Christmas Trifle Dessert Recipe

It’s no secret that holiday desserts bring a little extra joy to the season, and this Christmas Trifle is no exception. Not only does it bring vibrant color to your table, but it also marries two incredible cake flavors: white and red velvet. Throw in a rich cream cheese filling, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as festive as it is irresistible! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or simply want a show-stopping dessert for your family, this trifle is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Let me tell you why I adore this dessert. I remember the first time I made it was during a chaotic Christmas Eve with family bustling about and kids eagerly awaiting Santa. I wanted something that looked stunning but didn’t require hours of kitchen time. This recipe saved the day! The vibrant layers and decadent cream made for such a memorable centerpiece that we almost didn’t want to dig in—almost. Now, I make this trifle every year, and it’s become a tradition that the whole family anticipates. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll likely become a staple at your holiday gatherings, too.

this RECIPE

🎄 What makes this Christmas trifle so special?

This dessert ticks all the boxes: visually appealing, easy to prepare, and crowd-pleasing. The red velvet cake brings a subtle cocoa flavor, while the white cake—dyed a festive green—adds the perfect splash of holiday color. And the cream cheese mixture? It’s the rich, velvety glue that binds it all together. What really sets this trifle apart is how simple it is to assemble, yet it looks like you’ve spent hours crafting a layered masterpiece. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of scooping through creamy, colorful layers to discover hidden flavors in each bite?

A personal holiday twist

The first time I made this trifle, I didn’t know just how much my family would fall in love with it. I was rushing to put together a last-minute dessert for our Christmas dinner, something that looked fancy but didn’t require me to be a pro baker. When I stumbled upon the idea of layering colorful cake with a cream cheese filling, I figured it was worth a shot. As soon as I brought the trifle to the table, everyone “oohed” and “aahed” over the bright red and green layers. That night, we ended up serving it in big bowls by the fire, reminiscing about our favorite holiday memories. Now, whenever I make this dessert, I can’t help but think of that cozy evening surrounded by loved ones.

The origin story (or how trifles became holiday royalty)

Trifles have been around for centuries, dating back to England in the 16th century. Traditionally, they were made with sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream. But, as with most beloved dishes, people have put their own spins on it over the years. What’s fun about a trifle is how versatile it can be—it’s like the choose-your-own-adventure of desserts. For this Christmas version, we’re swapping out the traditional custard for a creamy, tangy mixture of cream cheese and whipped topping, and instead of fruit, we’re using vibrant red and green cakes. It’s a festive twist on a classic, made for modern holiday celebrations.

Let’s talk ingredients: color, flavor, and festive fun

• White cake mix: This forms the base for our green layer, bringing a light and fluffy texture. If you’re out of white cake mix, you could easily swap it for yellow cake mix—it’ll still give you the same texture, though the color might be slightly warmer.
• Red velvet cake mix: Red velvet not only adds festive color but also offers a mild chocolate flavor that balances well with the creamy filling. If you don’t have red velvet, a devil’s food cake could be a good substitute, though it won’t have the same bright red look.
• Green food coloring: This is what transforms your white cake into that perfect Grinch-y green. I find that gel food coloring works best because it gives you a deeper color with just a few drops. But if liquid coloring is all you’ve got, just add a few extra drops until you reach your desired shade.
• Cream cheese: This is the backbone of the filling, giving it that rich, tangy flavor. Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. Neufchatel cheese could work as a lower-fat option, though it’ll be slightly less rich.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This sweetens and thickens the filling. It’s hard to substitute, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, there are coconut-based condensed milks on the market.
• Whipped topping: Adds lightness to the filling, making it airy and soft. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer a fresher taste, but the tub version makes this recipe incredibly easy.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

For this recipe, you’ll need just a few basic tools. Nothing fancy here!

