Best 6 Holiday Trifle Recipes

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During the festive holiday season, the holiday trifle takes center stage as a classic and beloved dessert. This multi-layered delight combines a variety of textures and flavors, making it a perfect treat to share with family and friends. With its layers of moist cake, creamy custard, sweet fruit, and whipped cream, the holiday trifle is a true showstopper that will impress your guests. Whether you are looking for a traditional recipe or a more modern twist, there are countless variations of the holiday trifle to choose from. In this article, we will explore some of the best holiday trifle recipes, offering a range of options to suit every taste and preference.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

HOLIDAY PUMPKIN-GINGERBREAD TRIFLE



Holiday Pumpkin-Gingerbread Trifle image

Treat your holiday party guests to layers of gingerbread, butterscotch-pumpkin filling, gingersnap cookies and creamy whipped topping.

Provided by By Arlene Cummings

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 box Betty Crocker™ gingerbread cake and cookie mix
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 box (4-serving size) butterscotch instant pudding and pie filling mix
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
25 to 30 gingersnap cookies (about three-fourths of 10-oz bag)
1 container (12 oz) Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed, or whipped cream

Steps:

  • Bake and cool gingerbread as directed on box.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat pumpkin, condensed milk, pudding mix, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and milk with whisk 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is smooth and thickened; set aside.
  • Cut gingerbread into 2- to 3-inch cubes. In trifle bowl or large clear glass bowl, layer half of gingerbread.
  • Reserve 12 cookies and some of the whipped topping for garnish. Crumble 5 cookies over gingerbread layer. Spread about half of remaining whipped topping over cookies. Top with half of pumpkin mixture. Repeat layers. Crumble 2 remaining cookies over top. Garnish top with reserved whipped topping and whole cookies.
  • Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving

STRAWBERRY-KIWI HOLIDAY TRIFLE



Strawberry-Kiwi Holiday Trifle image

Glazed donut holes and orange liqueur are the surprise ingredients in a colorful fruit trifle with layers of vanilla-orange pudding, fresh strawberries, and kiwi slices.

Provided by JELL-O

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     JELL-O Holiday

Time 4h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 (3.4 ounce) packages JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
3 cups cold milk
¼ cup orange-flavored liqueur
1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
3 cups fresh strawberries, halved, divided
2 kiwis, peeled, sliced and divided
24 glazed donut holes

Steps:

  • Beat pudding mixes, milk and liqueur in medium bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir in 2 cups COOL WHIP.
  • Reserve 2 strawberry halves and 3 kiwi slices for garnish. Place 12 donut holes in 2-qt. bowl; top with 1/3 of the pudding mixture and remaining strawberries. Cover with remaining donut holes, half the remaining pudding mixture and kiwi; top with remaining pudding mixture and COOL WHIP. Garnish with reserved fruit.
  • Refrigerate 4 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282.9 calories, Carbohydrate 40.7 g, Cholesterol 6.4 mg, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 348.3 mg, Sugar 136.5 g

HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD TRIFLE



Holiday Gingerbread Trifle image

My husband and I both enjoy this delicious dessert during the winter holidays, but we lighten it up by using Splenda Brown Sugar Blend and Lite Cool Whip. -Eileen Ballance, Norfolk, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
2 cans (15 ounces each) solid-pack pumpkin
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
GINGERBREAD:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water
3 tablespoons crystallized ginger

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Heat over low heat, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, nutmeg, salt and gelatin mixture., In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and remaining vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. Fold 4 cups whipped cream into pumpkin mixture. Cover and refrigerate while preparing cake. Refrigerate remaining whipped cream., For gingerbread, in a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, then molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Beat in hot water., Transfer to a greased and floured 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 22-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into cubes., In a 5-qt. trifle bowl or glass serving bowl, layer 4 cups gingerbread cubes, half of the pumpkin mixture and half of the whipped cream. Repeat with remaining gingerbread and pumpkin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours., Just before serving, spread remaining whipped cream over pumpkin mixture. Carefully arrange remaining gingerbread around edge of bowl; sprinkle with crystallized ginger.

