Features
The best Christmas trifle recipes
by Genevieve Halbert
published on 20 September 2024, last updated on 27 October 2025
Whether you’re looking for a traditional trifle recipe or are planning to try something a little unorthodox this year, you’ll find something perfect for you in our collection of the best Christmas trifle recipes.
Looking for more Christmas dessert inspiration? Explore our guide to the best festive desserts here , including everything from steamed puddings to pavlovas , cheesecakes , bread and butter puddings , and more.
Matt Tebbutt’s Christmas Panettone Trifle
Featuring layers of panettone, homemade custard, ricotta cream and fruit steeped in marsala, Matt Tebbutt’s trifle has a classic feel with plenty of elevated touches.
Millionaire’s Trifle
If the classic combination of sponge, fruit, and custard doesn’t do it for you, try this all-out millionaire’s trifle from Jane’s Patisserie. Inspired by the flavours of millionaire’s shortbread, it’s layered up with chocolate custard, caramel, chocolate Swiss roll, brownies, and cream. A true show-stopper, and a fitting end to your festive meal.
Rick Stein’s Clementine Trifle
This simple trifle recipe makes the most of festive orange and clementine flavours to create a light yet satisfying dessert.
Nigella Lawson’s Rhubarb and Custard Trifle
With forced pink rhubarb just coming into season, Christmas is the perfect time to make Nigella Lawson’s voluptuous rhubarb and custard trifle. Can’t get your hands on forced rhubarb? Nigella suggests a raspberry-based version of this recipe that’s equally good.
Nigella Lawson’s Cherry Trifle
Another fruity trifle from Nigella Lawson, this time using fresh cherries and cherry jam layered under a vanilla-brandy infused custard. Top with whipped cream, a lemon-cherry syrup and flaked almonds before digging in.
Quince, Brandy and Walnut Trifle: A Twist on a Charlotta
Inspired by Cypriot charlotta, Georgina Hayden’s fragrant quince, brandy and walnut trifle is delicately with cloves and honey.
Nan’s Too-Boozy Trifle
A nostalgic concoction based on Luke Thomas’s grandmother’s recipe, piled high with fluffy whipped cream and homemade custard. Like most trifles, this one is best started a day in advance to allow the flavours to mingle and mature.
Cheat’s Christmas Apricot Trifle
Mary uses shop-bought custard and sponge for her “cheat’s” Christmas trifle, with excellent results. Flavoure with apricots, flaked almonds, and a splash of brandy, it’s a refreshingly fruity dessert.
Fitwaffle’s Gingerbread Trifle
Fitwaffle’s gingerbread trifle is layered up with ginger cake, soft whipped cream, and speculoos cookie butter. A festively spiced masterpiece that requires no baking.
Raspberry Jelly Trifle
This traditional British recipe from Lindsey Bareham contains all the classic elements of a trifle: sherry-soaked sponge, vanilla custard, whipped cream, and raspberry jelly.
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