Heads up! We may use affiliate links in this post. You'll never pay more, but we might earn a small commission if you buy - thanks for supporting us! See our full disclosure here.
If there’s one dessert that never fails to steal the spotlight at a holiday gathering, it’s a GOOD trifle.
Something about those layers—cake, custard, fruit, cream—stacked in a glass dish feels festive in the most effortless way.
And honestly, trifles are a bit of a holiday hack: they look impressive, feed a crowd, and forgive pretty much every kitchen mistake known to humankind. (Ask me about the year I forgot to cool the custard… the trifle still came out great.)
PIN FOR LATER
This season, the options go way beyond the classic strawberry version. Think gingerbread, peppermint, tiramisu-inspired, chocolate-hazelnut, boozy, fruity, or the kind of retro-cool recipes your aunt swears by but with a modern upgrade.
Whether you’re hosting, attending, or just trying to bring something that doesn’t require an oven miracle, these 18 Christmas trifles are equal parts easy and show-stopping.
Ready to scroll through the ones that might become your new holiday tradition?
1. Cranberry Trifle
The cranberry–orange combo brings a fresh, almost sparkling flavour to this gorgeous layered trifle. It feels like the grown-up, slightly more elegant cousin in the dessert lineup.
2. Easy Lemon Trifle
Lemon pudding, whipped cream, and soft cake come together with bursts of blueberries for a bright, refreshing dessert that feels like a palate cleanser in the best way. Great for anyone who leans toward tangy over ultra-sweet.
3. Orange Almond Trifle
Bright clementines, creamy custard, and a crunchy almond praline topping make this trifle feel unexpectedly elegant. It’s a lovely option if you want something lighter after a big holiday meal.
4. Easy Vegan Pumpkin Trifle
This vegan trifle layers spiced pumpkin cream with gingerbread cubes for a cosy, dairy-free holiday dessert that still feels indulgent. It’s one of those plant-based options no one will realise is vegan.
5. Classic English Vegan Trifle
This classic raspberry trifle is light, bright, and just tart enough to balance all the rich holiday mains. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly at a party.
6. Red White and Blue Trifle
Even though it’s a summer classic, the blueberry-forward flavours work beautifully for winter gatherings too. It’s fresh, simple, and a nice contrast to all the richer holiday bakes.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 15 Festive Christmas Brownie Recipes That Bring Instant Holiday Cheer
7. Christmas Trifle
With bold red-and-green layers, chocolate pudding, and a cookie topping, this one is basically Christmas cheer in dessert form. It looks elaborate but comes together faster than you’d think.
8. Oreo Dirt Cake
A holiday spin on a nostalgic classic, this Oreo trifle is rich, creamy, and perfect for anyone who prefers chocolate over traditional fruit desserts. The “snowy” whipped topping keeps it seasonal.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 64 Christmas Cookie Recipes To Bake, Share, & Actually Enjoy
9. Easy Mint Christmas Trifle
Refreshing mint, creamy layers, and soft red velvet cake make this trifle feel like a winter treat without being too sweet. It’s a great option if you want something festive but not heavy.
10. Death By Chocolate Trifle
Rich, velvety, and unapologetically indulgent, this layered chocolate trifle is the dessert you bring when you want something guaranteed to impress with zero extra fuss. Every bite tastes like pure holiday comfort for the chocolate-obsessed.
11. Christmas Trifle with Chocolate Brownies, Dragon Fruit Jelly and Pandan Pudding
Bright sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate, and colourful layers make this trifle feel instantly joyful. It’s a great low-stress dessert when you want something playful and pretty.
RELATED: 19 Christmas Cocktail Recipes That’ll Instantly Put You In A Festive Mood
12. Gingerbread Trifle
This gingerbread trifle delivers pure holiday magic with spiced layers and a tiny cookie house on top—almost too adorable to dig into. Almost.
13. Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
This trifle leans fully into nostalgic holiday fun, layering soft cake, strawberries, and whipped cream with those iconic Christmas Tree cakes. It’s simple, sweet, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
14. Healthy Christmas Trifle
These mini gingerbread trifles balance warm spices with pops of fresh pomegranate, giving you a dessert that feels festive without being too heavy. The little cookie topper adds just the right amount of charm.
15. Chocolate Christmas Trifle
This peppermint-brownie trifle is the holiday dessert equivalent of a cosy movie night—cool, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to assemble. The crushed candy canes on top add the perfect festive crunch.
16. Vegan Christmas Trifle
With layers of vanilla cake, berries, and custard topped with adorable strawberry Santas, this one brings all the festive energy without requiring advanced decorating skills. It’s cute but still very grown-up in flavour.
17. Easy Grinch Christmas Trifle
This bright, Grinch-green trifle is equal parts playful and sweet, making it a fun crowd-pleaser for kids and adults who still love a little holiday nostalgia. Red velvet cake keeps it rich without overwhelming the table.
18. Easy Christmas Trifle with REESE’s Trees
A chocolate-lover’s dream, this trifle is rich, creamy, and finished with cute tree-shaped toppers for an easy, festive touch. Perfect if you want maximum impact with minimal effort.