Christmas Trifle Recipe | Easy, Decadent & Festive Dessert

A bright, creamy, and fruity Christmas trifle brings together layers of cake, jelly, custard, and cream into one stunning dessert. The first spoonful is like tasting Christmas itself sweet, tart, and nostalgic. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a small cozy gathering, this easy trifle guarantees festive color, flavor, and make-ahead simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Trifle

This Christmas trifle looks like a work of art but comes together with everyday ingredients. Each layer offers something special the soft cake base soaks up orange-scented liquor, the cranberry jelly sparkles with holiday red, and the custard adds that comforting creaminess. You can prepare most of it a day ahead, so there’s no stress on the big day. Plus, the fresh berries on top bring brightness and texture that make every bite feel celebratory.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

Cake Base

– 450g Madeira, Pound, or Christmas cake, cubed
– 1/3 cup orange or fruit-flavored liquor, or fruit juice (use brandy for extra depth)

Cranberry Jelly

– 7 tsp gelatine powder
– 6 cups sweetened cranberry juice (avoid unsweetened unless you add sugar)

Custard (Homemade or 900g store-bought double thick vanilla custard)

– 3 cups milk
– ½ cup caster sugar (divided)
– 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
– 4 egg yolks
– ½ cup cornflour

Whipped Cream

– 2½ cups thickened or whipping cream
– 3 tbsp white sugar
– 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Berries

– 500–750g strawberries, halved
– 1 punnet each of blueberries and raspberries

Substitutions:
Use fruit juice for a non-alcoholic version. Store-bought custard is fine if you’re short on time, just pick one that’s thick and creamy. For dairy-free, try coconut cream and almond milk custard.

How to Make Christmas Trifle

Step 1 – Prepare the Cake Base

Cube the cake and place it at the bottom of your trifle dish. Drizzle with liquor or juice so it soaks up flavor. Add a few halved strawberries between the cubes for a fruity surprise in every spoonful.

Step 2 – Make the Cranberry Jelly

Warm half of the cranberry juice until it simmers. In a large bowl, whisk the gelatine into the remaining room-temperature juice until dissolved. Then pour in the hot juice and whisk until smooth. Pour half of this jelly over the cake layer and refrigerate for about 1½ hours until partially set.

Step 3 – Make the Homemade Custard

Heat milk, ¼ cup sugar, and vanilla until it begins to simmer. In another bowl, whisk yolks with the remaining sugar and cornflour. Slowly pour in some of the hot milk to temper the eggs, then combine everything back in the saucepan. Stir over low heat until thickened and silky. Remove from heat, cover with cling film, and cool to room temperature. If using store-bought custard, ensure it’s double thick for the best result.

Step 4 – Assemble the Layers

Once the jelly layer is softly set, spoon in the cooled custard. Smooth it out gently with a spatula. Let it chill for 1 hour. Meanwhile, keep the remaining jelly in the fridge until it’s spoonable but not firm. Then spread it carefully over the custard layer, add fresh berries, and refrigerate again for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 5 – Whip the Cream and Decorate

Just before serving, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread it over the trifle and finish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Dust lightly with icing sugar. Serve chilled, and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This dessert actually tastes better after resting overnight. You can assemble the trifle up to two days ahead (without the cream and fruit). Add the whipped topping and fresh berries right before serving for a beautiful finish. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days just be sure to cover the dish tightly to keep the cream fresh.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

– Use sweetened cranberry juice for a balanced flavor.
– Let custard cool before layering to prevent melting the jelly.
– Spoon jelly when it’s soft, not firm, to avoid “broken glass” layers.
– Store-bought custard or whipped cream saves time without sacrificing flavor.
– For the cleanest presentation, chill each layer before adding the next.
– Always use a clear 3.5L trifle dish so the colorful layers can shine.

For other show-stopping holiday treats, try my Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes for effortless holiday dessert trays or Peppermint Bark Brownies for a festive chocolate twist.

Common Questions (FAQ)

More Such Recipes

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars as a make-ahead treat for Christmas
• Cherry Pie Bites as quick and sweet additions to your dessert table
• Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars with a holiday color pop
• Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars as a creamy layered dessert option
• Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake for a fruity festive layer

Conclusion (Final Thoughts)

This Christmas trifle brings everything you want in a holiday dessert color, comfort, and that irresistible mix of textures. Each layer tells its own story, from boozy sponge to silky custard to fresh berries bursting with sweetness. Make it your own with favorite fruits or cakes, and enjoy watching everyone reach for seconds. For more ideas, follow me on Pinterest or Facebook for seasonal recipes that make your holidays even brighter.

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