Desserts

Christmas Tree Cake Trifle

This Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is a fun, festive dessert that layers rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream dyed evergreen. It looks like a holiday centerpiece and tastes like a chocolate peppermint dream — soft cake, silky pudding, and cool mint crunch. It’s easy to build and brightens any holiday table.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 420 kcal (approx.)
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 34 g
Sodium: 350 mg

Why Make This Christmas Tree Cake Trifle

This trifle is festive and fast. It uses a boxed cake mix to save time and layers easy-to-make components for big flavor. The green whipped cream gives a bright holiday look. The crushed peppermint adds a cool crunch and the chocolate shavings bring deep cocoa flavor. It’s perfect for parties because you can make it ahead and it feeds a crowd.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Trifle

You’ll bake the cake, crumble it, then build alternating layers of cake, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. A little green color turns the top into a Christmas tree look. Chill the trifle so the layers set. The textures — soft cake, thick pudding, and airy cream — combine into a rich, pleasing bite.

Ingredients:

1 chocolate cake mix
3 cups whipped cream
2 cups chocolate pudding
1 cup green food coloring
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
1/2 cup chocolate shavings
Maraschino cherries for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions and let it cool. Use a 9×13 pan or the pan size the box recommends. Once cooled, crumble the cake into bite-size pieces with your hands or a fork.

Step 2: Mixing

In a bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring to a portion of the whipped cream and mix until you reach the desired green. Note: you only need a few drops for color; the ingredient list shows 1 cup green food coloring, but start small to avoid overpowering taste.

Step 3: Cooking

Assemble the trifle in a large glass trifle dish or clear bowl so the layers show. Start with a layer of crumbled cake, then spread a layer of chocolate pudding, then plain whipped cream. Add another cake layer, pudding, and then the green whipped cream layer. Repeat the layering until the dish is full and you end with a green whipped cream layer on top.

Step 4: Finishing

Top the trifle with crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings. Place Maraschino cherries for a bright pop of color. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving so the layers set and flavors meld.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Trifle

Spoon the trifle into dessert plates or bowls. Serve cold for best texture. For a party, place the trifle as a centerpiece and let guests scoop their own portions. Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a mild dessert wine. The cold cream and mint crunch contrast nicely with warm drinks.

How to Store Christmas Tree Cake Trifle

Cover the trifle with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days. The whipped cream may soften over time, so consume within 48–72 hours for best texture. Do not freeze the assembled trifle; freezing will change the texture of the cream and pudding.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Cake Trifle

Use stabilized whipped cream (add a little gelatin or cream stabilizer) if you need the trifle to hold its shape longer.
Start with a small amount of green food coloring and add more as needed. A little goes a long way.
Chill the bowl and whipped cream before assembling to keep the cream firm.
If you prefer deeper chocolate flavor, use homemade chocolate pudding or mix in a spoonful of cocoa powder.
Crush peppermint candies in a sealed bag with a rolling pin to avoid large shards.
To make the cake extra moist, brush the cake crumbs with a little simple syrup or coffee before layering.
For a neat presentation, wipe the inside of the trifle dish before chilling to keep the glass clear.

Delicious Variations

Peppermint Mocha: Add 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso to the pudding for a coffee-chocolate kick.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers instead of some pudding layers and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Berry Twist: Fold fresh raspberries into the whipped cream for a tart contrast.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Mix mini chocolate chips into the whipped cream layer for texture throughout.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake or brownie mix in place of the boxed mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this trifle a day ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and chill up to 24–48 hours before serving. For best texture, add peppermint candies and chocolate shavings just before serving to keep them crisp.

Q: Is the green food coloring necessary?
A: No. The green color is for holiday presentation. You can omit it or use natural colorings like spinach-based or matcha for a different hue and flavor.

Q: Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
A: Yes. Store-bought whipped topping works and holds up well. For a fresher taste, use whipped cream stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
A: Don’t over-soak cake crumbs. If you add syrup, use just a light brush. Assemble closer to serving time if you want firmer cake layers.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
A: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and dairy-free pudding and whipped topping. Note textures will vary; dairy-free whipped toppings are often lighter and less stable.

Q: How many servings does one recipe make?
A: This recipe yields about 12 servings, depending on portion size. Adjust serving count by changing dish size or portioning.

Conclusion

This Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is an easy, show-stopping dessert that blends chocolate, cream, and mint into a festive holiday treat. It’s simple to scale and makes a great make-ahead option for parties. For another take or inspiration, see this related recipe guide: Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe – Life & Sprinkles by Taryn Camp. Enjoy building and sharing this merry dessert — it’s sure to bring smiles and a few “oohs” at your next holiday gathering.