Nutrition Facts :

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE HOLIDAY TRIFLE



Triple Chocolate Holiday Trifle image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 4h10m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 31

4 ounces good-quality bittersweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground (instant) espresso powder
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon table salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup good-quality bittersweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon ground (instant) espresso powder
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur, such as Kahlua
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup (6 ounces) good-quality bittersweet chocolate chips, divided
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur, such as Kahlua
Chocolate-covered espresso beans, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9- by 13-inch metal baking dish with cooking spray (I like Baker's Joy) and line with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper.
  • Combine the chocolate chips, cocoa and espresso powder in a mixing bowl. Pour the boiling water over top and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater blade, cream together the butter and sugar on medium to medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Whisk the buttermilk and vanilla into the reserved chocolate mixture. Reduce speed to low. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by 1/2 of the chocolate mixture until just combined. Repeat with another third of flour, the remaining chocolate, and final third of flour.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth with a rubber or offset spatula. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until a toothpick pricked in center comes out clean. Cool the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a paring knife along the edges of the cake and gently invert it onto the cooling rack. Discard the parchment paper and allow the cake to cool completely.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Add the chocolate chips and espresso powder, and cook until chocolate is completely melted. Pour in the condensed milk and coffee liqueur and whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or with an electric mixer) beat the cream until stiff peaks begin to form. Gently fold cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until it is completely incorporated and no streaks remain. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Combine 1/2 cup chocolate chips, cream, corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa and salt in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking at a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips, butter and vanilla and whisk until glossy and smooth. Set aside.
  • For the whipped cream:
  • Just before serving, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or with an electric mixer) beat the cream, confectioners' sugar and coffee liqueur until soft peaks just begin to form.
  • This can be assembled in a large trifle dish or individual glass serving dishes. Line up the individual dessert components. Break the devil's food cake into small pieces (it's okay if it crumbles; it will press into a cohesive layer in the trifle dish). Rewarm fudge sauce on low heat to thin, if necessary.
  • Spread a layer of chocolate mousse in the bottom of the dish. Arrange a fairly thick layer of devil's food cake pieces over the mousse. Drizzle fudge sauce over the cake pieces. Repeat layering, ending with mousse. Refrigerate trifle for 2 to 3 hours to set.
  • This dessert is best served at room temperature, so remove from the refrigerator at least an hour or two before serving. Top with fresh whipped cream and chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans. (If making individual trifles, top each trifle with one whole chocolate-covered espresso bean.)

HOLIDAY CAPPUCCINO TRIFLE



Holiday Cappuccino Trifle image

This easy yet elegant dessert is so attractive served in a shallow glass bowl. Garnishing with raspberries, mint and grated chocolate adds the perfect finishing touch.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup cold water
1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 to 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
2 cups whipped topping
2 packages (3 ounces each) ladyfingers
Raspberries, fresh mint and grated chocolate, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the milk, water, pudding mix and coffee granules on medium speed for 2 minutes or until thickened. Fold in whipped topping. , Break ladyfingers into cubes; place half in a 2-qt. glass bowl. Top with half of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Garnish with raspberries, mint and chocolate if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298 calories, Fat 8g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 283mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (43g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 5g protein.

HOLIDAY TRIFLE



Holiday Trifle image

This is a nice dessert for Christmas with its red & green fruit, but it can be enjoyed anytime of the year. I have made this using white chocolate or cheesecake instant pudding. Both, equally good. I also have cheated and bought a chocolate loaf cake and cut that up instead of baking a cake. I'm all for saving time!

Provided by star pooley

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16) oz package devil's food cake mix or 1 store bought chocolate cake
1 (14) oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 c cold water
2 (3 1/2) oz packages instant vanilla pudding
2 1/2 c cool whip topping
2 Tbsp orange juice
2 1/2 c fresh strawberries, sliced
1 pt fresh raspberries
3-4 kiwi fruits, peel & sliced

Steps:

  • 1. Using (2) 9-inch round cake pans, bake cakes according to package directions; cool & cut 1 cake into 1-inch pieces; freeze other cake for future use.
  • 2. In a medium size bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and water; stir.
  • 3. Add pudding mixes; beat until blended; Chill for 5 minutes.
  • 4. Fold whipped cream into pudding mix.
  • 5. In a trifle bowl, layer ingredients as follows: 2 cups pudding (spread, covering bottom of bowl), cake cubes (covering pudding), sprinkle with 1 tablespoons orange juice, top with 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup raspberries and 1/3 cup sliced kiwis.
  • 6. Repeat once again and top with pudding.
  • 7. Garnish with extra fruit and/or chocolate curls or sprinkle with cocoa powder.

Tips:

  • Choose a sturdy trifle dish: Make sure your trifle dish is large enough to hold all of the layers and is made of a sturdy material, such as glass or ceramic.
  • Use a variety of textures: Include a mix of soft, crunchy, and creamy textures in your trifle to create a more interesting and enjoyable dessert.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to mix and match different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique trifle recipe.
  • Make it ahead of time: Trifles are a great make-ahead dessert, so you can enjoy them without having to stress about last-minute preparations.
  • Serve chilled: Trifles are best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate them for at least 4 hours before serving.

Conclusion:

With its endless possibilities for flavor combinations and textures, trifle is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a simple and elegant dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece, there's a trifle recipe out there to suit your needs. So next time you're looking for a delicious and impressive dessert, give trifle a try. You won't be disappointed!

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