A Luscious Tropical Dessert with Layers of Sponge Cake, Creamy Custard & Fresh Mangoes
This Mango Custard Trifle is a show-stopping dessert that combines silky mango custard, fluffy whipped cream, juicy mango chunks, and soft sponge cake in every bite. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or a refreshing sweet treat, this no-bake trifle is easy to assemble yet looks stunning!
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Mango Custard:
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for richest texture)
- 3 tbsp mango custard powder (or vanilla custard powder + extra mango puree)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
For the Layers:
- 1 to 1½ cups whipped cream (sweetened, homemade or store-bought)
- 1½ cups diced ripe mangoes (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup sponge cake cubes (or vanilla cookies, graham crackers, or ladyfingers)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds)
- Dried fruits (cranberries, raisins)
- Mint leaves (for freshness)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prepare the Mango Custard
- Mix custard powder + ¼ cup milk into a smooth paste.
- Heat remaining milk + sugar in a saucepan until warm.
- Whisk in custard paste and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (~5–7 mins).
- Remove from heat, stir in mango puree, and cool completely.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Strain custard through a sieve for ultra-smooth texture.
2️⃣ Whip the Cream
- Beat 1 cup cold heavy cream + 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Or use store-bought whipped cream for convenience.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Chill bowl & beaters for faster whipping.
3️⃣ Assemble the Trifle
In a trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer:
- Sponge cake/cookies (base layer)
- Whipped cream
- Diced mangoes
- Mango custard
Repeat layers, finishing with cream & mangoes on top.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Press cake layer lightly to absorb custard.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate 2+ hours (overnight is even better!).
- Garnish with nuts, fruits, or mint before serving.
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Drizzle with mango coulis for extra elegance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use vanilla custard instead?
✅ Yes! Replace mango custard powder with vanilla custard powder + ¾ cup mango puree.
2. How long does this trifle last?
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (cover tightly).
- Freezing not recommended (cream may separate).
3. Can I make this vegan?
✅ Yes! Use coconut milk + cornstarch for custard, and coconut whipped cream.
4. What if I don’t have sponge cake?
- Substitute: Vanilla wafers, pound cake, or ladyfingers.
5. Why is my custard lumpy?
- Didn’t mix paste smoothly (whisk vigorously while cooking).
- Heat too high (cook on medium-low).
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Berry Trifle: Swap mango for strawberries & blueberries.
- Tropical Twist: Add toasted coconut + pineapple chunks.
- Chocolate-Mango: Layer with chocolate mousse.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use store-bought custard & whipped cream.
✔ Prep components a day ahead (assemble before serving).
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Summer BBQs
- Diwali/Eid celebrations
- Brunch dessert table
💬 Final Thoughts
This Mango Custard Trifle is creamy, fruity, and irresistibly tropical—like sunshine in a bowl! The layers of sponge, custard, and fresh mango make every spoonful heavenly.
Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself! 🌞🥭
Tried it? Share your pics below! 📸👇
