If you love a holiday dessert that looks gorgeous and takes almost no effort to assemble, a Christmas trifle is basically a gift in a bowl!
Layers of cake, creamy fillings, bright berries, and a little sparkle on top—each spoonful feels like its own tiny celebration.
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Some of these recipes are light and fruity, some are rich and cozy, and a few might remind you of those classic holiday treats you grew up with.
They’re easy to make ahead, simple to transport, and they always get that little “ooooh” from guests when they appear on the table.
Here are 18 Christmas trifles that bring color, comfort, and just the right amount of holiday magic to any gathering.
What Is a Trifle?
A trifle is a layered dessert usually made with cake, pudding or custard, fruit, and whipped cream.
Everything gets stacked in a clear bowl so you can see all the colorful layers, which is half the fun.
It looks fancy but it’s actually one of the easiest holiday desserts to make — and you can mix and match the layers to fit any flavor or theme.
18 Best Christmas Trifles To Make
1. Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
This trifle is pure nostalgia — soft cake, whipped cream, and those iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree cakes standing proud on top. It’s a sweet throwback the whole family will smile at.
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2. Chocolate Peppermint Trifle
This chocolate-peppermint trifle tastes like the dessert version of a snowy December night. The crushed candy canes add the perfect crunch and a pop of holiday cheer.
3. Orange Almond Trifle
Bright citrus and silky custard create a fresh, sunshiney twist on a holiday trifle. The caramelized almond topping adds a pretty crunch that makes each spoonful feel special.
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4. Vegan Christmas Trifle
These tiny strawberry Santas steal the show — they’re almost too cute to eat. Packed with berries, cream, and soft cake cubes, this trifle tastes as fun as it looks.
5. Layered Christmas Trifle with Cookie Toppers
With its bold red-and-green layers and those adorable little cookies on top, this trifle feels like a whole holiday party in a bowl. It’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
6. Easy Christmas Trifle with REESE’s Trees
Those mini Reese’s Christmas trees on top steal the show. With layers of chocolate, whipped cream, and peanut butter goodness, this one disappears before you can blink.
7. Red Velvet Cheesecake Kisses Trifle
Red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake pudding, and festive chocolate kisses make this trifle feel extra indulgent. Every slice of cake peeking through adds such a pretty pop of holiday color.
8. Gingerbread House Trifle
This trifle looks like a mini Christmas village tucked into a bowl — complete with sparklers and a tiny cookie house. Every layer is soft, caramel-y, and full of gingerbread flavor.
9. Healthy Gingerbread & Pomegranate Mini Trifles
Crunchy gingerbread, creamy custard, and bursts of fresh pomegranate make these mini trifles feel extra special. They’re the kind of dessert that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
10. Death By Chocolate Trifle
If you have a chocolate lover at home, this one is a dream come true. Every layer is rich, velvety, and topped with chocolate curls that make it look party-ready.
11. Christmas Trifle with Chocolate Brownies, Dragon Fruit Jelly and Pandan Pudding
This cheerful little trifle brings all the holiday color in one cup — minty cream, bright red jelly, and a swirl of sprinkles that feels like a Christmas party on top. Kids love the surprise of every layer.
12. Easy Lemon Blueberry Trifle
Bright lemon cream and juicy blueberries make this trifle taste like a winter sunshine moment. It’s cool, refreshing, and a lovely break from heavier holiday desserts.
13. Grinch Christmas Trifle
Bright, silly, and totally kid-approved, this Grinch trifle brings cartoon-level color to the table. The neon pudding layer gets the biggest smiles every time.
14. Easy Christmas Trifle
Cool mint and rich chocolate make a perfect holiday combo here. The little star cookie on top adds the sweetest finishing touch.
15. Easy Vegan Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle
Gingerbread cubes and spiced pumpkin layers come together in a cozy, spoonable treat. The caramel drip on top is a small detail that makes a big impression.
16. Red White and Blue Trifle
A mountain of fresh blueberries tops this bold, beautiful trifle. The mix of bright fruit and rich red velvet is unexpected in the best way.
17. Classic English Vegan Trifle
Sweet berries, creamy custard, and clouds of whipped cream make this trifle feel extra fresh and festive. The toasted almonds give it just the right little crunch.
18. Oreo Dirt Cake Trifle
Layers of cookies and cream pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crushed Oreos make this a chocolate-lover’s dream. The gummy worms on top add a goofy touch kids can’t resist.
I hope these Christmas trifles bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday dessert table.
They’re fun to assemble, easy to customize, and such a sweet way to make memories with your family — especially if you’ve got little helpers nearby.
Pick your favorite layers, add a few sprinkles, and enjoy a dessert that feels just as joyful as the season itself.
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