Sweet Christmas Trifle Recipe: A Jolly Holiday Treat

Festive holiday gatherings call for a show-stopping Christmas trifle that sparks joy and conversation around the table.

Layers of decadent flavors dance together in this delightful dessert.

Rich custard, soft sponge cake, and vibrant fruits create a stunning centerpiece that will wow everyone.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of textures and tastes that celebrate the season’s warmth.

Creamy and indulgent, this dessert brings people closer with its irresistible charm.

The combination of classic ingredients transforms an ordinary moment into something magical.

Prepare to delight your loved ones with this crowd-pleasing sweet sensation that embodies holiday cheer.

Why Christmas Trifle Feels Extra Festive

• Craft a stunning dessert that instantly brings festive cheer to your table with layers of colorful and delicious ingredients.
• Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and delivers impressive results that look professionally made.
• Swap ingredients, adjust flavors, or add personal touches to make this trifle uniquely yours while maintaining its classic holiday charm.
• Prepare this dessert in advance, allowing flavors to meld and reducing stress during busy holiday gatherings, making entertaining a breeze.

What You’ll Need for Christmas Trifle

• Sponge Cake: A light and airy base that provides the foundation for the trifle layers.
• Cranberry Juice or Sherry: A liquid that adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the cake.

• Red Gelatin: A vibrant and wobbly layer that adds color and a fruity element to the dessert.

• Milk: A creamy liquid that helps create a smooth pudding texture.
• Pudding Mix: A convenient mix that provides a rich and creamy filling.
• Powdered Sugar: A sweetener that adds sweetness and helps thicken the pudding.

• Raspberry Jam: A sweet and tangy spread that helps bind the fruit together.
• Strawberries: A classic red berry that adds freshness and color.
• Raspberries: A delicate berry that provides a tart and juicy component.

• Heavy Cream: A rich and luxurious dairy product that creates a fluffy and light topping.
• Vanilla: A classic flavoring that adds depth and warmth to the whipped cream.
• Powdered Sugar: A sweetener that helps stabilize the whipped cream.

• Mint Sprig: A fresh herb that adds a pop of green and a hint of freshness.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting that creates a festive, snowy effect.

How to Build a Christmas Trifle

Step 1: Create Cake Foundation

Slice sponge cake into bite-sized cubes and arrange neatly in the bottom of a clear glass trifle dish.

Gently drizzle cranberry juice or sherry over the cake pieces, ensuring they’re moistened but not soggy.

Carefully pour cooled red gelatin across the surface using the back of a spoon to distribute evenly.

Refrigerate until the gelatin sets softly, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Pudding Layer

Blend pudding mix with cold milk and powdered sugar until smooth and thick.

Spread the creamy mixture gently over the set gelatin layer, creating an even, delicate surface.

Return to the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layer.

Step 3: Prepare Vibrant Fruit Medley

Warm raspberry jam in the microwave until slightly runny.

• Sliced strawberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Any additional seasonal berries

Gently fold the fruits into the warmed jam, then spread this fruity mixture over the pudding layer.

Step 4: Crown With Fluffy Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Carefully spread the cloud-like cream over the fruit layer, creating elegant swirls and peaks.

• Fresh whole berries
• Delicate mint sprig
• Light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive snow-like effect

Chill thoroughly before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips to Layer the Best Christmas Trifle

• Choose ripe, vibrant berries for maximum flavor and visual appeal in your trifle.
• Pour gelatin slowly using a spoon to prevent cake layer disruption and ensure smooth coverage.
• Drizzle just enough cranberry juice or sherry to moisten cake cubes without oversaturating the base.
• Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff, stable peaks faster.
• Dust powdered sugar lightly over the top for a festive, snow-like finish that adds elegance to your Christmas dessert.

Keep Your Christmas Trifle Fresh Longer

• Transfer leftover trifle to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it sealed and chilled for up to 3 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Avoid freezing entire trifle, as cream and gelatin layers will separate and lose texture. If necessary, freeze individual cake cubes separately for future use.
• Scoop single servings into small sealed containers for quick grab-and-go dessert moments, ensuring each portion remains protected from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Consume trifle cold directly from the refrigerator, as warming will destroy its delicate layered structure and compromise the creamy texture. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and softness.

What Pairs Well With Christmas Trifle

• Boost Festive Flavor Pairings
• Sip Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail: Mix cranberry juice, prosecco, and a splash of elderflower liqueur to complement the trifle's fruity and sweet layers, creating a vibrant holiday drink that echoes the dessert's berry notes.
• Pair with Spiced Mulled Wine: Warm red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest provides a rich, aromatic companion that matches the trifle's deep seasonal flavors and adds warmth to the dessert experience.
• Serve Alongside Dark Chocolate Truffles: Rich, intense chocolate truffles with a hint of sea salt will contrast beautifully with the trifle's light, creamy texture and enhance the dessert's complex berry and cream profile.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Champagne: Elegant champagne with delicate vanilla undertones will elevate the trifle's creamy layers and provide a sophisticated, bubbly counterpoint to the sweet, fruity dessert.

Christmas Trifle Styles to Try Out

• Gluten-Free Holiday Trifle: Replace sponge cake with gluten-free cake or almond flour cake. Use gluten-free pudding mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Christmas Delight: Swap sponge cake with vegan sponge. Use coconut milk pudding, dairy-free whipped cream made from coconut cream. Replace gelatin with agar-agar for set layer.
• Low-Sugar Berry Trifle: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free gelatin and pudding mix. Choose fresh berries with natural sweetness, reducing added sugars.
• Alcohol-Free Family Version: Replace sherry with white grape juice or apple juice. Keep all other ingredients the same, making it kid-friendly and suitable for non-alcoholic gatherings.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have some on hand?

You can replace sherry with orange juice, use instant vanilla pudding instead of homemade, swap strawberries for mixed berries, and use pound cake if sponge cake isn’t available.

• How do I prevent my gelatin layer from becoming lumpy?

Pour the gelatin slowly using the back of a spoon, ensuring an even distribution and avoiding creating holes in the cake layer. Make sure the gelatin is cooled but not fully set before pouring.

• Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the trifle up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and prevent it from becoming watery.

• How can I ensure my whipped cream holds its shape?

Use cold heavy cream, chill your mixing bowl beforehand, and whip at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Adding a little powdered sugar helps stabilize the cream and provides sweetness.

Christmas Trifle Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday charms shine through this classic Christmas trifle, layering rich custard, fluffy sponge, and sparkling fruits into a stunning dessert centerpiece. Guests will dive into delightful spoonfuls of seasonal joy, celebrating sweet memories with each creamy, berry-studded bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large sponge cake, cut into cubes (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced)
• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 16 ounces raspberry jam, or preserves

Liquid and Gelatin Components:

• 6 ounces red gelatin (strawberry or raspberry flavor)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice, or sweet sherry for an alcohol version
• 4 cups cold whole milk

Cream and Topping Ingredients:

• 6.8 ounces vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix (two 3.4-ounce packages)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided in half between the pudding layer and the heavy cream layer
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few fresh mint leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Carefully cube sponge cake and arrange evenly across the bottom of a trifle dish. Gently drizzle cranberry juice or sherry to lightly moisten the cake without saturating.
2. Pour cooled red gelatin smoothly over cake layer using the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until gelatin sets softly but remains slightly wobbly.
3. Whisk pudding mix with cold milk and powdered sugar until smooth and thickened. Carefully spread pudding in an even layer over the set gelatin, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Microwave raspberry jam briefly to soften, then combine with sliced strawberries and raspberries. Distribute fruit mixture gently across the pudding layer, creating an colorful fruity spread.
5. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully spread whipped cream over the fruit layer, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
6. Decorate the top with additional fresh berries and a delicate sprig of mint. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to create a festive, snow-like appearance that enhances the holiday aesthetic.

Notes

• Drizzle cranberry juice or sherry sparingly to add flavor without making the sponge cake soggy, ensuring a perfect texture balance.
• Use the back of a spoon to distribute gelatin evenly, preventing unwanted holes and creating a smooth, uniform layer.
• Gently warm raspberry jam to make it easier to mix with berries, enhancing the fruit’s natural sweetness and spreading consistency.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut whipped cream and use almond milk in pudding for a lactose-free version that maintains the dessert’s creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg