Clementine Trifle Recipe

Begin by preparing the granita. Mix all of the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Pass through a fine sieve into a freezer-proof rectangular container and place in the freezer until frozen solid - this should take approximately 6 hours

Once the granita is completely frozen, scrape with a fork to form a snow-like, granular texture. Cover the granita and store in the freezer until ready to serve

Preheat the oven to 180˚C/gas mark 4

For the sponge, butter and line a 12cm square cake tin with parchment paper. Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in the eggs until smooth. Gently fold in the flour, salt and clementine zest until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the sponge mix

Pour the sponge batter into the baking tin and tap the base of the tin on the work surface a few times to remove any large air pockets

Place in the oven for approximately 25 minutes until risen and golden brown. To make sure the cake is cooked through, insert a metal skewer into the sponge - it should come out clean. Allow to cool before turning out of the tin. Once the cake is completely cold, carefully slice into 1cm cubes and set aside

For the jelly, combine the purée and sugar in a saucepan, bring to the boil and remove from the heat. Soften the gelatine in cold water for a few minutes, then squeeze out any excess water and add to the hot clementine purée

Stir to dissolve the gelatine, then pass through muslin cloth into a jug. Evenly fill 4 clear trifle dishes with the jelly mix and leave to set in the fridge

For the gingerbread foam, add the cream to a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Meanwhile, add the remaining ingredients to a bowl and whisk together until well combined

Slowly pour half of the hot cream on to the egg mixture, whisking as you pour, then transfer back to the pan with the remaining hot cream. Place on a low-medium heat and cook until the crème anglaise coats the back of a spoon, or reaches 80˚C

As soon as it reaches this stage, remove from the heat and pass through a fine strainer into a clean jug. Cover with a cartouche to stop a skin forming and allow to cool completely. Once cool, use the mix to fill an espuma gun or cream whipper halfway, then charge with 1 or 2 nitrous oxide charges. Shake lightly before use

Preheat the oven to 160˚C/gas mark 2

For the gingerbread crunch, slice the pain d'epice into 1cm thick slices. Arrange on a tray lined with parchment paper, place another tray on top and bake in the oven for 12 minutes until crispy. Remove from the oven, allow to cool and chop into small pieces

To serve, remove the trifle glasses from the fridge and place the sponge cubes in each. Cover with the granita, add a generous amount of gingerbread foam and garnish with the gingerbread crumb