Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Featured in: Sweet Comfort Bakes

This festive layered dish combines moist sponge cubes with juicy macerated berries and smooth vanilla custard. Topped with whipped cream and optional garnishes like toasted almonds and chocolate, it offers a balanced blend of textures and flavors. Perfectly portioned in individual glasses, it makes a delightful centerpiece for holiday celebrations. Quick to assemble, chilling enhances the melding of vibrant fruit juices with creamy custard layers for a refreshing treat.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:06:00 GMT
A close-up of creamy Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing colorful layers and festive garnishes. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of creamy Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups showcasing colorful layers and festive garnishes. | lovelyserena.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 love preparing these trifle cups because they bring variety and color to our holiday table while being simple to assemble.

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.
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| lovelyserena.com

This recipe always brings smiles when served at family gatherings especially during festive seasons.

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

Individual Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups, chilled and ready to serve, layered with berries and whipped cream. Save to Pinterest
Individual Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups, chilled and ready to serve, layered with berries and whipped cream. | lovelyserena.com

These trifle cups are a delightful and simple treat to brighten any holiday table.

Ask About This Recipe

What type of cake works best for the sponge layer?

Store-bought pound cake or sponge cake cubed into pieces provides a light, absorbent base that holds the layers well.

Can I substitute the mixed berries with other fruits?

Yes, sliced kiwi, mandarin segments, or pomegranate seeds work well for variety and add different flavor profiles.

How do you achieve the creamy layer in this dessert?

Vanilla custard creates a smooth, rich layer that complements the fruit and sponge perfectly.

What is the purpose of macerating the berries with orange juice?

Macerating softens the berries and releases their natural juices, enhancing flavor and moisture in the layers.

Are there any garnishes that enhance the presentation and taste?

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

Can this dessert be prepared in advance?

Yes, assembling and chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and improves texture before serving.

Simplified Christmas Trifle Cups

Festive layered dessert combining sponge, custard, berries, and whipped cream for holiday servings.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine British

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat

What You Need

Sponge Layer

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

Fruit Layer

01 9 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: Combine mixed berries and orange juice in a bowl and let them macerate for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Whipped Cream: Whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 03

Assemble Base Layer: Distribute cubed cake evenly at the bottom of each serving glass.

Step 04

Add Fruit Layer: Spoon the macerated berries along with their juices over the cake cubes.

Step 05

Add Custard Layer: Gently spread a generous portion of vanilla custard over the fruit layer.

Step 06

Layer and Finish: Repeat layering if your glasses are tall, ending with a final layer of whipped cream.

Step 07

Garnish and Chill: Top each serving with flaked almonds, grated dark chocolate, and a few whole berries or mint leaves. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts if almonds are used

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 5 g