Mini Christmas Trifles

Mini Christmas Trifles are such a cute and festive way to bring holiday cheer to your dessert table. These bright red and green layers look beautiful in clear cups and the creamy filling makes every bite sweet and silky.

This is one of those desserts that feels impressive but is incredibly simple to put together. The colors make it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or Christmas Eve celebrations. Kids love the fun layers and adults love how delicious and light the filling tastes.

I love festive desserts that look fancy but are easy to assemble, especially during the holiday rush. These red and green trifle cups are exactly that. You can bake your own cakes or use store bought cake if you are short on time. Either way they turn out festive and fun.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• The bright red and green layers make it perfect for Christmas party tables when you want to impress with a cute dessert
• Simple ingredients and very little prep time
• Easy to assemble in mini cups which is great for serving guests or you can make one large Christmas trifle
• Light, creamy, and not too heavy after a big holiday meal

Ingredients

Red velvet cake: Provides the festive red layer for the trifle
Green vanilla cake: Creates the green layer and adds sweet vanilla flavor
Whipped cream or stabilized whipped topping: Makes the filling light and fluffy
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a little tang to balance the sweetness
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess
Vanilla extract: Adds warm flavor to the cream mixture

How to Make Mini Christmas Trifles

Step 1: Prepare both cakes according to the recipe or box instructions. Before baking, add a few drops of green food coloring to the white cake. Once baked, allow them to cool completely. When they are fully cooled, crumble the red cake and the green cake separately into soft chunks. This helps create the layered look inside the trifle cups.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped cream gently so the filling stays light and airy.

Step 3: Add a spoonful of red velvet cake pieces to the bottom of each mini trifle cup. Top the cake with a layer of the cream mixture. Add a layer of green cake on top and follow it with more cream. Continue layering until each cup is full.

Step 4: Finish the cups with a final swirl of the cream mixture. Sprinkle a little red and green cake crumble over the top for a festive touch.

Step 5: Chill the trifles for at least one hour so the layers can set and the flavors can blend together. Serve cold and enjoy the holiday colors in every bite.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use chocolate cake instead of red velvet
• Swap green cake for plain vanilla cake or even funfetti cake
• Add crushed peppermints to the top for a peppermint version
• Use mini brownies as one of the layers for extra chocolate goodness

Serving Suggestions

These trifles are perfect for Christmas parties, dessert tables, or family gatherings. Serve them in clear cups so everyone can see the festive layers. Pair them with hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, or holiday punch to complete the spread.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for two to three days
• Freezer: Not recommended because the whipped cream mixture may separate
• Serve cold: Trifles taste best when well chilled

FAQ

Can I make one large trifle instead of mini cups?

Yes. Layer everything in a large trifle dish if you prefer. The colors look beautiful in a full size version.

How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?

Make sure the cakes are cooled completely before crumbling. This helps them keep their texture.

Can I use store bought cake?

Absolutely. It is a big time saver and works perfectly for this recipe.

More Christmas Treats & Desserts

• No Bake Oreo Santa Hat Cheesecakes
• Santa Cinnamon Rolls
• Grinch Christmas Pretzels
• Vanilla Wafer Santa Treats
• Christmas Present Brownies