Simple Celebration Desserts

Looking for a spectacular festive dessert that's quick and easy to prepare? Use our clever shortcuts, then take a bow!

PEACH, WHISKEY & CARAMEL SPICED TRIFLE

PREP + COOK TIME 45 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION) SERVES 10

2 x 450g purchased Madeira cakes, cut into 3cm cubes

2/3” cup (160ml) whiskey

1/3“ cup (120g) honey

2 tablespoons boiling water 5 ripe medium peaches (750g), stones removed, cut into wedges

1 cup (300g) dulce de leche (see notes)

1½ cups (180g) pecans, roasted, chopped coarsely (see notes)

SPICED CUSTARD CREAM

600ml thickened cream

1½ cups (375ml) purchased thick vanilla custard

1½ tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon mixed spice

1 Arrange cake cubes in the base of a 4.5-litre (18-cup) bowl or dish. Combine whiskey, honey and water in a jug; drizzle 1/3“ cup whiskey mixture over cake. Transfer remaining whiskey mixture to a small saucepan over high heat; bring to the boil. Simmer for 12 minutes or until reduced by half; cool.

2 Preheat a char-grill plate or pan over medium-high heat. Grill peaches, cut-sides down, turning, for 2 minutes or until grill marks appear. Transfer to a tray; refrigerate until required.

3 Meanwhile, make spiced custard cream.

4 Arrange half the peaches over cake; top with spiced custard cream and reduced whiskey mixture. Reserve â…“ cup dulce de leche to serve; drop spoonfuls of remaining dulce de leche over custard. Sprinkle with 1 cup pecans; refrigerate for 15 minutes.