Description
Mini Christmas Trifles are delightful individual desserts featuring layers of sponge cake or ladyfingers, rich custard, fresh mixed berries, and whipped cream, topped with festive decorations like fresh mint and edible glitter. Perfectly portioned for holiday gatherings, these no-bake trifles combine creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors in a visually appealing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layer
- 1 pound (450g) sponge cake or ladyfingers, cut into small pieces
Dairy
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) custard, prepared from instant custard mix or homemade
- 1 cup (240ml) sweetened whipped cream for topping
Fruit and Flavorings
- 1 cup (150g) mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) raspberry or strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) brandy or orange juice (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional, for a festive touch)
Instructions
- Prepare Serving Glasses: Select mini glasses or jars suitable for layering the trifles and set them aside for assembly.
- Prepare Cake Pieces: Slice sponge cake into small cubes or break ladyfingers into pieces small enough to fit into your serving glasses.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; this whipped cream will be used both as a layer and as a topping.
- Flavor the Custard: If desired, stir the brandy or orange juice into the prepared custard to enhance flavor, adjusting quantity to taste.
- First Layer – Cake: Begin layering by placing sponge cake or ladyfinger pieces evenly at the bottom of each glass, gently pressing down to compact.
- Second Layer – Custard: Spoon a smooth, even layer of custard over the cake pieces in each glass.
- Third Layer – Berries: Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the custard; arrange as desired for visual appeal.
- Jam Drizzle: Drizzle raspberry or strawberry jam over the berry layer to add extra sweetness and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering cake, custard, berries, and jam in each glass until nearing the top, ensuring an even distribution of layers.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Finish each trifle with a generous layer of sweetened whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Decorate the topping with a few whole berries, fresh mint leaves, and optionally sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute brandy with orange juice or omit altogether.
- Use fresh berries for best flavor and texture, but frozen berries can be used if well thawed and drained.
- Prepare custard fresh or use high-quality instant custard mix for convenience.
- The trifles can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor integration.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of jam or sweetened whipped cream used.
