Christmas Trifle Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Trifle is a festive, layered dessert that combines fruity gelatin, moist sponge cake, creamy pudding, fresh berries, and whipped cream. This colorful treat is perfect for holiday gatherings and offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces red gelatin (strawberry or raspberry flavor)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 large sponge cake, cut into cubes (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup cranberry juice or sweet sherry (for an alcohol version)
• 6.8 ounces vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix (two 3.4-ounce packages)
• 4 cups cold whole milk
• ½ cup powdered sugar (divided between pudding and cream layers)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 16 ounces raspberry jam or preserves
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, dissolve the red gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Arrange a layer of sponge cake cubes at the bottom of a large trifle bowl. Drizzle cranberry juice or sherry over the cake to moisten it.
3. Step 3: Pour the cooled gelatin mixture evenly over the moistened cake layer. Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until the gelatin sets to a soft but not firm consistency.
4. Step 4: Whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in ¼ cup of powdered sugar, then refrigerate while the gelatin sets.
5. Step 5: Once the gelatin is softly set, spoon the vanilla pudding evenly over it. Return the trifle to the refrigerator.
6. Step 6: Warm the raspberry jam in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to 1 minute until softened. Mix in the sliced strawberries and raspberries until the fruit is well coated.
7. Step 7: Spread the fruit and jam mixture evenly over the pudding layer. Chill again while preparing the final layer.
8. Step 8: Whip the heavy cream with the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. Step 9: Spread the whipped cream over the fruit layer and garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
10. Step 10: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2–3 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and gelatin set completely. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For a boozy twist, replace cranberry juice with sweet sherry or another fruity liqueur.
• Use store-bought sponge cake for convenience or homemade for a fresher taste.
• Gently fold fresh berries into the whipped cream for added flavor and texture.
• Try using different flavored gelatin like cherry or mixed berry to vary the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the integrity of the gelatin and whipped cream layers. When serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir if layers have slightly separated, and enjoy cold for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the trifle ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making the trifle the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the gelatin to fully set, making it easier to serve and more delicious.

Can I use low-fat milk or cream instead of whole milk and heavy cream?

While you can substitute with low-fat versions, the texture may be less rich and creamy. Whole milk and heavy cream provide the best flavor and consistency for this dessert.

Christmas Trifle Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 137 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A classic and festive Christmas Trifle featuring layers of red gelatin, moist sponge cake, creamy vanilla pudding, fresh berries coated in raspberry jam, and a fluffy whipped cream topping garnished with fresh mint. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this no-bake dessert combines fruity, creamy, and sweet flavors with a beautiful layered presentation.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gelatin Layer

• 6 ounces red gelatin (strawberry or raspberry flavor)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• ½ cup cranberry juice (or sweet sherry for an alcohol version)
• 1 large sponge cake, cut into cubes (store-bought or homemade)

Pudding Layer

• 6.8 ounces vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix (two 3.4-ounce packages)
• 4 cups cold whole milk
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Fruit Layer

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 16 ounces raspberry jam or preserves

Whipped Cream Layer

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

• Fresh strawberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh mint leaves
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Gelatin: Dissolve the red gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
2. Layer Sponge Cake: Arrange a layer of sponge cake cubes at the bottom of a large trifle bowl. Drizzle the cranberry juice or sherry over the cake to moisten it.
3. Add Gelatin Layer: Pour the slightly cooled red gelatin mixture evenly over the moistened cake. Refrigerate the trifle bowl for 30 to 45 minutes or until the gelatin sets to a soft but not fully firm consistency.
4. Make Pudding: Whisk together the instant pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl until it thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in ¼ cup powdered sugar, then refrigerate the pudding while the gelatin layer sets.
5. Add Pudding Layer: Once the gelatin is softly set, spoon the pudding over the gelatin layer, spreading it evenly. Return to the refrigerator.
6. Prepare Fruit Mixture: Warm the raspberry jam in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds to 1 minute until softened but not hot. Toss in the sliced strawberries and raspberries, coating the fruit well with the jam.
7. Add Fruit Layer: Spread the berry and jam mixture carefully over the pudding layer. Refrigerate again while preparing the final layer.
8. Whip Cream: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. Add Whipped Cream Layer: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the fruit and jam layer.
10. Garnish: Decorate the top with additional fresh strawberries, raspberries, fresh mint leaves, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the completed trifle for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and gelatin to fully set.
12. Serve: Serve the Christmas Trifle chilled as a show-stopping holiday dessert.

Notes

• You can substitute the cranberry juice with sweet sherry for an adult version.
• For best results, use fresh, ripe berries and high-quality instant pudding mix.
• Ensure gelatin is only soft set before adding pudding layer to maintain distinct layers.
• The trifle can be made a day in advance to deepen flavors.
• Use a clear trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas trifle, holiday dessert, layered dessert, gelatin trifle, pudding trifle, berry trifle, festive dessert, no-bake dessert