Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the Sponge Cake: Cut the sponge cake into bite-sized cubes. If you’re making homemade sponge cake, make sure it’s cooled completely before cutting.
2. Segment the Clementines: Peel and separate the clementines into individual segments. Remove any seeds and slice larger segments if necessary. You can also save a few segments for garnish.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream: If you’re using homemade whipped cream, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. You can also use store-bought whipped cream for convenience.

Assemble the Trifle

1. Layer the Cake: Start by placing a layer of sponge cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle bowl or individual serving glasses.
2. Add Orange Juice: Drizzle a few tablespoons of orange juice over the cake layer. This will keep the cake moist and infuse it with extra citrus flavor.
3. Layer the Clementines: Add a generous layer of clementine segments on top of the cake. The fruit’s juice will soak into the cake and make it extra flavorful.
4. Spread the Whipped Cream: Add a layer of whipped cream over the clementines, smoothing it out with a spoon or spatula.
5. Repeat Layers: Continue layering cake, orange juice, clementines, and whipped cream until you reach the top of the bowl or glasses. The layers should be visible from the outside to show off the beautiful citrus slices.

Garnish and Chill

1. Add Toppings: Garnish with clementine zest, fresh mint leaves, or crushed cookies for a bit of texture. The zest adds a fragrant pop of orange flavor.
2. Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the dessert a chance to set properly.