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Honningkage Trifle

There’s something about a trifle that just feels like celebration — layers of sweetness, colour, and comfort all in one dish. This Spiced Honey Cake Trifle is my take on a nostalgic South African classic, with a few flavour twists that make it extra special.
Soft, spiced honey cake, rich chocolate pudding, and bright, citrusy layers of Rhodes Quality Orange Jelly come together to create a dessert that’s every bit as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for festive tables, Sunday lunches, or just when you need something that tastes like joy.
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Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

Honey Cake

  • 250 g sugar
  • 4 large eggs separated
  • 250 g honey
  • 100 g brown butter melted
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 250 g cake flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Trifle Layers

  • 2 packets Rhodes Quality Orange Jelly
  • 2 packets instant chocolate pudding
  • ± 500 ml whipped cream
  • Finely grated orange zest to decorate
  • Optional: orange candy floss or spun sugar for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 160°C and grease and line two round cake tins.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
  • Add the honey, melted brown butter, and spices; mix until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold into the wet mixture.
  • In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks and gently fold them into the batter.
  • Divide the mixture between the tins and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
  • Leave the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
  • Prepare the orange jelly according to the packet instructions and pour into the base of a large trifle dish.
  • Refrigerate until completely set.
  • Slice the honey cake into layers or cubes.
  • Prepare the instant chocolate pudding as directed.
  • Layer the trifle: start with jelly, then honey cake, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat until full, ending with chocolate pudding on top.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of orange zest and a nest of candy floss for a festive touch.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Bake the spiced honey cake a day in advance — the flavours deepen beautifully overnight.
  • Add a splash of orange liqueur or strong coffee to the cake layers for extra richness.
  • For a rustic look, sprinkle chocolate shavings and candied orange peel between layers.
Keyword christmas, dessert, trifle