Vegan Christmas Trifle

This Vegan Christmas Trifle is a holiday masterpiece that brings joy to any gathering. Picture festive layers of fluffy cake, tangy strawberries, creamy custard, and light whipped cream that not only looks stunning but also tastes divine. It’s a perfect treat whether you’re hosting friends, family, or just treating yourself during this cheerful season. The best part? You can whip it up ahead of time, letting you relax and enjoy the holiday spirit without a rush. Imagine sinking your spoon into a luscious layer of cake and custard, each bite bursting with sweetness.

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Trust me, this trifle is sure to impress everyone at the table—vegan or not! As we dive into the details of creating this festive dessert, keep in mind that cooking is all about sharing moments and creating memories. So find your favorite bowl, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this Vegan Christmas Trifle a highlight of your holiday celebrations!

Why This Recipe Works

This Vegan Christmas Trifle is not only visually stunning but also a symphony of flavors and textures. The combination of layers—fluffy vanilla cake, sweet macerated strawberries, creamy egg-free custard, and light dairy-free whipped cream—creates a celebration of taste that feels indulgent without any animal products. Each component adds its charm: the cake keeps things light and airy, while the custard brings a smooth richness that harmonizes perfectly. The sweet strawberries add tartness that balances the dish, making it a true delight.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Christmas Trifle

This trifle embodies the spirit of the holidays with its festive colors and delightful presentation. It’s perfect for gatherings, ensuring that everyone—vegan or not—has a delectable dessert to enjoy. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making your holiday preparations less stressful! Quick to assemble yet impressive in look, it’s a treat that captures the joy of the season, inviting laughter and conversation around the table.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups (375g) dairy-free milk
• ½ cup (125g) neutral flavored oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups (24 oz or 750g) dairy-free milk (for custard)
• ¾ cup (90g) cornstarch
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar (for custard)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for custard)
• Pinch of turmeric (for custard)
• 1 heaped cup (400g) raspberry jam, strawberry jam, or lingonberry jam
• ¼ – ½ cup (60-120g) fruity carbonated drink of choice
• 4-6 cups (28 oz or 800g) quartered strawberries
• 3 cups (24 oz or 720g) dairy-free whipping cream
• 10 fresh strawberries (for decoration)
• Mini vegan chocolate chips or black decorating gel

Preparing the Cake

Let’s start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grab a 26×38 cm (10×15 inch) sheet pan or two round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients—dairy-free milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth; you want it to be well blended but don’t overdo it.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool and place it in the fridge; this will make it easier to handle later.

Making the Vanilla Custard

Next up is the vanilla custard. In a large saucepan, whisk together all custard ingredients. Don’t forget the pinch of turmeric for a lovely color!

Place the pan over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking occasionally. You’ll want this to happen for about 5 minutes.

Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Let the custard thicken for 10-15 minutes. It should coat the back of a spatula nicely.

After that, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.

Preparing Macerated Strawberries

Now, let’s prepare the macerated strawberries! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the jam and ¼ cup of your fruity carbonated drink.

Once mixed, add the quartered strawberries and toss them until well coated. If it seems a bit thick, adjust with more sparkling drink to get the desired consistency.

Creating Strawberry Santas

Get ready for some fun with Strawberry Santas! First, whip the dairy-free cream until stiff peaks form. Then, chill it in the fridge.

Slice the top third off each fresh strawberry and set the tops aside for Santa hats.

Take the whipped cream and pipe or spoon it onto each strawberry base, placing the tip back on top. Add a little ball of cream on the hat and use mini chocolate chips for the eyes.

These adorable little Santas will make your trifle even cuter!

Assembling the Vegan Christmas Trifle

Now for the excitement of assembling your Vegan Christmas Trifle! Cut the cake into 2 cm (1-inch) cubes.

In a trifle dish, layer half of your cake cubes, followed by half of the macerated strawberries, then the custard, and a layer of whipped cream.

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients. Make sure to finish the trifle with the strawberry Santas arranged on top.

Chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. If there are any leftovers, they can last for about 3-5 days.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, this Vegan Christmas Trifle can shine bright as a centerpiece dessert at your holiday gatherings. Pair it with a warm spiced drink or a fruity cocktail to elevate the experience even more!

Tips for Success

• Make the cake and custard a day ahead for easier assembly.
• Always choose fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness in the custard according to your taste.

Variations

Want to switch things up? You can swap strawberries for seasonal fruits like cranberries or pomegranate seeds to match the holidays.

For an extra indulgent twist, add a layer of chocolate vegan mousse—it’ll add a delightful richness to your trifle.

Storage Tips

Keep your Vegan Christmas Trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, but for the freshest taste, enjoy it within the first two days after assembling to fully appreciate the flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I make this trifle gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.

2. How long can I prepare it in advance?
Both the cake and custard can be prepared about 1-2 days ahead of assembly, making it easy on your holiday schedule.

3. What can I use instead of strawberries?
Feel free to use other berries or fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, depending on what you like.

4. Is there a nut-free whipped cream option?
Definitely! Coconut cream works great if you need to avoid nuts.

5. Can I use store-bought vegan cake?
Absolutely! Store-bought vegan cake can save time without sacrificing flavor.

This Vegan Christmas Trifle is more than just dessert; it’s a joyful blend of flavors and a feast for the eyes. Bringing your holiday celebration together, this trifle is a heartwarming treat sure to delight guests of all ages. Layer up your ingredients, take a moment to appreciate the festive colors, and prepare to share smiles as everyone digs into this delicious creation. Enjoy the festive season with a dessert that brings everyone together, making your celebrations even sweeter!

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