If you’re looking for a dessert that’s utterly festive, refreshingly creamy, and layered with holiday cheer, then this Eggnog Trifle Recipe is going to become your new seasonal favorite. Imagine tender cake cubes soaked in rich eggnog pudding, light whipped cream clouds, and a gentle sprinkle of nutmeg bringing it all together. This dessert isn’t just beautiful to serve; it’s a joyous explosion of holiday flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or want a special treat to savor quietly by the fire, this recipe delivers on all fronts with flair and ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple white bowls and glass containers arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a bowl filled with white flour with a smooth texture, two eggs placed near it, a small bowl of sugar, and a glass jar of honey with a shiny golden color. A wooden honey dipper rests beside the honey jar. Several bright red cranberries are scattered around the bowls, adding a pop of color. A white bowl with a creamy light texture and a larger white bowl hold flour and other dry ingredients. A clear glass container filled with milk, a cup with dark red liquid, and a few small bowls with white powders are also visible. A woman's hand is holding a small bowl with flour, and a soft yellow cloth is partially seen on the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Eggnog Trifle Recipe is simple but plays a key role. From the soft, fluffy cake cubes to the creamy pudding and lightly spiced nutmeg, each component builds layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert truly unforgettable.

1 pound cake or angel food cake, cubed: Provides a light, airy base that absorbs the eggnog perfectly without falling apart.
2 cups eggnog: The soul of the dessert, adding creamy, festive flavor with its rich holiday spices.
1 box instant vanilla pudding: Thicken the eggnog into a luscious, velvety custard that holds the layers together.
2 cups whipped cream: Adds a fluffy, dreamy contrast to the dense pudding and cake.
Nutmeg: Offers a warm, aromatic sprinkle that finishes the trifle with classic holiday spice.
Optional: crushed cookies: For an added crunch and extra layer of texture that’s a delightful surprise in each bite.

How to Make Eggnog Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Eggnog Pudding

Start by whisking the box of instant vanilla pudding into the eggnog until smooth and well combined. Once mixed, pop it into the fridge to chill for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step is essential to let the pudding thicken into a creamy custard that will meld beautifully with the cake cubes.

Step 2: Cube Your Cake

While the pudding chills, cut your pound cake or angel food cake into bite-sized cubes. This allows the cake to soak up the pudding without becoming mushy. Choose fresh cake for the best texture and flavor, but day-old cake can also work—it just absorbs more of the pudding’s richness.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

In a large trifle dish or any clear glass container, start with a layer of cake cubes, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Next, spoon a generous amount of the chilled eggnog pudding over the cake, smoothing the surface. Then, add a thick layer of whipped cream on top of the pudding. Repeat these layers until your dish is filled or ingredients are used up.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Once your trifle is assembled, dust the top lightly with ground nutmeg for that inviting holiday scent and flavor. If you like some added texture, sprinkle crushed cookies over the whipped cream for extra crunch and a festive look. Chill the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

How to Serve Eggnog Trifle Recipe

A clear glass bowl with a short stem holds a layered dessert on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a single row of beige gingerbread man cookies standing upright around the inside edge. Above the cookies is a thick dark brown layer, likely chocolate or cake crumbs. Then comes a thick creamy white layer that fills the bowl nearly to the top. The top is covered with whipped cream swirled high in the center and sprinkled with light brown crumb topping. In the background, there's a white marbled kitchen counter and a white marbled surface with fruit trays. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon not only looks pretty but enhances the warm holiday aroma. You can also add a cinnamon stick or a sprig of fresh rosemary to each serving for an elegant touch and extra festive flair.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with other holiday classics like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or even a simple bowl of mixed nuts. If you want to keep the theme cozy, a steaming cup of mulled cider or hot chocolate makes a perfect companion to your Eggnog Trifle Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your trifle in individual glass jars or clear cups for personalized servings that wow guests. Adding edible gold leaf or silver dragees on top can elevate the presentation to party-worthy glamour. For a rustic holiday vibe, serve it in a large vintage trifle bowl that invites everyone to dig right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Eggnog Trifle Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors and to maintain that creamy texture.

Freezing

While freezing this trifle isn’t generally recommended due to the whipped cream and pudding, if you must, try freezing only the pudding and cake separately in airtight containers. Thaw them thoroughly before assembly for the best texture.

Reheating

This trifle is best served chilled, so reheating is not advised. If you prefer something warm, consider serving alongside warm drinks or a hot dessert instead.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog or homemade?

Both work wonderfully! Store-bought eggnog is convenient and consistent, while homemade eggnog will give your trifle a uniquely fresh and rich flavor.

Is there an alcohol version of this Eggnog Trifle Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the pudding mixture brings a traditional holiday cheer and deepens the flavor if you prefer an adult twist.

Can I make this trifle dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute dairy-free eggnog, a non-dairy whipped topping, and use a suitable pudding mix, and you’re good to go without sacrificing taste.

How long should the trifle chill before serving?

At least 2 hours is best to let all the layers meld, but you can also assemble it up to 24 hours ahead for even better flavor integration.

Can I use different types of cake?

Definitely! Angel food cake, pound cake, or even spiced cake can be used, depending on your texture preference and how much holiday spice you want in each bite.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Trifle Recipe is a joyful celebration of holiday flavors and textures that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. It’s a dessert that invites sharing, laughter, and a little indulgence, making every festive gathering feel extra special. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy, dreamy delight—you’ll be creating happy holiday memories one spoonful at a time.

Eggnog Trifle Recipe

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4 from 21 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A festive layered dessert combining moist cake cubes, creamy eggnog-flavored vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, accented with warm holiday spices like nutmeg. This Eggnog Trifle is perfect for Christmas celebrations and easy to assemble ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Cake

1 pound cake or angel food cake, cubed

Pudding

2 cups eggnog
1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (about 3.4 oz)

Topping

2 cups whipped cream
Nutmeg, for dusting
Optional: crushed cookies for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggnog and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and chill for at least 5 minutes or until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
Assemble the first layer: In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, spread a layer of cubed pound cake or angel food cake evenly across the bottom.
Add pudding layer: Spoon a generous layer of the chilled eggnog pudding mixture over the cake cubes, spreading it evenly.
Add whipped cream: Spread a layer of the whipped cream over the pudding layer, smoothing it out evenly.
Repeat layers: Repeat layering cake cubes, pudding, and whipped cream until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a whipped cream layer.
Garnish and chill: Lightly dust the top layer of whipped cream with freshly grated nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor. Optionally, sprinkle crushed cookies on top for added texture and taste.
Chill before serving: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set nicely.

Notes

For a traditional eggnog flavor, add 1 teaspoon of rum extract to the pudding mixture before chilling.
This trifle can be assembled 2 to 24 hours ahead of serving, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.
If desired, substitute pound cake with angel food cake for a lighter texture.
Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aroma and flavor on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American