There’s something about a Gingerbread Trifle that feels like a holiday hug in dessert form. This festive treat layers soft, spiced gingerbread cake with rich, velvety whipped cream and a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce.
Each bite is a perfect blend of ginger warmth and creamy indulgence, making it the ideal centerpiece for any holiday celebration. The layers come together beautifully, with the cake soaking up the creamy goodness and the spices adding a cozy touch that’ll make you feel right at home.
What really makes this Gingerbread Trifle special is how it balances the deep, spiced flavors of the gingerbread with the lightness of the whipped cream. If you’re looking to elevate your dessert game, serve it with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine. The warm, spiced flavors of both drinks enhance the flavors in the trifle, creating the perfect pairing for a festive evening.
This Gingerbread Trifle is everything you want in a holiday dessert—simple, stunning, and bursting with flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. So, let the layers of gingerbread, cream, and caramel work their magic, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too):
- Layers of Flavor: The gingerbread adds the perfect spiced warmth and the whipped cream offers a rich, light contrast.
- Holiday Magic: It’s festive and feels like the essence of Christmas in a dessert, with that gingerbread aroma filling the air.
- Make-Ahead Delight: You can assemble this trifle in advance, making it ideal for stress-free holiday hosting.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, perfect for impressing guests and spreading holiday cheer.
This Gingerbread Trifle has become a go-to in my home for holiday gatherings. It’s not only delicious, but it also brings that special seasonal joy to the table. I hope it makes its way into your celebrations too!
Gingerbread Trifle Recipe
Equipment
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- medium mixing bowl
- Microwave Safe Bowl
- Spatula or Large Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Trifle Bowl (around 3.5-liter capacity)
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Plastic Wrap or Lid (optional)
Ingredients
Whipped Cream:
- 1200 ml 5 cups cold double or heavy whipping cream
- 120 g 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Trifle Layers:
- 600 ml 2 ½ cups store-bought vanilla custard, divided
- 3 tbsp Biscoff spread cookie butter spread
- 900 g 2 lb gingerbread cake, cut into 2 cm (1-inch) cubes
- 250 g 1 cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche
- 4 tbsp rum gingerbread syrup, or liqueur of choice
To Decorate:
- Gingerbread cookies men, trees, or mini gingerbread houses
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a large bowl, whip the cold cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract on low to medium speed until it forms peaks. Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the other layers.
Make the Biscoff Custard:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half of the custard with the Biscoff spread. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the Biscoff melts and fully mixes with the custard. Set aside. Leave the remaining custard plain.
Layer the Trifle:
- Start by spooning a layer of whipped cream at the bottom of a large trifle bowl (around 3.5-liter capacity).
- Add a layer of gingerbread cake cubes on top of the whipped cream, then drizzle with your choice of rum, gingerbread syrup, or liqueur.
- Next, spread a layer of Biscoff custard over the cake, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Repeat the Layers:
- Continue layering with more cake, custard (alternating with the plain custard and Biscoff custard), whipped cream, and caramel until you reach the top of the bowl. Finish with a final layer of whipped cream.
Decorate the Trifle:
- Just before serving, add gingerbread cookies and festive sprinkles on top for decoration.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy the holiday flavors in every spoonful!
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 738 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 83 g |
| Sugar | 41 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
Tips You Must Be Mindful Of!
- Bake the Gingerbread Ahead: Make your gingerbread ahead of time so it has time to cool before layering in the trifle. This ensures it holds its structure and doesn’t become too soggy when combined with the whipped cream and caramel sauce.
- Use Fresh Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream is a must for the light, fluffy texture that balances the richness of the gingerbread and caramel. If you want extra indulgence, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream for an additional layer of flavor.
- Layer Generously: Be generous with the gingerbread layers—don’t skimp on this spiced base. A good amount of gingerbread will soak up the cream and caramel, giving you that perfect bite of flavor in every spoonful.
- Chill Before Serving: Assemble your trifle in advance and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld together and allows the layers to set, making for a neater presentation when served.
- Caramel Sauce Tips: If you’re making your own caramel sauce, ensure you don’t overcook it. You want the sauce to be silky smooth, not too thick, so it can soak into the gingerbread layers. If you’re using store-bought, warm it gently before drizzling it over the trifle.
- Garnish with Festive Touches: Top your trifle with crushed gingerbread cookies, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few candied pecans for texture and a festive finishing touch. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also make the trifle look even more inviting.
- Opt for a Beautiful Trifle Dish: A glass trifle dish not only allows the layers to shine but also makes it easier to serve in individual portions. If you don’t have a trifle dish, you can also use a large glass bowl.
- Balance the Sweetness: If you like your desserts on the less sweet side, consider reducing the amount of caramel sauce or using a lighter hand with the sugar in the whipped cream. The gingerbread already provides a lovely spiced sweetness.