• Two 9×13 baking pans: One for the red velvet cake and one for the white (soon-to-be-green) cake.
• Mixing bowls: One large bowl for the cake batter and a medium one for the cream cheese mixture. If you’re feeling extra organized, you can have separate bowls for each step, but I’ve found you can get by with just a couple.
• Hand mixer: For mixing the cream cheese filling until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a whisk if you don’t have a mixer, but be prepared for a bit of an arm workout!
• Trifle dish or large clear bowl: This is where the magic happens. A trifle dish is ideal because the clear sides show off those beautiful layers. Don’t worry if you don’t have one—you can use any large bowl. I’ve even used a deep glass casserole dish in a pinch.

Step-by-step: Assembling your holiday masterpiece

1. Bake the cakes: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Follow the box directions to prepare both the white and red velvet cake mixes. Don’t forget to add about 10 drops of green food coloring to the white cake batter to create that festive green layer. Pour each batter into a greased 9×13 pan and bake for 23-25 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done.Pro tip: Make sure you allow the cakes to cool completely before crumbling. If they’re warm, they’ll clump together rather than forming the light, fluffy pieces you want.
2. Make the cream filling: While the cakes are cooling, whip up your cream cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. It’s okay if you sneak a taste—this stuff is dangerously delicious!
3. Crumble the cakes: Once your cakes are cool, crumble them into small pieces. Set aside about ¼ cup of each color to sprinkle on top later. The rest will be layered in the trifle.
4. Layer it up: In your trifle dish, start by spreading a layer of green cake crumbles. Add a generous layer of the cream mixture, then top with a layer of red velvet cake. Keep alternating layers until you’ve used everything up.Tip: Don’t worry about making the layers perfect. Trifles are meant to be a little rustic—those messy layers are part of the charm!
5. Top it off: Sprinkle the reserved red and green cake crumbs over the top for a festive finish.

Variations: Get creative with your trifle

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cake mixes and double-check that your other ingredients (like whipped topping) are gluten-free.
• Vegan: You can substitute the cakes with vegan cake mixes and use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping. Coconut-based condensed milk works great for this!
• Add fruit: If you want to incorporate more traditional trifle elements, toss in some fresh raspberries or strawberries between the layers for a burst of tartness.
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream mixture for a warm holiday twist.

Serving and presentation ideas: Because we eat with our eyes!

This Christmas trifle is all about presentation, so make sure you show off those layers! Serve it in a clear trifle dish or individual parfait glasses for a more personalized touch. For garnishing, add a sprig of mint or even a few edible silver stars for that extra festive flair. Pair it with some fresh berries or holiday cookies on the side for a complete dessert experience.

Drink pairings: What to sip with your trifle

This trifle pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially if you serve it after dinner. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, a glass of champagne or sparkling wine complements the sweetness and adds a celebratory touch.

Storing and reheating tips: How to keep your trifle fresh

You can easily make this dessert a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It will keep for about 2-3 days, but after that, the cake layers might start to get a bit soggy. Trifles aren’t really reheatable, but they do taste fantastic cold straight from the fridge!

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes enough for about 10-12 people, but if you’re hosting a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just use larger pans for the cakes and a bigger trifle dish. If you’re only serving a few people, halve the recipe, but make sure you still get the cake layers thick enough to show off their colors.

Potential hiccups: What could go wrong?

If your cake layers are too warm when you crumble them, they might stick together in clumps rather than forming light crumbles. Make sure to let them cool completely—trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way! Another common issue is overmixing the cream cheese filling, which can cause it to lose its light, fluffy texture. Mix just until everything is combined and smooth.

Time to make this trifle your new holiday tradition!

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also brings a big smile to everyone who sees it. Whether it’s the colorful layers or the rich cream cheese filling, this Christmas trifle has that special “wow” factor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it—after all, the best part of cooking is making it yours!

FAQs

1. Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it the day before, just cover it tightly and store in the fridge.

2. What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
No worries! A large glass bowl or even individual parfait glasses work just as well.

3. Can I substitute homemade whipped cream for the tub version?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a fresher taste, just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate. It’ll keep for 2-3 days, but is best enjoyed within the first day or two.

5. Can I add fruits or nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Fresh berries or toasted nuts would add a nice texture contrast.

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