Christmas Trifle Festive Dessert (Print Version)
Layers of cake, custard, juicy berries, and whipped cream make this a stunning holiday table treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Layer
01 -
1 pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
1 cup whole milk
03 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Custard Layer
04 -
2 cups whole milk
05 -
0.5 cup granulated sugar
06 -
3 tablespoons cornstarch
07 -
0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
3 large egg yolks
09 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Fruit Layer
10 -
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), fresh or thawed if frozen
11 -
0.25 cup granulated sugar
12 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
→ Whipped Cream Layer
13 -
2 cups heavy whipping cream
14 -
0.25 cup powdered sugar
15 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Garnish
16 -
Fresh mint leaves
17 -
Additional mixed berries
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Combine whole milk and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl. Dip pound cake cubes briefly to absorb the liquid, then set aside on a tray.
02 -
Heat whole milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk egg yolks in another bowl. Slowly add the hot milk to the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper, then return mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and the custard coats the back of a spoon, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool completely before use.
03 -
In a medium bowl, combine mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat and let sit for 10–15 minutes, allowing the berries to release their juices.
04 -
In a chilled large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Do not over-mix.
05 -
In a large glass trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer one-third of the soaked pound cake cubes, followed by one-third of the custard, then one-third of the macerated berries, and one-third of the whipped cream. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with a generous layer of whipped cream on top.
06 -
Scatter additional berries and fresh mint leaves over the top. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For optimal flavor and presentation, prepare the custard ahead and ensure it is fully cooled before layering. Assemble the dessert at least 2 hours before serving to allow proper chilling and melding of flavors.
02 -
Macerating the berries intensifies their natural sweetness and provides additional juiciness to the trifle.
03 -
Chilling your mixing bowl before whipping the cream results in a lighter, more stable whipped cream layer.