Do Share Recipe

Christmas Trifle Recipe | Festive Layered Dessert Delight

I just made this festive dessert and I have to tell you—it’s every bit as impressive in the kitchen as it is on the table! From the first spoonful of rich chocolate and peppermint to the bright red-and-green layers, it truly brought that magical holiday sparkle to our dinner.

I love how the layers build up into something that looks fancy but doesn’t take hours to make. If you’re looking for a dessert that wows without the stress, this Christmas trifle is the perfect pick for your holiday spread, and you can also enjoy similar festive treats like the Yule Log Recipe / Buche De Noel.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent dessert, along with some pro tips to get it just right:

Prepared brownies (cooled completely) – from an 8×8 or 9×9 pan. Use fudgy or dark chocolate brownies for a richer flavor. A cakey brownie won’t hold the texture as well.
4 oz cream cheese, softened – go for full-fat cream cheese so the whipped layer stays rich and stable.
1½ cups heavy cream (cold), divided – make sure it’s very cold so it whips easily and forms soft peaks.
1 tsp peppermint extract – this adds that unmistakable holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
½ cup powdered sugar – it blends smoothly into the cream without leaving any graininess.
15.5 oz jar hot fudge sauce – choose a high-quality fudge sauce or warm homemade chocolate sauce for the best flavor.
10 oz Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips – these add both texture and that irresistible peppermint crunch.

Note: several servings

Variations

If you want to adjust this recipe to suit your diet or taste, here are some easy variations:

Dairy-free option: Swap heavy cream for coconut whipping cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Make sure your brownies are dairy-free too.
Sugar-free version: Use sugar-free fudge sauce, skip the peppermint chips, and lightly sweeten the whipped layer with a natural sweetener.
Flavor twist: Instead of peppermint, try caramel or almond extract and top with crushed toffee or chocolate curls.
Ice cream variation: Replace the whipped cream layer with peppermint or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent frozen trifle (serve immediately).

For another cozy dessert experience, this pairs beautifully with a warm mug of Slow Cooker Mulled Wine Recipe on a chilly evening.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (once brownies are baked and cooled)
Total Time: About 1 day + 30 minutes (including 12–24 hours of chilling)

Equipment You Need

Dessert glasses (6–11 oz) – for individual servings and to show off those beautiful layers.
Stand or handheld mixer – to whip the cream cheese and cream into smooth, fluffy perfection.
Spatula or spoon – for spreading the whipped layers evenly.
Microwave-safe bowl – to gently warm the fudge sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy and consistency in flavor.

How to Make Christmas Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and cut the brownies

Bake your favorite brownie recipe or use store-bought brownies. Once fully cooled, cut them into ½-inch cubes. Cooling is important—warm brownies will melt your whipped layers and ruin the texture.

Step 2: Make the peppermint whipped cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup of heavy cream until smooth and lump-free. Add peppermint extract and powdered sugar, then slowly pour in the remaining heavy cream while whipping on high speed until soft peaks form. The texture should be light, fluffy, and airy.

Step 3: Warm the fudge and layer the trifle

Warm the fudge sauce in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, just until it’s pourable but not hot. Now, in each glass, layer in this order: brownie cubes, a drizzle of fudge, a spoonful of peppermint cream, and a sprinkle of peppermint crunch chips. Repeat the layers one more time to fill the glass beautifully.

Step 4: Chill and set

Once all glasses are assembled, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12–24 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend and the texture to set, giving you that perfect spoonful every time.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few things I learned from making this trifle myself:

I always make sure the heavy cream is extra cold—it whips faster and holds its shape much longer.
I prefer dark chocolate brownies over milk chocolate; the contrast with peppermint is amazing.
I warm the fudge in short intervals to keep it smooth but not too hot—it shouldn’t melt the whipped layer.
I keep a few peppermint crunch chips aside for topping just before serving. They add a fresh, festive crunch.
If I make the trifles a day ahead, I layer the whipped cream a little thicker so it stays fluffy after chilling.

How to Serve Christmas Trifle Recipe

Presentation is everything with a trifle! Serve in clear dessert glasses or a large glass bowl to showcase those stunning layers. Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of fudge, and a sprinkle of peppermint crunch chips. Add a mini candy cane on top or a sprig of mint for that extra holiday flair. Serve cold straight from the fridge, and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig in.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 500–600 kcal
Protein: 6–8 g
Carbohydrates: 45–55 g
Fat: 30–35 g

This dessert is definitely indulgent, but that’s exactly what makes it perfect for the holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can store individual trifles in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them tightly covered with plastic wrap or lids to prevent the cream from drying out. The layers will soften slightly over time but remain delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dessert, as the whipped cream and fudge layers don’t thaw well. The texture changes and becomes grainy once frozen and defrosted.

Restoring

Since it’s a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat. Just remove the trifle from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly, but serve it cold for the best taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I’m confident this Christmas trifle will become one of your favorite holiday desserts:

A true showstopper: Those beautiful layers of chocolate, cream, and peppermint look stunning in glass dishes, making it the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Easy yet elegant: It looks fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to prepare. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill!
Versatile and customizable: You can swap flavors, textures, and toppings to make it your own—think caramel, toffee, or even berry versions.
Make-ahead friendly: It’s a dream for holiday planning since it can be prepared a day before and kept chilled until ready to serve.
Perfect holiday flavor: The combination of peppermint and chocolate captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner or bringing dessert to a holiday party, this Christmas trifle recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s rich, creamy, festive, and surprisingly easy to make. Once you dig your spoon through those layers of brownies, fudge, peppermint cream, and crunch, you’ll know why it’s worth every minute.

Ben Carraoli