EASY CHRISTMAS TRIFLE DESSERT
Festive, fruity, and layered with creamy goodness!!
Introduction:
Trifle, a beloved holiday dessert, is perfect for spreading holiday cheer with its vibrant colors and delightful textures. This easy Christmas trifle dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser, featuring layers of rich sponge cake, fresh fruits, creamy vanilla pudding, and whipped cream, all topped off with a hint of mint for a festive touch. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or looking for a dessert to bring to a holiday gathering, this trifle is both delicious and visually stunning. The combination of fruity layers, creamy indulgence, and seasonal flavors makes this the perfect treat for any festive occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the Jelly Layer:
- 6 oz red gelatin (strawberry or raspberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- For the Cake Layer:
- 1 large sponge cake (cubed)
- ½ cup cranberry juice (or sweet sherry)
- For the Pudding Layer:
- 6.8 oz vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix
- 4 cups cold whole milk
- ½ cup powdered sugar (divided)
- For the Fruit Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 16 oz raspberry jam (or strawberry jam)
- For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gelatin Layer:
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the red gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved.
- Add 1 cup of cold water and let the gelatin mixture sit at room temperature until it thickens slightly (about 20-30 minutes). Then, place it in the fridge to set completely for about 2 hours or until firm.
2. Prepare the Sponge Cake:
- Slice the sponge cake into cubes (about 1-inch in size).
- In a separate bowl, drizzle the cranberry juice (or sweet sherry) over the cubed sponge cake to soak it slightly, giving the cake a festive flavor and a touch of moisture.
3. Make the Pudding Layer:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix with 4 cups of cold whole milk.
- Add ¼ cup of powdered sugar and whisk until smooth and thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Set the pudding aside to firm up.
4. Prepare the Fruit Layer:
- In a separate bowl, mix the fresh strawberries and raspberries.
- Gently warm the raspberry jam in a small saucepan, stirring until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Fold the jam into the fresh berries until evenly coated.
5. Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Be careful not to overwhip, as the cream should remain soft and fluffy for the best texture.
6. Assemble the Trifle:
- In a large, clear trifle bowl or individual serving cups, begin layering the trifle:
- Start with a layer of sponge cake cubes.
- Spoon over a generous layer of fruit and jam mixture.
- Spread a layer of the vanilla pudding over the fruit.
- Add a layer of the set gelatin (you may want to cut it into small cubes or crumble it to create a nice texture).
- Repeat the layers until the bowl is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
7. Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves, additional berries, or even a drizzle of extra raspberry jam to give the trifle a festive, polished finish.
8. Chill and Serve:
- Allow the trifle to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving so the layers set properly and the flavors meld together.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Methods:
- Layering Method: The key to a perfect trifle is in the layers! Each layer should be evenly spread to ensure a balanced and visually appealing dessert. Layering creates a beautiful contrast between the sponge cake, fruit, pudding, and whipped cream, which adds both flavor and texture.
- Setting the Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin is completely set before adding it to the trifle. It should be firm, but not too stiff. The goal is to create soft, fruity bites in the trifle for added texture and color.
- Whipping Cream: For the whipped cream, ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk are cold, as this helps achieve stiff peaks quickly. Don’t overwhip the cream; stop when it holds soft peaks, as you’ll want it to be smooth and creamy.
History:
The origins of the trifle can be traced back to 18th-century England. Initially, trifles were made with a variety of layered ingredients, including sponge cake soaked in wine or sherry, fruit, custard, and whipped cream. The modern version of the trifle, which includes gelatin or jelly layers, became popular in the 19th century as gelatin became more widely available. The trifle has since evolved to include various flavor combinations and textures, but it remains a quintessential British dessert, especially during the Christmas season.
Formation and Variations:
The traditional trifle usually consists of three main layers: cake, fruit, and cream. However, this recipe introduces a festive twist with the addition of raspberry or strawberry gelatin, cranberry juice-soaked sponge cake, and the richness of vanilla pudding. Some variations include adding chocolate, nuts, or different types of fruit preserves to create an even more luxurious dessert. Trifle is incredibly versatile, so feel free to swap out fruits, cake flavors, or even use different types of pudding to suit your taste or the holiday theme.
Conclusion:
This Easy Christmas Trifle Dessert is the perfect treat to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. It combines the best of both worlds—rich, creamy layers paired with light, fruity notes and a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving a large crowd or making individual portions, this dessert is guaranteed to be the star of the holiday table. Its vibrant layers reflect the festive spirit of Christmas, and its balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it an irresistible indulgence for dessert lovers of all ages.
For Dessert Lovers: If you’re a fan of layered desserts, you’ll adore this easy trifle recipe. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the festive fruits and flavors of the season. Plus, it’s an easy make-ahead dessert, which makes holiday entertaining stress-free! The layers of creamy pudding, light sponge, juicy berries, and the touch of mint will make you fall in love with this dessert all over again. Perfect for those who like to indulge in both traditional and creative flavors during Christmas.
Happy holidays and enjoy your trifle!