Peppermint Trifle Recipe for a Festive Holiday Dessert

There’s something magical about the combination of cool peppermint and creamy layers in a dessert, especially when it’s presented in a beautifully layered trifle. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday gathering, a cozy winter night, or simply want to indulge in a refreshing treat, this peppermint trifle recipe is sure to impress.

The vibrant red and white colors paired with the fresh peppermint flavor make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures—from soft cake to creamy pudding and crunchy peppermint candies.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to wow their guests or treat their family with something special and seasonal.

Get ready to dive into a dessert that’s bursting with peppermint goodness and creamy sweetness, layered to perfection. You can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion where you want to add a bit of festive flair.

Let’s explore why this peppermint trifle will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peppermint trifle recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. First, the refreshing peppermint adds a cool, minty twist that balances the sweetness perfectly.

The layers of moist chocolate or vanilla cake soaked in peppermint syrup create a base that’s rich yet light.

Next, the creamy layers of vanilla pudding and whipped cream add softness and indulgence without being overly heavy. Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes offer a satisfying crunch and festive look.

Plus, this dessert requires no baking if you use store-bought cake and pudding, making it a convenient yet impressive option.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. It’s also highly adaptable—swap out ingredients or add your favorite extras to make it uniquely yours.

The end result is a stunning, delicious trifle that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want a peppermint-infused treat. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble and how quickly it disappears from the serving bowl!

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 oz) of chocolate or vanilla cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup peppermint schnapps or peppermint syrup (for soaking cake)
• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk (for pudding)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Red and white sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Equipment

• Large trifle bowl or a clear glass bowl to showcase layers
• Mixing bowls for pudding and whipped cream
• Electric mixer or whisk for whipping cream
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula for folding ingredients
• Knife to cut cake into cubes
• Serving spoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside to let it fully set while you prepare other components.
2. Whip the cream: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
3. Soak the cake: Place the cake cubes in a shallow dish and drizzle with peppermint schnapps or peppermint syrup, allowing the cubes to soak for 5 minutes. This adds moisture and peppermint flavor to the cake base.
4. Start layering: In your trifle bowl, add a layer of peppermint-soaked cake cubes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
5. Add pudding: Spoon a generous layer of the prepared vanilla pudding over the cake cubes, smoothing it out with a spatula.
6. Add whipped cream: Spread a thick layer of the peppermint-flavored whipped cream over the pudding.
7. Repeat layers: Repeat the layering sequence—cake, pudding, whipped cream—until you reach the top of the bowl. Aim for 3-4 layers in total, depending on the size of your trifle bowl.
8. Top with crushed peppermint: Sprinkle the top layer with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for crunch and festivity. Add optional red and white sprinkles for extra color.
9. Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
10. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Use a large spoon to serve individual portions, making sure each scoop has a bit of every layer.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, make sure your cake is fresh or properly thawed if using frozen. Over-soaking can make it too soggy, so add peppermint syrup gradually.”

• Non-alcoholic option: Use peppermint syrup instead of peppermint schnapps for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version.
• Flavor twists: Try swapping vanilla pudding for chocolate or mint-flavored pudding to intensify the peppermint experience.
• Fruit additions: Add layers of crushed raspberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet peppermint.
• Vegan version: Use dairy-free pudding and whipped cream alternatives, and ensure the cake is vegan.
• Crunch factor: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This peppermint trifle is a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. Serve chilled with a sprig of fresh mint or a small candy cane on the side for added charm.

It pairs exceptionally well with hot beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or peppermint tea, enhancing the minty flavors.

If serving at a party, consider setting out small dessert plates and forks for easy individual servings. Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s so delicious it rarely lasts that long!

For a festive touch, serve alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts, creating a well-rounded dessert spread that your guests will adore.

Conclusion

This peppermint trifle recipe is a delightful and festive dessert that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with indulgent, creamy layers and moist cake. Its easy preparation and beautiful presentation make it perfect for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a special treat.

With its balance of textures and flavors, it appeals to a wide range of palates and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is accessible and rewarding. The layers of cake, pudding, and whipped cream, accented by the crunch of peppermint candies, create a memorable dessert experience.

Give it a try, and you might just find a new seasonal favorite to share with loved ones year after year!

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