Irresistible Egg Nog Trifle Recipe : A Festive Holiday Dessert

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert to wow your guests, this Egg Nog Trifle is a must-try. Combining the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog with layers of fluffy cake, whipped cream, and a touch of festive spice, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, or just want to indulge in some seasonal sweetness, this trifle brings everything you love about the holidays into one decadent dish.

This dessert is not only delightful to the taste buds but also visually stunning, making it an excellent choice for your holiday table. For other dessert ideas that will make your gatherings even sweeter, check out Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Apple Fritter Donuts. Keep reading for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to make this dessert a showstopper at your next holiday gathering.

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Why You’ll Love Egg Nog Trifle

There’s so much to love about this Egg Nog Trifle Recipe. Here are a few reasons why it’s sure to become a holiday favorite in your house:

• Rich and Creamy Layers: The smooth eggnog mousse pairs beautifully with soft cake and fluffy whipped cream. Every bite is a comforting combination of textures and flavors.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve, or a casual holiday dinner, this trifle is sure to impress your guests.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Unlike many desserts, this trifle can be assembled ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities without stressing over the dessert last minute.
• Customizable: You can add your own twist with flavor variations, toppings, or even mini versions of the trifle to fit your event’s needs.

Who This Recipe Is For

This Egg Nog Trifle is perfect for:

• Eggnog Lovers: If you’re a fan of the classic holiday drink, this dessert is made for you.
• Holiday Hosts: Looking to serve an impressive dessert without spending all day in the kitchen? This trifle is your answer.
• Family Gatherings: Easy to make in a large trifle dish or individual servings, making it ideal for family-style meals.
• Dessert Enthusiasts: If you enjoy rich, layered, and visually stunning desserts, you’ll fall in love with this one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Egg Nog Trifle is simple to make with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping holiday dessert:

• 1 box of vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake if you prefer)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brandy or rum (optional, depending on your preference)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Cinnamon sticks or ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Cake: You can either use a store-bought vanilla cake mix or bake your own cake from scratch. If you prefer a denser trifle, sponge cake or pound cake will also work wonderfully.
• Eggnog: This recipe calls for traditional eggnog, but if you want a lighter version, you can substitute it with a non-dairy alternative or a reduced-fat version.
• Alcohol: The brandy or rum is optional. If you’re serving children or prefer a non-alcoholic dessert, feel free to leave it out.
• Spices: The nutmeg and cinnamon add a wonderful warmth and seasonal flavor, but feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste. You could even add a little ground ginger or cloves for a more complex flavor profile.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this Egg Nog Trifle, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Trifle dish or large glass bowl: A clear trifle dish is ideal because it showcases the beautiful layers of the dessert. However, any large glass bowl will do.
• Mixer: An electric mixer (hand or stand) makes it easy to whip the cream and eggnog mixture to perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in measuring ingredients like the heavy cream, eggnog, and spices.
• Spatula: For folding the mousse mixture and layering the trifle without deflating the whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Egg Nog Trifle

Making this Egg Nog Trifle is easy and straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous dessert ready in no time.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preparing your vanilla cake according to the package instructions (or use your favorite homemade recipe). Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Once cool, slice the cake into small cubes, which will form the base of your trifle.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Nog Mousse

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggnog, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use an electric mixer to whip the ingredients together until soft peaks form. This will create a light, airy mousse that’s perfect for layering.

Step 3: Layer the Trifle

In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, start with a layer of cake cubes. Next, spread a generous layer of the eggnog mousse over the cake. Repeat the process, layering cake and mousse until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of mousse on top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Once assembled, cover the trifle and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon sticks or a dusting of nutmeg.

For more holiday dessert ideas, check out Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls and Apple Nachos for a sweet treat that’s perfect for the season!

Pro Tips for the Best Egg Nog Trifle

• Use Day-Old Cake: For a more saturated, flavorful trifle, use cake that has cooled and sat for a few hours. This helps it absorb the eggnog and mousse layers.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling: Letting the trifle chill for several hours is key to allowing the flavors to blend and the dessert to firm up into beautiful layers.
• Garnish with Flair: Top the trifle with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg for extra flavor and elegance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overwhipping the Cream: Be careful not to overwhip the eggnog mousse. Overwhipping can cause the mixture to separate and become too stiff.
• Too Much Alcohol: If you’re using alcohol in the recipe, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Excess alcohol can overpower the other flavors, so use sparingly.
• Not Layering Evenly: When layering the trifle, make sure the layers are even to achieve that beautiful, neat look when serving.

For a quick, easy-to-prepare dessert, try making No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls — a crowd favorite for fall gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

This Egg Nog Trifle makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve it in individual portions for easy serving or go all out with one large trifle dish for everyone to dig into. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a festive tea to elevate the experience. Looking for more fun and festive ideas? Try out Mini Pumpkin Pies for individual servings.

Creative Presentation Ideas

If you want to get even more creative, try serving this trifle in mini Christmas trifle cups for a fun twist. These mini versions are perfect for portion control and add a cute touch to your holiday spread. For more individual dessert ideas, explore Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Chocolate Chips: Add a bit of chocolate between the layers for a delicious contrast to the creamy eggnog flavors.
• Fruit: Consider adding a layer of diced fruit, like pears or cranberries, for a refreshing burst of sweetness.
• Candied Pecans: Sprinkle candied pecans on top for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy mousse.

Looking for other creative dessert options? Check out Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake for a delicious, sweet treat.

How to Store and Reheat

This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. There’s no need to reheat this trifle; it’s best served chilled straight from the fridge.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep the Cake Ahead of Time: Bake the cake the day before and store it in an airtight container.
• Chill Overnight: For best results, make the trifle the day before your event to allow it to chill and set overnight.

For an easy breakfast option the next day, consider making Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls or Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of cake?
Yes! While vanilla cake works best with the eggnog flavors, you can experiment with other cakes, like spiced cake or even chocolate cake, for a fun twist.

Can I make this trifle without alcohol?
Absolutely! The alcohol is optional, and you can leave it out without affecting the flavor of the trifle.

Final Thoughts: Why Egg Nog Trifle Is a Keeper

This Egg Nog Trifle is everything you need for a festive, indulgent holiday dessert. With its layers of spongy cake, creamy mousse, and a touch of festive spice, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with your loved ones. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, this trifle is a keeper that will have your guests asking for seconds (or thirds!).

For more seasonal recipes, explore the Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal or Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers for savory options!

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