Festive Christmas Berry Trifle
This colorful, layered dessert features juicy seasonal berries, soft ladyfingers soaked in vanilla custard, and a light topping of whipped cream or mascarpone. With no-bake assembly and simple ingredients, it offers a creamy, tangy, and festive treat that’s visually appealing and easy to prepare. The final result is a lush, layered trifle with vibrant colors and a rich, smooth texture.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Trifle bowl or large glass jar
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed berries fresh or thawed frozen berries, drained
- 1 package ladyfingers or sponge cake roughly crushed
- 2 cups vanilla custard homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup whipped cream or mascarpone softly whipped
- 0.5 cup candied ginger or fresh mint for decoration
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional, for fruit compote
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest brightens the fruit layer
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and tools, including a large mixing bowl, saucepan, spatula, trifle bowl, and whisk.
- Place your berries in a saucepan, sprinkle with cinnamon and lemon zest, then simmer over medium heat until the berries release their juices and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Let the mixture cool completely.
- Crush the ladyfingers or sponge cake into small pieces, about the size of a walnut, to help them soak up the custard and layer easily.
- Pour the vanilla custard into a large bowl and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Start assembling your trifle by placing a layer of crushed ladyfingers at the bottom of your glass bowl, pressing lightly to settle.
- Spoon a generous layer of custard over the ladyfingers, smoothing with a spatula for an even surface.
- Spread a layer of cooled berry compote over the custard, distributing the mixture evenly for vibrant color and flavor.
- Repeat the layers—ladyfingers, custard, and berries—until the bowl is nearly full, finishing with a layer of berries on top.
- Top the assembled trifle with softly whipped cream or mascarpone, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Decorate with small pieces of candied ginger or sprigs of fresh mint for a festive touch and extra flavor.
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set. Serve chilled and enjoy a delightful, colorful holiday dessert.