), then spoon half over the cake together with 2 tablespoons of juice. Place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes while the sponge soaks up the juices.
- Meanwhile, put the mascarpone and cream in a mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until well combined. Break three-quarters of the chocolate up into small pieces and place in a small heatproof bowl. Sit the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted. Spoon half over the raspberries and mix half with the mascarpone and cream.
- Add the cream mixture and the remaining raspberries to the trifle(s) in layers ending with a cream topping. Grate over the remaining chocolate. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes, then serve.
VARIATION
Use 2 x 400g cans black cherries in syrup. Drain the fruit, reserving the syrup. Spoon 2 tbsp of it over the cake.
Cook’s notes
Be careful when melting the white chocolate – don’t let any hot water splash on it or it will separate and become unusable.
Express Cook is the new book by Guy Mirabella. With over 700 recipes it offers fantastic value for money with extra features like handy menu planners, recipe chooser galleries, 'cheat' tips, recipe variations and lots of practical information.
