Mini Christmas Trifles with Berries, Cranberry, and Pistachios Recipe

Introduction

Mini Christmas trifles are a festive and delightful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. These individual treats combine layers of cake, creamy custard, fresh berries, and whipped cream for a colorful and delicious presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla or pound cake (pre-baked or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla custard or pudding
• 1 cup whipped cream (plus extra for topping)
• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional for festive flavor)
• 1/4 cup pistachios (chopped, for garnish)
• Red and green sprinkles
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the vanilla or pound cake into small cubes, about 1-inch in size. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In mini trifle glasses or small cups, start by placing a layer of cake cubes at the bottom.
3. Step 3: Spoon a layer of vanilla custard or pudding on top of the cake cubes.
4. Step 4: Add a layer of mixed berries. For extra festive flavor, include a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the berries if desired.
5. Step 5: Add a layer of whipped cream over the berries.
6. Step 6: Repeat the layering process with cake, custard, berries, and whipped cream until the glasses are filled to the top.
7. Step 7: Finish each trifle with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped pistachios, red and green sprinkles, and fresh mint leaves for a festive look.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate the trifles for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free cake or custard to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Try substituting the mixed berries with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or cherries for a different festive touch.
• For a boozy version, drizzle a little brandy or liqueur over the cake layers before assembling.
• If you prefer, prepare the trifles a few hours ahead to deepen the flavors, but add garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.

Storage

Store the mini trifles covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed within this time for optimal freshness. When ready to serve, you can add a fresh dollop of whipped cream and garnish if needed. No reheating is necessary; serve chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make mini Christmas trifles ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the trifles a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated and add fresh whipped cream and garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.

What cake works best for trifles?

Vanilla or pound cake works well because of its firm texture and mild flavor, which balances nicely with the creamy custard and berries. You can use store-bought or homemade cake depending on your preference.

Mini Christmas Trifles with Berries, Cranberry, and Pistachios Recipe

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4.9 from 75 reviews

These Mini Christmas Trifles are festive, delicious, and easy-to-make desserts perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of vanilla or pound cake, creamy custard or pudding, mixed berries, whipped cream, and optional cranberry sauce come together in individual glasses, topped with crunchy pistachios, colorful sprinkles, and fresh mint for a beautiful Christmas treat.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 mini trifles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cake Layer

• 1 box vanilla or pound cake (pre-baked or store-bought), cut into 1-inch cubes

Custard Layer

• 1 1/2 cups vanilla custard or pudding

Whipped Cream

• 1 cup whipped cream (plus extra for topping)

Fruit Layer

• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional for festive flavor)

Garnish

• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
• Red and green sprinkles
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake layer: Cut the vanilla or pound cake into small 1-inch cubes and set aside for layering.
2. Layer the trifles: In mini trifle glasses or small cups, place a layer of cake cubes at the bottom.
3. Add custard: Spoon a layer of vanilla custard or pudding over the cake cubes.
4. Add fruit layer: Add a layer of mixed berries. Optionally, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
5. Add whipped cream: Spread a layer of whipped cream over the berries.
6. Repeat layering: Repeat the layers—cake, custard, berries, and whipped cream—until the glasses are filled.
7. Decorate the trifles: Top each individual trifle with a dollop of whipped cream.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, red and green sprinkles, and fresh mint leaves on top for a Christmas-themed look.
9. Chill: Refrigerate the trifles for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Use pre-baked or store-bought cake for convenience.
• Cranberry sauce is optional but adds a festive flavor twist.
• Prepare trifles in advance and chill to enhance flavor melding.
• Fresh mint leaves add a lovely aroma and festive green color.
• Adjust the amount of whipped cream according to your preference for creaminess.

Keywords: mini Christmas trifles, holiday dessert, layered trifle, vanilla custard dessert, no-bake trifle, festive dessert, berry trifle