Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Featured in: Sweet Treats

These Christmas trifle cups combine cubed sponge cake, mixed berries macerated in orange juice, smooth vanilla custard, and fluffy whipped cream. Alternating layers create a colorful, festive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Toasted almonds and grated chocolate add crunch and depth, while fresh berries or mint garnish enhance the presentation. Chilling before serving allows flavors to meld, ensuring a delightful balance of textures and sweetness. Variations include tropical fruits or a splash of liqueur for adult versions.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:01:00 GMT
Image of layered Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing fresh berries and whipped cream peaks. Save
Image of layered Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing fresh berries and whipped cream peaks. | ovenharmony.com

A festive, easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of sponge cake, creamy custard, fruit, and whipped cream, perfect for individual servings at holiday gatherings.

This recipe has become a holiday favorite in our family, bringing smiles with every bite of its creamy, fruity goodness.

Ingredients

  • Sponge Layer: 300 g store-bought pound cake or sponge cake, cubed
  • Fruit Layer: 250 g mixed berries (fresh or thawed from frozen), 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • Custard Layer: 400 ml ready-made vanilla custard
  • Whipped Cream: 250 ml heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Garnish: 2 tablespoons toasted flaked almonds (optional), 2 tablespoons grated dark chocolate (optional), a few whole berries or mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1:
In a bowl, toss the mixed berries with orange juice and set aside for 5 minutes to macerate.
Step 2:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 3:
To assemble, place a layer of cake cubes at the bottom of each serving glass.
Step 4:
Spoon a layer of berries (with their juices) over the cake.
Step 5:
Add a generous layer of vanilla custard on top of the berries.
Step 6:
Repeat layers if your cups are tall, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
Step 7:
Garnish each cup with flaked almonds, grated chocolate, and a few whole berries or mint leaves.
Step 8:
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
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Our family eagerly gathers around to enjoy these delightful trifle cups every Christmas, creating cherished memories.

Required Tools

6 small serving glasses or cups, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, spoon

Allergen Information

Contains Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Nuts if using almonds. Check labels for gluten, dairy, and nut content if using store-bought cake or custard.

Nutritional Information

Calories 340, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 45 g, Protein 5 g per serving

Individual glass filled with refreshing Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups, perfect for a holiday dessert. Save
Individual glass filled with refreshing Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups, perfect for a holiday dessert. | ovenharmony.com

This Christmas trifle cup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and enjoy.

Recipe FAQ

Can I prepare these trifle cups ahead of time?

Yes, assembling the layers and chilling for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and enhances texture.

What type of cake works best for the layers?

Store-bought pound cake or sponge cake cubed works well, providing a soft yet sturdy base.

How do I macerate the berries properly?

Toss mixed berries with orange juice and let stand for about 5 minutes to release natural juices and soften the fruit.

Can I substitute the custard for a dairy-free option?

Yes, dairy-free vanilla custard alternatives can be used to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing creaminess.

What garnishes enhance the flavor and look?

Toasted flaked almonds, grated dark chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves add texture, richness, and visual appeal.

Is it necessary to whisk the cream to soft peaks?

Whipping the cream to soft peaks ensures lightness and volume, important for the final layer's texture.

Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Festive layers of cake, custard, berries, and cream in individual holiday servings.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Sweet Treats

Complexity Easy

Heritage British

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Sponge Layer

01 10.5 oz store-bought pound cake or sponge cake, cubed

Fruit Layer

01 8.8 oz mixed berries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
02 2 tablespoons orange juice

Custard Layer

01 13.5 fl oz ready-made vanilla custard

Whipped Cream

01 8.5 fl oz heavy cream
02 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons toasted flaked almonds (optional)
02 2 tablespoons grated dark chocolate (optional)
03 A few whole berries or mint leaves

Directions

Phase 01

Macerate Berries: Toss the mixed berries with orange juice in a bowl and let them macerate for 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Whip Cream: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Phase 03

Layer Cake: Place a layer of cubed pound cake at the bottom of each serving glass.

Phase 04

Add Fruit: Spoon a layer of berries with their juices over the cake layer.

Phase 05

Add Custard: Add a generous layer of vanilla custard on top of the berries.

Phase 06

Repeat Layers: If cups are tall, repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream.

Phase 07

Garnish: Top each cup with toasted flaked almonds, grated dark chocolate, and a few whole berries or mint leaves.

Phase 08

Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Necessary tools

  • 6 small serving glasses or cups
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spoon

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts (if almonds are used).
  • Check labels for gluten, dairy, and nut content when using store-bought cake or custard.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 5 g