Bring a burst of holiday cheer to your dessert table with this delightful Christmas Trifle Dessert! Layers of red velvet and green-tinted white cake meet a dreamy, creamy filling to create a show-stopping sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, potlucks, or any festive occasion, this trifle is the ultimate way to spread joy one spoonful at a time.
Ingredients
Cakes:
- 1 box white cake mix (prepared per box directions)
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (prepared per box directions)
- Green food coloring (about 10 drops)
Creamy Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 8-ounce tub whipped topping
Instructions
Prepare the Cakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×13-inch baking pans.
- Prepare each cake mix according to its box directions in separate bowls.
- For the green layer, add about 10 drops of green food coloring to the white cake batter and mix until evenly colored.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and bake for 23–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before proceeding.
Prepare the Creamy Filling:
-
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Trifle:
- Crumble both cakes into large chunks, setting aside about ¼ cup of each color for topping.
- In a trifle bowl (or any large, clear bowl), layer cake crumbles alternately with the creamy filling to create a festive pattern.
- Finish with a sprinkle of reserved cake crumbs on top for a colorful garnish.
Serve:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold and enjoy your festive holiday trifle!
Variation
- Add Fruit Layers: For a burst of freshness, try layering sliced strawberries or raspberries between the cake and cream layers. The bright red fruit complements the trifle’s festive colors and adds a juicy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract to the creamy filling for a refreshing holiday twist. A sprinkle of peppermint on top adds a sparkling touch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or fudge sauce between layers for a richer flavor. This creates a decadent “chocolate trifle” variation while still keeping the red and green theme.
- Cup Version: Make individual trifles in clear cups or mason jars perfect for parties and easy serving! Each guest gets their own little festive dessert jar.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your cakes are completely cool before crumbling; warm cake can make the layers soggy.
- Use an electric mixer for the filling to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- This trifle can be made up to a day ahead just cover tightly and refrigerate until serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Festive Presentation: Serve in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off the colorful red, green, and white layers. The visual appeal is half the magic!
- Holiday Buffet Star: Pair it with other holiday desserts like sugar cookies or fudge for a full Christmas dessert spread.
- Add a Crunch: Top with crushed pecans, mini marshmallows, or white chocolate curls for extra texture and visual flair.
Tips
- Color Intensity: Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade start small, as the color deepens while baking.
- Make It Lighter: Use light cream cheese, fat-free condensed milk, and sugar-free whipped topping for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
- Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it chills, making it even better the next day!
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes + chilling time
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. - Can I use homemade cakes instead of boxed mixes?
Absolutely! Any white or red velvet cake recipe will work perfectly. Just make sure to cool them completely before assembling. - Can I freeze leftover trifle?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. - Can I use a different type of filling?
Of course! You can substitute vanilla pudding, mascarpone cream, or even a light custard for a different twist on the classic flavor.
Conclusion
This Christmas Trifle Dessert is the ultimate festive centerpiece colorful, creamy, and irresistibly sweet. With layers of red velvet, green cake, and luscious cream filling, every spoonful tastes like holiday cheer. Whether you’re making it for family gatherings, Christmas dinner, or a cozy winter night in, this dessert is sure to spread joy and sparkle on every table.
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Christmas Trifle Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring a burst of holiday cheer to your dessert table with this delightful Christmas Trifle Dessert! Layers of red velvet and green-tinted white cake meet a dreamy, creamy filling to create a show-stopping sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, potlucks, or any festive occasion, this trifle is the ultimate way to spread joy one spoonful at a time.
Ingredients
Cakes:
- 1 box white cake mix (prepared per box directions)
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (prepared per box directions)
- Green food coloring (about 10 drops)
Creamy Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 8-ounce tub whipped topping
Instructions
Prepare the Cakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×13-inch baking pans.
- Prepare each cake mix according to its box directions in separate bowls.
- For the green layer, add about 10 drops of green food coloring to the white cake batter and mix until evenly colored.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and bake for 23–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before proceeding.
Prepare the Creamy Filling:
-
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Trifle:
- Crumble both cakes into large chunks, setting aside about ¼ cup of each color for topping.
- In a trifle bowl (or any large, clear bowl), layer cake crumbles alternately with the creamy filling to create a festive pattern.
- Finish with a sprinkle of reserved cake crumbs on top for a colorful garnish.
Notes
- Make sure your cakes are completely cool before crumbling; warm cake can make the layers soggy.
- Use an electric mixer for the filling to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- This trifle can be made up to a day ahead just cover tightly and refrigerate until serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered / No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Christmas trifle, holiday dessert, red and green dessert, trifle recipe, festive layered trifle, easy Christmas dessert