Name: Christmas trifle recipe
Prep time: 120 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 300 g Swiss jam roll; 600 g vanilla custard; 250 ml Thickened Cream; 85 g red jelly; 60 ml Irish cream liqueur; 1/4 cup icing sugar mixture; 1 tsp vanilla essence; 2 cups mixed berries *to taste; 85 g green jelly

by WilderWein_x Last updated on 01/06/2025

Trifle lovers are always on the hunt for a showstopping trifle recipe to star on the table at Christmas time. This lovely recipe errs on the traditional side, but with a little kick of Baileys instead of the usual sherry.

How to make a Christmas trifle: key tips

The ideal trifle appeals to the eye. This is an incredibly visual dessert, hence the reason it is served in a glass bowl – you can admire all of those beautiful layers. Take your time with the layers: arrange your jam roll discs so the jam swirls can be viewed through the glass, arrange cut strawberries up against the glass sides of the bowl for max visual appeal, and carefully layer the cream and custard so that it’s nice and neat.

Key ingredients in this Christmas trifle recipe

Jam rolls have been a trifle staple for as long as I can remember. Sliced into discs, they add a delightful decorative touch around the glass bowl, while the jam adds to the sweetness. They also soak up your chosen liqueur perfectly.

Vanilla custard is another must-have in a trifle. You can use bought custard, or you can make your own using a custard powder mix. Just be sure the end custard is quite thick, otherwise it will soak into the jam rolls and make everything soggy, rather than work as a separate visual component. You do, however, want it thin enough that it slides down between the fruit and jelly pieces, filling in the gaps.

Red jelly is used in this recipe for a Christmas flair, but you could also use green jelly, or even a mixture of red and green jelly cubes.

Baileys gives this trifle a hint of vanilla and chocolate. If this doesn’t appeal, you can opt for any liqueur you fancy.

Trifles are one of those desserts that can be adapted in so very many ways. There are lots of options on ABR to discover. Browse this gorgeous mix of traditional and modern trifles, and these individual milo trifles will be a huge hit with the kids.

This recipe was originally submitted by WilderWein_x, a member of the Australia’s Best Recipe community. Introduction and additional recipe notes by Natasha Shaw.

- Australia's Best Recipes Team

Ingredients

300 g Swiss jam roll
600 g vanilla custard
250 ml Woolworths Thickened Cream
85 g red jelly
60 ml Baileys Irish cream liqueur
1/4 cup icing sugar mixture
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups mixed berries *to taste
85 g green jelly

Method

Step 1

Make the jelly as directed on the box.
Step 2

Once set, use a knife to cut the jelly into 3 cm chunks.
Step 3

Place the thickened cream into a bowl and whip until very thick.
Step 4

Beat in icing sugar and vanilla essence..
Step 5

Cut the jam roll into slices 2 cm thick and layer into a large glass bowl.
Step 6

Cover with liqueur or alcohol of choice.
Step 7

Allow to soak for 10 minutes and cover with berries.
Step 8

Dollop berries with the cream and custard,
Step 9

Add the jelly on top and then repeat the process with the cream and custard.

Recipe Notes

from Australia’s Best Recipes team

Can I use different fruit or booze in this trifle?

You can use whatever liqueur you like. Sherry is the old-fashioned choice, but you could also try Grand Marnier for an orange twist, brandy, rum or Frangelico.

How long does trifle keep for?

Leftover trifle doesn’t keep all that well, especially when the layers and flavours are mixed together after serving. It can start to look a little like a technicolour yawn! However, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.