Christmas Trifle is a showstopper dessert that’s way easier to make than it looks. Layers of red velvet cake, creamy green pudding, and fluffy whipped topping create a festive Grinch-inspired treat that’s perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings.
Christmas Trifle
What I love most about this recipe is how the colors do all the work for you. The bright red cake against the green pudding looks so impressive in a trifle bowl, and kids go absolutely crazy for the Grinch theme. Plus, starting with a boxed cake mix means you can pull this together without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Equipment
- Red velvet cake mix
- Water, oil, and eggs (as called for on the cake mix box)
- White chocolate pudding mix
- Milk
- Cool Whip
- Green gel food coloring
- Christmas sprinkles
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- 9×13 baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Trifle bowl or large glass bowl
- Spatula
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 12 servings. It takes 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of bake time.
Step 1. Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package directions.
Step 2. Allow the baked cake to cool completely.
Step 3. Meanwhile, whisk together the pudding mixes and milk until smooth.
Step 4. Add half of the Cool Whip (about 6 ounces) and mix until well combined.
Step 5. Add a generous amount of green gel food coloring, whisking until the color is incorporated.
Step 6. Allow this mixture to chill in the refrigerator while the cake finishes cooling.
Step 7. To assemble the trifle, cut the cake into cubes.
Step 8. Add half of the cake to the bottom of your trifle bowl. Top that with about half of the pudding mixture.
Step 9. Add a layer of the remaining cake pieces and top with the rest of the pudding mix.
Step 10. Top the trifle with the remaining Cool Whip (about 6 ounces) and smooth evenly.
Step 11. Top with Christmas sprinkles.
Variations
- Traditional Christmas Colors: Skip the green food coloring and leave the pudding white for a classic red and white look.
- Chocolate Lovers Version: Use chocolate pudding instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Individual Parfaits: Layer the ingredients in mason jars or clear cups for single-serve portions that are perfect for parties.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the pudding mixture and top with crushed candy canes.
- Different Cake Flavors: Try white cake mix with red food coloring swirled in, or use a chocolate ca
Leftovers & Storage
Store Christmas Trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will soften as it sits, which actually makes it even more delicious since the flavors meld together. This trifle is best served chilled and tastes great the next day.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your cake is completely cooled before cutting it into cubes, or it will fall apart and get mushy.
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a vibrant green color without thinning out the pudding mixture.
- Cut your cake cubes roughly the same size so the layers look even through the glass bowl.
- A trifle bowl shows off the layers best, but any large clear glass bowl works great.
- You can bake the cake the day before and assemble the trifle the next day to spread out the work.
- Add the sprinkles right before serving so they stay bright and don’t bleed into the whipped topping.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this trifle ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble this trifle up to 24 hours in advance. Wait to add the sprinkles until right before serving. The cake actually tastes better after it has time to soak up some of the pudding.
Do I have to use red velvet cake mix? Red velvet gives you that perfect Christmas red color, but you could use white cake mix with red food coloring if that’s what you have. Chocolate cake works too for a different look.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip? You can, but stabilized whipped cream works best. Regular whipped cream may deflate over time. Cool Whip holds its shape better for the layers and topping.
Why is my pudding layer runny? Make sure you’re using the correct ratio of milk to pudding mix and letting the mixture set in the refrigerator before assembling. The Cool Whip also helps thicken it up.
What size trifle bowl do I need? A 3-quart trifle bowl works perfectly for this recipe. If you don’t have a trifle bowl, a large glass mixing bowl or even a 9×13 dish works fine.
Can I make individual servings? Absolutely. Layer the ingredients in clear plastic cups or mason jars for a party-ready dessert that’s easy to serve and portion.
More Christmas Recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle
- Peppermint Pie
- Red Velvet Sheet Cake
- Mint Oreo Fudge
- Christmas Crack Recipe
- No Bake Oreo Delight
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package directions.
- Allow the baked cake to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the pudding mixes and milk until smooth.
- Add half of the Cool Whip (about 6 ounces) and mix until well combined.
- Add a generous amount of green gel food coloring, whisking until the color is incorporated.
- Allow this mixture to chill in the refrigerator while the cake finishes cooling.
- To assemble the trifle, cut the cake into cubes.
- Add half of the cake to the bottom of your trifle bowl. Top that with about half of the pudding mixture.
- Add a layer of the remaining cake pieces and top with the rest of the pudding mix.
- Top the trifle with the remaining Cool Whip (about 6 ounces) and smooth evenly.
- Top with Christmas sprinkles.
Notes
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