Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Featured in: Desserts for a Crowd

Discover a delightful festive dessert featuring layers of tender sponge cake, juicy mixed berries macerated in orange juice, creamy vanilla custard, and airy whipped cream. Garnished with toasted almonds, grated chocolate, and fresh berries or mint, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in individual servings. Quick to assemble and perfect for holiday celebrations, these cups can be customized with seasonal fruits and dairy alternatives for diverse tastes and dietary needs.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:41:00 GMT
Christmas Trifle Cups layered with whipped cream, berries, and custard, a festive holiday dessert. Save It
Christmas Trifle Cups layered with whipped cream, berries, and custard, a festive holiday dessert. | zetluna.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.

I love making these trifle cups during the holidays because they bring a light but indulgent finish to any festive meal that guests really enjoy.

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, showing cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream, ready to chill and serve. Save It
Individual Christmas Trifle Cups, showing cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream, ready to chill and serve. | zetluna.com

This recipe quickly became a family favorite as we enjoy making and sharing these delightful cups every holiday.

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.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 340 total fat 16 g carbohydrates 45 g protein 5 g per serving

Close-up of a Christmas Trifle Cup, each layer beautifully arranged for a no-bake, easy dessert. Save It
Close-up of a Christmas Trifle Cup, each layer beautifully arranged for a no-bake, easy dessert. | zetluna.com

Serve chilled and garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation and best taste.

Common Questions About Recipes

Can I use fresh or frozen berries for the fruit layer?

Yes, both fresh and thawed frozen berries work well to provide vibrant flavor and color.

How long should the dessert be chilled before serving?

Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Is it possible to substitute the sponge cake with another type of cake?

You can use store-bought pound cake or any light sponge cake cubed into portions.

What are some garnish options to enhance presentation?

Toasted almonds, grated dark chocolate, whole berries, and fresh mint leaves add both flavor and visual appeal.

Can I make this dessert suitable for lactose-free diets?

Yes, using dairy-free custard and whipped toppings can accommodate lactose intolerance.

How is the whipped cream prepared for this dessert?

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

Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

A festive layered dessert with sponge, custard, berries, and whipped cream, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Prep Time
20 mins
0
Overall Time
20 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Desserts for a Crowd

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type British

Recipe Output 6 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients 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 from frozen)
02 2 tablespoons orange juice

Custard Layer

01 14 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Whip 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 bottom of each serving glass.

Step 04

Add Fruit: Spoon a layer of macerated berries and their juices over the cake cubes.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Repeat Layers: Repeat layers if cups are tall, finishing with whipped cream on top.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts if almonds are included.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 340
  • Fats: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams