Mini Christmas Trifles

Mini Christmas Trifles are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of elegance. Picture this: layers of creamy custard, colorful berries, and airy whipped cream, all nestled together in a small glass. Sounds tempting, right? The beauty of making these trifles is not just in their appearance but also in the delicious flavors that come together in every bite. As the holiday rush begins, this recipe makes it easy to bring joy to your table without overwhelming your schedule. You can prepare these little gems a day ahead, leaving you free to soak up the festive atmosphere with family and friends. Plus, you get to impress everyone with a visually stunning dessert that’s irresistibly delicious! Let’s jump into this simple yet rewarding recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Why This Recipe Works

Mini Christmas Trifles are a festive delight, combining the elegance of layers with the comforting flavors of the holiday season. Each element in this dessert comes together to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The careful layering ensures every spoonful has a little bit of everything—from the tartness of the berries to the richness of the custard. It’s not just about looks; it’s about capturing the joy of the season in a single serving. These trifles tick all the boxes for a holiday dessert: they are easy to prepare, customizable, and can be made ahead of time.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Christmas Trifles

These individual desserts are visually stunning and incredibly easy to prepare! This means less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with your loved ones. That’s a win-win situation, right? The layered effect looks beautiful and impressively festive, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. You can mix and match flavors to suit your tastes, too. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family dinner or serving them at a party, these Mini Christmas Trifles are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Let’s get into making these tasty treats!

Ingredients

• 1 packet (3 oz) jelly crystals (e.g., raspberry or your preferred flavor)
• ½ cup (125 ml) heavy cream
• 12 pieces tiramisu sponge fingers or 1 cup fresh sponge, cut into small squares
• ½ cup (120 ml) port sherry or muscat (substitute juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) store-bought or homemade custard
• 2 cups (400 g) mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• ¾ cup (200 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp custard powder
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Prepare the Jelly Base

To start, follow the package instructions on the jelly crystals. After preparing it, you’ll have about 2 cups of lovely jelly. Now, divide 1 ¼ cups of this jelly evenly among 6 small dessert dishes or glasses. This forms the first layer. After you pour it in, pop the glasses into the refrigerator to set. It’s essential to let the jelly set properly, as this creates a strong base for your trifles.

Create the Flummery Layer

While your jelly is setting, you can prepare the flummery. Chill the remaining jelly mixture until it’s nearly set, which should take about 1-2 hours. When it’s at the right consistency, blend it with ½ cup of heavy cream. Beat it on high for about 4 minutes until it’s smooth and airy. Once your jelly in the glasses is almost set, pour the flummery layer gently over the top. Return the glasses to the refrigerator to set fully.

Prepare the Sponge Layer

Now it’s time for the sponge layer! Take a shallow dish and crush the sponge fingers. Drizzle the chosen liquid—whether it’s port, sherry, or fruit juice—over the crushed sponge. Let the flavors soak in for a few minutes. This step adds a nice moisture element to the dessert. Once soaked, gently add the sponge into each glass on top of the flummery.

Add the Custard and Berries

Next up is the custard! Carefully pour a generous layer of custard over the soaked sponge in each glass. The creaminess adds a wonderful richness to the trifles. To add a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle a layer of mixed berries over the custard. Don’t forget to reserve 6 whole berries for garnishing later!

Whip the Cream

Now, grab a mixing bowl and whip the ¾ cup of heavy cream with 1 tsp of custard powder. Keep mixing until stiff peaks form; this will create a lovely, airy topping that balances all the other layers nicely.

Assemble the Final Layer

This is the fun part—assembling the final layer! Pipe the whipped cream generously on top of each trifle. Make it as fancy as you like! Finally, finish off by garnishing with a whole berry and a fresh mint leaf for that festive touch. These small details bring together the whole presentation.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve these Mini Christmas Trifles in individual glasses, allowing guests to have their own little dessert. They’re perfect for both relaxed gatherings and more formal dinners. For an extra celebratory feel, pair them with a glass of sparkling wine or a festive non-alcoholic punch. The color and charm of these trifles will surely elevate the table setting, making your holiday dinner even more memorable.

Tips for Success

• Be sure to allow the jelly to set properly; this ensures clean layers in your trifles.
• High-quality, fresh berries are essential for the best flavor and visual appeal.
• Feel free to experiment—try different jelly flavors to customize your trifles and make them uniquely yours.

Variations

Let your creativity shine! You can use lemon curd instead of custard for a refreshing twist. Another fun idea is swapping out gingerbread cookies in place of sponge fingers to give your trifles that traditional holiday flavor.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers—if that’s even possible—keep your Mini Christmas Trifles covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the sponge may soften a bit over time. For the best texture, it’s ideal to assemble them just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make the trifle a day in advance?
Absolutely! These trifles are perfect for preparing a day ahead, which helps save time for your event.

2. What can I substitute if I don’t have port or sherry?
Don’t worry! You can use fruit juice like apple or grape juice instead for a non-alcoholic option.

3. Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen berries work well too. Just make sure to thaw them before using to minimize extra moisture.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free sponge fingers or a gluten-free cake mix.

5. Is it okay to skip the custard layer?
Definitely! You can layer extra whipped cream or yogurt instead, keeping the other elements intact.

Mini Christmas Trifles truly capture the essence of the holiday season. With cheerful colors, delightful textures, and a mix of flavors, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or serving friends, they will surely evoke smiles and happy memories. So go ahead, celebrate the joy of the season with each delicious spoonful!

Print