Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

This festive dessert features layers of cubed sponge cake, macerated mixed berries, velvety vanilla custard, and softly whipped cream. Finished with optional toasted almonds and grated chocolate, it comes together in minutes with no baking required. Perfect for individual servings at holiday gatherings, it offers a refreshing blend of textures and flavors with a hint of citrus from the orange juice. Chill for best taste and enjoy a creamy, fruity treat that’s easy to assemble and visually appealing.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Vibrant Christmas Trifle Cups, layered with fruits, custard, cream, and adorned with chocolate shavings. Save
Vibrant Christmas Trifle Cups, layered with fruits, custard, cream, and adorned with chocolate shavings. | cookinget.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 simple trifle has become a holiday favorite, bringing smiles and compliments from family and friends alike.

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.
Individual Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing luscious layers of sponge cake, berries, and whipped cream, ready to serve. Save
Individual Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing luscious layers of sponge cake, berries, and whipped cream, ready to serve. | cookinget.com

Preparing this trifle together has created wonderful memories around our family table every holiday season.

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

Festive close-up of Christmas Trifle Cups: A delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for the holidays. Save
Festive close-up of Christmas Trifle Cups: A delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for the holidays. | cookinget.com

This Christmas trifle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an effortless way to impress at any holiday gathering.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen berries?

Both fresh and thawed frozen berries work well. Thaw frozen berries and drain excess liquid if needed before use.

Is it necessary to chill before serving?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the layers to meld, enhancing flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the cake used in the layers?

Store-bought pound cake, sponge cake, or even ladyfingers can be used to create the base layer.

How do I make the whipped cream fluffy?

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form for light, fluffy texture.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?

Dairy-free custard and whipped toppings can replace traditional ingredients for lactose-free variations.

Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Festive layered dessert combining sponge cake, creamy custard, fresh berries, and whipped cream.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine British

Output 6 Portion Count

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Sponge Layer

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

Fruit Layer

01 9 oz mixed berries (fresh or thawed)
02 2 tbsp orange juice

Custard Layer

01 13.5 fl oz ready-made vanilla custard

Whipped Cream

01 8.5 fl oz heavy cream
02 2 tbsp powdered sugar
03 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

01 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds (optional)
02 2 tbsp grated dark chocolate (optional)
03 Whole berries or mint leaves for decoration

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Add Fruit Layer: Spoon berries along with their juices over the cake layer.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Repeat Layers: Repeat layers if glasses are tall, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts if almonds are used
  • Check product labels for gluten, dairy, and nut content in store-bought items

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 340
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 5 g