Trifle
TRY-ful /ˈtraɪfl/
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
A layered cold dessert in a glass bowl: sponge cake, fruit, jelly, custard and cream. Traditional recipes soak the sponge in sherry (alcohol) — ask before eating if you avoid alcohol.
Chinese explanation
玻璃碗装的分层冷甜点：海绵蛋糕、水果、果冻、蛋奶酱和奶油。传统做法会用雪利酒（含酒精）浸蛋糕——忌酒的话吃前先问。
Example conversation
A: There's trifle for pudding.
B: Lovely — is there sherry in it?
A: Just a splash, I'm afraid.
A：饭后甜点有屈莱弗。
B：好棒——里面放雪利酒了吗？
A：放了一点点。
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake