Christmas Trifle
This Christmas trifle is a layered dessert that combines soft sponge cake or ladyfingers, creamy custard, fresh seasonal fruits, whipped topping, and optional chocolate or spices. Its final appearance is a colorful, inviting dish with distinct layers that meld beautifully after chilling overnight, offering a rich yet airy texture.
Equipment
- Large glass trifle dish
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Serrated knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 package sponge cake or ladyfingers or gingerbread for holiday spice
- 2 cups vanilla custard or spice-infused, chilled
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruits berries, citrus segments, or seasonal fruits
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipped topping or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate or cocoa powder optional, for dusting or mixing into whipped cream
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, cinnamon, or ginger warm spices to taste
- 2 tablespoons liqueur optional, Grand Marnier or amaretto
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and tools—this makes the assembly process smooth and enjoyable.
- Slice the sponge cake or ladyfingers into even pieces if needed, or break them into smaller chunks for easier layering.
- Pour the chilled custard into a mixing bowl and whisk briefly to smooth if needed, ensuring it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Chop or prepare your fresh fruits, keeping them juicy and vibrant for a bright contrast in the layers.
- In a large glass trifle dish, start layering with a layer of cake pieces at the bottom. Add a generous spoonful of custard over the cake, spreading gently.
- Top the custard with a layer of fresh fruits, then add a dollop of whipped topping or whipped cream, smoothing it out lightly.
- Repeat the layers—cake, custard, fruit, and whipped topping—until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- If desired, dust the top with cocoa powder or sprinkle with chopped nuts and add a few sprigs of mint for a festive touch.
- Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
- Before serving, give the trifle a gentle final touch of cocoa or spices, and then serve with a big spoon, revealing the colorful layers.
