Christmas Trifle is a classic holiday dessert that’s sure to impress. With layers of moist fruit cake soaked in rum, tangy cranberry sauce, rich vanilla custard, and light-as-air whipped cream, it’s a festive feast for the senses.
About the Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert to make your Christmas celebrations extra special, this Christmas Trifle is a must-try. With its beautiful layers of contrasting flavors and textures, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this luscious trifle. The moist fruit cake gets an extra kick from a splash of rum, while the cranberry sauce adds a bright, tart note to cut through the richness. And who could resist creamy custard and clouds of fresh whipped cream? Topped with fun garnishes like chocolate and nuts, it’s a visual showstopper too.
Christmas Trifle
Cooking Tips
For best results, use a good quality store-bought fruit cake or bake your own favorite Christmas cake recipe. Opt for thick vanilla custard or pastry cream rather than pouring custard for nice, defined layers. Chill thoroughly before serving for the ideal set texture.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This recipe makes a large trifle that will serve 8-10 people generously. Prepare it 1-2 days in advance and keep chilled until ready to serve for easiest assembly. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 2-3 days.
Similar Recipes
- Black Forest Trifle
- Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
- Lemon Tiramisu Trifle
- Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle
Nutrient Benefits
While desserts like trifle are indulgent treats, you’ll get nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin D from the custard and whipped cream. The fruit cake and cranberry sauce contribute fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
Christmas Trifle
Ingredients
- 100 gms Any Fruitcake or Christmas Cake (sliced)
- 75 gms Cranberry Sauce
- Icing Sugar as required
- 250 gms Vanilla Custard (available readymade in supermarkets)
- Rum as per taste
- 125 ml Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Buttons (Gems preferably - few to garnish)
- Nuts (few, chopped, to garnish)
- Mixed Fruits (Strawberries, Raspberries, Grapes, Oranges, Apple - chopped (optional))
Instructions
- Place the cake slices in the bottom of a bowl.
- Mix the cranberry sauce with enough icing sugar and spoon over the cake.
- Add a splash of rum to the custard and pour into the bowl.
- Top up with whipped cream.
- Decorate with nuts or chocolate buttons.
- Serve at once.
Note:
- You can also make this in advance. After step #3, keep the bowl in the fridge. Just before ready to serve, add the whipped cream and serve.
- If you are using fruits, place them on top of each layer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of cake?
Surely. Trifle is very adaptable. Pound cake, angel food cake, or even brownies can stand in for the fruit cake if you prefer. Just make sure the cake is sturdy enough to hold up in the trifle layers.
What kind of rum should I use?
Dark rum like spiced, gold, or aged rum work beautifully for soaking the cake layers and enhancing the cozy holiday flavors. Use as much or as little rum as you like to customize the potency.
Do I have to use cranberry sauce?
Nope, the cranberry sauce is just one option for adding fruity flavor and color contrast. Raspberry, strawberry, or lemon curd would be tasty swaps. Or just omit for an even richer trifle.
How far in advance can I make this?
For freshest taste and texture, assemble the trifle 1-2 days before serving. The whipped cream holds up nicely once layered with the other ingredients. Any further in advance, and the cake may get too soggy.
Can kids have Christmas Trifle?
Sure, if you leave out the rum for a non-alcoholic version. Make one big trifle with all the other components for everyone to enjoy, or create a special small one just for the kiddos.
1 comment
Mouth watering… 🙂