Nan would not approve of this one trifle ingredient, but it takes it to the next level

Trifle —it’s a quintessentially Christmas dish.

Serve with a side of fresh mango and you’ve got yourself a perfect festive dessert spread.

That’s why we can’t get enough of this mango custard trifle recipe, even if it has an ingredient that, strictly speaking, doesn’t belong in trifle.

Recipe creator Greer Worsley says it “screams Aussie Christmas” and she’s not wrong.

It combines all the traditional elements of trifle with a tropical flavour boost of mango, lime and coconut, plus an extra ingredient to take things to the next level.

Mango custard trifle: the unlikely ingredient that makes this recipe a standout

This mango custard trifle contains a can of condensed milk – yes, you read that correctly.

A baking staple that we always have in our cupboard ready to go, this tin of gold makes this dish a standout.

The creamy, sweet taste of condensed milk cuts through the tartness of the lime while providing the perfect flavour counterpart to the mango and desiccated coconut.

Why should you add condensed milk to trifle?

Your nan wouldn’t approve, but trust us, you won’t regret it. First of all, condensed milk will give your trifle a creamy, slightly caramel flavour.

Its thick and velvety texture will also help bind your trifle together which is ideal when you need to make it in advance.

In short, condensed milk brings all the benefits of this baking staple to trifle and takes it to the next level.

Think a creamier, custard-y and overall more delicious trifle!

How to make mango custard trifle

Taking just 30 minutes of prep, this mango custard trifle is the ultimate speedy dessert for time-poor cooks.

To start, make your jelly, then mix half of your condensed milk with your cream until thick and creamy.

Take the remainder of your condensed milk and combine it with sour cream and your lime.

Drain your mangos and cut up your sponge cake.

Next simply assemble your trifle layers, drizzling over your mango syrup and then topping with whipped cream and desiccated coconut.

Best Christmas trifle recipes

There’s no such thing as too much trifle for Christmas. Here’s our top trifle recipes to get you inspired for the festive season.

Christmas trifle

This lovely recipe errs on the traditional side, but with a little kick of Baileys instead of the usual sherry. Members who made this trifle say it “made Christmas day” and is “very easy to make”.

Aunty Ann’s Trifle

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that family recipes are the best recipes, period. This is abrarose’s aunt’s recipe that she makes every year.

Using jelly sponge rolls, sherry and passionfruit pulp, one user says it is “fantastic for any special occasion, easy to make and cheap to buy the ingredients”.

Grandma’s sherry trifle recipe

Grandma's sherry trifle recipe

Originally submitted by Australia’s Best Recipes member tarlee, this beautiful family recipe was handed down two generations by tarlee’s grandmother.

“Very easy to make – I have made this twice and substituted bought jelly, cream and custard the last time when I was in a hurry and it still tasted great,” one member says of the recipe.

Strawberry Trifle

“If you love trifle and strawberries, then you’ll love this delicious, quick and easy dessert. This is a family favourite on Christmas Day,” says recipe creator JannR.

Taking just 15 minutes to prep, this strawberry-flavoured trifle is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Cherry Ripe Trifle

This trifle is a must for Cherry Ripe fans. Made using lamingtons, Cherry Ripe bars, chocolate pudding mix and raspberry jelly, this decadent dessert is great to bring with you to a barbecue.