Go Back Email Link

Mini Christmas Trifles

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
These elegant Mini Trifles are the perfect individual desserts to impress your guests. With layers of jelly, sponge, custard, and cream, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Plus, they can be prepared a day ahead for easy entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 85 g 1 packet jelly crystals (e.g., raspberry or your preferred flavor)
  • 125 ml cream tinned, thickened, or heavy cream
  • 12 pieces tiramisu sponge fingers or 1 cup fresh sponge, cut into small squares
  • ½ cup port sherry, or muscat (substitute juice for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 1 ½ cups custard store-bought or homemade
  • 400 g mixed berries e.g., strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
  • 200 ml thickened cream heavy cream in the US
  • 1 tsp custard powder
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Jelly Base:

  • Follow the packet instructions to prepare the jelly. This should yield about 2 cups of liquid jelly.
  • Divide 1 ¼ cups of the liquid jelly evenly among 6 small dessert dishes or glasses to form the first layer. Place the glasses in the refrigerator to set.

Make the Flummery Layer:

  • Chill the remaining jelly mixture until it is close to setting but still pourable (1-2 hours).
  • Combine the semi-set jelly with 125ml of cream and beat on high for 4 minutes until smooth and airy.
  • Once the jelly in the glasses is nearly set, pour the flummery layer on top. Return the glasses to the fridge to fully set.

Prepare the Sponge Layer:

  • Crush the sponge fingers in a shallow dish and drizzle with port, sherry, or muscat (or juice for a non-alcoholic option). Allow the liquid to soak into the sponge.
  • Add the soaked sponge fingers as the next layer in each glass.

Add the Custard and Berries:

  • Pour a layer of custard over the sponge in each glass.
  • Add a layer of chopped berries on top of the custard, reserving 6 whole berries for garnish.

Whip the Cream:

  • In a mixing bowl, whip the thickened cream with custard powder until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Final Layer:

  • Pipe the whipped cream onto the top of each trifle.
  • Decorate with a whole berry and a fresh mint leaf for a festive touch.