A Journey Through Time
The Trifle is not an ordinary English dessert. It’s a centuries-old creation that has travelled through time and tradition, evolving with every generation that has crafted it. The earliest recorded trifle appeared in 1585 in “The Good Huswifes Jewell” by Thomas Dawson, where it was described as a rich, sweetened cream infused with ginger and rosewater. It was called a “Trifle” not just for its ingredients, but for its light and fanciful nature.
As time passed, the dessert evolved, much like the cultures and kitchens it graced. By the mid-18th century, the Trifle had transformed into the layered beauty we recognise today: sponge cake or biscuits soaked in wine or sherry, topped with thick cream or syllabub with jelly. A century later, fruits began appearing, their seasonal sweetness reflecting how cultural exchange continuously influenced the way we eat and celebrate.
From Bowl to Cake: A Modern Evolution
Today, its latest evolution was sparked by a simple, heartfelt request from a dear friend in 2023 – to recreate her favourite dessert for her milestone birthday celebration. The team at Lily’s instantly knew that making the conventional bowl version would not be a challenge at all. They knew they needed to innovate.
They sought to create a cake that embodied every characteristic of its dessert ancestor, including its distinctive layers, the rich flavours, the creamy indulgence, and the burst of fresh fruit. It had to be instantly recognisable as the beloved dessert, yet stand confidently on its own as a cake.
And so, from the shores of Singapore, in a corner of King Albert Park, the Trifle Cake was born.
More Than Just A Dessert
Crafted with the same reverence for layering and flavour, Lily’s Trifle Cake captures every element of the original: sponge soaked in sherry, fresh seasonal fruits, silky custard, whipped cream, and that signature wobbly texture. But it is all structured into a beautiful cake form that feels both nostalgic and novel.
While the name and dessert originated from something simple, with a literary meaning of being of little consequence, a Trifle today conjures thoughts of comfort found in decadence and simplicity. Lily’s is proud to be part of the continuing Trifle story, serving our interpretation of culinary history.