Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Featured in: Sweet & Calm Treats

This festive treat combines layers of cubed sponge cake, juicy mixed berries tossed in orange juice, creamy vanilla custard, and softly whipped cream. Each cup is finished with crunchy almonds, grated chocolate, and fresh berries or mint for garnish. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, it’s perfect for easy individual servings during the holidays. Variations include different fruits or dairy-free options, making it adaptable to many preferences.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:16:00 GMT
Golden-hued Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing layered berries, whipped cream, and delicious custard for enjoyment. Save
Golden-hued Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing layered berries, whipped cream, and delicious custard for enjoyment. | moonthyme.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 recipe is a holiday favorite that I enjoy making with family because it brings colorful layers and festive flavors to the table.

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

Macerate Berries:
In a bowl, toss the mixed berries with orange juice and set aside for 5 minutes to macerate.
Whip Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Assemble Layers:
Place a layer of cake cubes at the bottom of each serving glass.
Add Berries:
Spoon a layer of berries (with their juices) over the cake.
Add Custard:
Add a generous layer of vanilla custard on top of the berries.
Repeat Layers:
Repeat layers if your cups are tall, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
Garnish Cups:
Garnish each cup with flaked almonds, grated chocolate, and a few whole berries or mint leaves.
Chill:
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
Delightful individual Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups, perfectly layered with textures and vibrant fruit toppings ready to serve. Save
Delightful individual Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups, perfectly layered with textures and vibrant fruit toppings ready to serve. | moonthyme.com

This is a dessert that always brings smiles at family holiday celebrations and is fun to assemble together.

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 per serving, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 5 g

Festive and easy, these Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcase a dessert that's creamy, fruity, and perfect for the holidays. Save
Festive and easy, these Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcase a dessert that's creamy, fruity, and perfect for the holidays. | moonthyme.com

This dessert can be prepared ahead of time and is sure to impress with its festive layers and flavors.

Recipe FAQ

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

Yes, both fresh and thawed frozen mixed berries work well to provide a juicy, flavorful layer.

How long should the dessert chill before serving?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and textures to set for a better tasting experience.

Are there alternatives to vanilla custard for this dessert?

Dairy-free custard or custard substitutes can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising creaminess.

What garnishes complement this layered dessert?

Toasted flaked almonds, grated dark chocolate, and whole berries or fresh mint add both texture and visual appeal.

Can I prepare this dessert without baking?

Yes, using store-bought sponge or pound cake avoids baking and speeds up assembly.

Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Festive layered dessert with sponge, custard, fresh fruit, and whipped cream for holiday gatherings.

Prep Time
20 min
0
Total Duration
20 min
Created by Lydia Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine British

Portions 6 Serving Size

Diet Info Vegetarian Friendly

What You'll Need

Sponge Layer

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

Fruit Layer

01 8.8 oz mixed berries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
02 2 tablespoons orange juice

Custard Layer

01 13.5 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

How to Make It

Step 01

Macerate Berries: In a bowl, toss mixed berries with orange juice and let sit for 5 minutes to macerate.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Add Fruit Layer: Spoon the macerated berries, including juices, over the cake layer.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Repeat Layers: If using tall cups, repeat the layering process, finishing with whipped cream on top.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a medical professional when unsure.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat, nuts (if almonds are used)
  • Check labels for gluten, dairy, and nut content in store-bought cake or custard

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These details are for reference only, and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 5 g