Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Featured in: Sweet & Simple

This festive dessert features layers of cubed sponge cake, mixed berries macerated in orange juice, smooth vanilla custard, and softly whipped cream. Garnished with flaked almonds, grated chocolate, and fresh berries or mint, it offers balanced textures and bright flavors. Preparing each serving in individual cups adds charm and convenience for holiday get-togethers. With simple layering and optional dairy-free or nut variations, it’s a versatile, celebratory treat ready in just 20 minutes.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:08:00 GMT
A single Simplified Christmas Trifle Cup, layered with red berries, custard, and whipped cream. Save
A single Simplified Christmas Trifle Cup, layered with red berries, custard, and whipped cream. | munchhug.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 enjoy making this dessert during Christmas because it brings a fresh and creamy contrast to the usual heavy holiday fare.

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.
Luscious Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing juicy berries nestled in creamy custard and cake. Save
Luscious Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing juicy berries nestled in creamy custard and cake. | munchhug.com

This recipe always brings smiles to our family gatherings during the holidays.

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

Holiday-ready Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups with vibrant fruit, chilled custard, and fluffy whipped cream. Save
Holiday-ready Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups with vibrant fruit, chilled custard, and fluffy whipped cream. | munchhug.com

This dessert adds a festive twist to any holiday table and is always a crowd pleaser.

Recipe Guide

Can I use fresh or frozen berries?

Yes, both fresh and thawed frozen berries work well for layering and maceration with orange juice.

How long should the dessert chill before serving?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps flavors meld and textures set for the best taste experience.

What are some garnish options?

Toasted flaked almonds, grated dark chocolate, whole berries, or fresh mint leaves add appealing textures and flavors.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, assembling in advance and chilling allows flavors to blend nicely, perfect for holiday plans.

Are there alternative fruit choices?

Sliced kiwi, mandarin segments, or pomegranate seeds make delightful substitutions for mixed berries.

Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Festive layered cups with sponge cake, custard, berries, and whipped cream, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage British

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free

Components

Sponge Layer

01 10.6 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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Layer Sponge Cake: Place a layer of cake cubes at the bottom of each serving glass.

Phase 04

Add Fruit Layer: Spoon a layer of berries, including their juices, over the cake cubes.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Repeat Layers and Top: If serving glasses are tall, repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts (if using almonds).
  • Check packaging for gluten, dairy, and nut content when using store-bought items.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 5 g