What Is Tipsy Cake?

A tipsy cake is a sweet dessert cake, made originally of "fresh sponge cakes soaked in good sherry and good brandy". The dish as prepared in England would typically have several small cakes stacked together, with the cracks between bristling with almonds.

Why is it called tipsy cake?

The tipsy cake originated in the mid-18th century. A recipe for cake or biscuits, alcohol, and custard combined in a trifle bowl came to the American colonies via the British, who settled in the coastal south. ... The name refers to the amount of alcohol used in the dish's preparation.

What is a tipsy cake called in France?

Trifle (TRI-fuhl) - The word "trifle" comes from the old French term "trufle," and literally means something whimsical or of little consequence. A proper English trifle is made with real egg custard poured over sponge cake soaked in fruit and sherry and topped with whipped cream. The English call…