Christmas Trifle Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert this holiday season, you’ve got to try this Christmas Trifle Recipe. This layered delight combines soft cubes of Madeira cake soaked in fruity liquor, fresh berries bursting with color, and silky cream that melds everything together into a festive feast for the senses. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that instantly brighten up any holiday gathering. It’s a classic treat with a joyful twist, guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Trifle Recipe comes alive with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the spongy Madeira cake that soaks up the juice to the fresh berries adding vibrant color and tang. The creamy custard and whipped cream bring lusciousness that perfectly balances the fruity layers below.

• 450g Madeira or Pound Cake: The sturdy yet soft base that soaks up flavors beautifully. Using store-bought saves time without sacrificing taste.
• 1/3 cup Orange or Fruit Flavored Liquor: Adds warmth and a subtle kick, but you can swap with juices for a lighter version.
• 7 tsp Gelatine Powder: The secret to that perfect set, ensuring your trifle holds its shape.
• 6 cups Cranberry Juice (with sugar): Brings a vibrant tartness that lifts the entire dessert.
• Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries: Fresh berries offer bursts of sweetness and a pop of color in every bite.
• 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream: Rich and thick, the cream adds an indulgent, velvety layer.
• White Sugar and Caster Sugar: Essential for sweetening custard and whipped cream to just the right level.
• Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Bean Paste: Both infuse the dessert with warm, aromatic notes.
• Milk (full or low fat): Needed for the silky custard base.
• 4 Egg Yolks: Give the custard its richness; save the whites for another recipe like meringues.
• 1/2 cup Cornflour (Cornstarch): Thickens the custard to that perfect creamy texture.

How to Make Christmas Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Begin by cutting your Madeira cake into neat 2 cm cubes. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for layering and absorbing those flavorful juices. Arrange them evenly over the bottom of a 3.5-liter trifle dish—don’t worry if you don’t use all the cake, you can set any extras aside for a snack!

Step 2: Soak the Cake

Next, sprinkle your choice of liquor or fruit juice generously over the cake cubes. This step is what gives your trifle that moist, boozy depth or fruity freshness, depending on your preference. The cake will soak it up, becoming wonderfully tender without falling apart.

Step 3: Add Fresh Strawberries

Scatter about half to a whole punnet of halved strawberries over the soaked cake. These fresh berries add a juicy burst and striking color contrast, making each spoonful exciting and fresh.

Step 4: Prepare the Gelatin Cranberry Layer

Dissolve your gelatine powder into the cranberry juice, warming gently to combine without boiling. Pour this vibrant crimson mixture over the fruit and cake layers, creating a shimmering jelly effect that sets perfectly in the refrigerator and adds a festive punch.

Step 5: Make the Custard

In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, caster sugar, cornflour, milk, and vanilla bean paste. Cook gently over medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This smooth custard layer brings luxurious creaminess and balances the tangy cranberry jelly.

Step 6: Chill the Custard

Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover it with cling film pressed directly onto its surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the trifle.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

Beat the heavy cream with white sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This fluffy whipped cream layer crowns your dessert with a light, airy texture, adding to the festive indulgence.

Step 8: Assemble the Trifle

Once the jelly has set and custard is cooled, layer the custard over the jelly and fruit. Follow this with the whipped cream as the final topping, smoothing gently with a spatula to create an inviting surface.

Step 9: Garnish and Chill

Garnish your trifle with extra fresh berries or a sprinkle of grated chocolate. Refrigerate for at least a few hours before serving to allow all layers to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Christmas Trifle Recipe

Garnishes

The presentation is everything! Decorate your trifle with a generous scattering of fresh berries, perhaps a few sprigs of mint for brightness, or even festive edible glitter to make it extra magical. These small touches not only enhance the look but also add fresh flavors and texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

This trifle shines wonderfully on its own as a dessert, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, serve it alongside warm mince pies or spiced cookies. These complementary treats bring cozy, traditional holiday flavors that pair beautifully with the cool creaminess of the trifle.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, consider serving the trifle in individual glass jars or clear cups. This personalized presentation is perfect for parties and makes it easy for everyone to appreciate the colorful layers without any mess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover trifle keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to preserve freshness and prevent the cream from drying out. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more so!

Freezing

While trifle is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions without the whipped cream topping. Wrap them well in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Add fresh whipped cream and berries after thawing for the best experience.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, remove from the fridge a few minutes beforehand to take the chill off for a smoother, creamier texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cake for this Christmas Trifle Recipe?

Absolutely! While Madeira or pound cake are traditional for their sturdy texture, sponge cake or even ladyfingers work well too. Just make sure the cake can absorb the juices without falling apart.

Is it necessary to add alcohol to the trifle?

Not at all! The liquor adds depth and warmth but can be easily substituted with fruit juice or flavored syrups, making the trifle family-friendly and just as delicious.

Can I prepare the Christmas Trifle Recipe in advance?

Yes! This dessert actually benefits from some resting time. Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly, saving you time on the busy day of your celebration.

What if I am allergic to eggs? Can I still make the custard?

You can try a custard alternative made without eggs, such as a cornstarch pudding or a store-bought custard substitute. The texture will be slightly different but still wonderful layered in the trifle.

How do I avoid the custard from forming a skin?

Press cling film directly onto the surface of the custard while it cools. This prevents air from reaching it and stops that unwanted skin from forming.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Christmas Trifle Recipe, it will become a beloved tradition in your holiday celebrations. Its stunning layers, perfect balance of flavors, and easy prep make it a heartfelt centerpiece that’s sure to bring smiles around the table. So grab your ingredients, get layering, and enjoy a show-stopping dessert that truly embodies the festive spirit!

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