This Boozy Christmas Trifle is a must over the Christmas season - for us. I grew up in England and a sherry trifle was such a tradition it really takes me back.
Typically, we don't make it any other time of year. It really is a Christmas thing. I have fond memories of my granny getting all silly after enjoying a bowl during the holiday season.
Make it as strong/weak as you like. To be honest, the other flavors really dampen the alcohol taste so you can hardly notice it.
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- It's a tradition!
- It's easy to make. In the U.S. custard is not such a big thing, so I've learned to make it with vanilla pudding - which is a reasonable substitute I think.
- Make it nice and strong and watch the family have a good ol' chat around the fire.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Cream Sherry
- Lady Fingers (A.K.A. trifle sponges)
- Frozen Berries
- Milk
- Strawberry Jam
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- Frozen Whipped Topping
- Christmas Sprinkles
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Prepare the vanilla pudding, mix the milk and pudding mix then using a wire whisk get it totally mix and allow to set in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Step 2: In the meantime, lay out the lady fingers in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour 1 cup of sherry all over and allow to soak up (this will happen quickly).
- Step 3: Using a butter knife, make little sandwiches out of the sherry-sodden sponge with the strawberry jam then lay in a layer in the bottom of the trifle bowl.
- Step 4: Once you have that first layer filled out, spoon half the vanilla pudding over the top of the cake layer and smooth out with the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Take half the frozen berries and arrange on top of the pudding layer.
- Step 6: Take half of the whipped topping and spread on top of the fruit layer.
- Step 7: Repeat the layers again with the remaining ingredients.
- Step 8: Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles on top.
Hint: Allowing the Christmas Trifle to sit for a few hours in the refrigerator will allow the ingredients to melt into each other and will make it taste much better.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Custard - instead of vanilla pudding, use custard (instant bird's custard powder is fine if you can get it) otherwise you could make custard using whole eggs or egg yolks.
- Whipped Cream - Whip up some cream and add a little powdered sugar (icing sugar) and vanilla extract (in place of the whipped topping).
- Grand Marnier - another favorite of mine in place of the cream sherry.
- Madeira Cake - a great alternative to the lady fingers.
- Fresh Berries - like fresh strawberries and fresh raspberries instead of frozen.
- Amaretti biscuits - a great substitute.
- Angel Food Cake - really any leftover cake will work perfectly in place of the lady fingers.
- Swiss Roll - soak one of these then slice and lay out in the trifle bowl.
- Creme Anglaise - a great substitute for the frozen topping.
- Eggnog Pudding - Try this instead of the vanilla pudding.
- Sprinkles - decorate the top of the trifle with anything you choose.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
There's something about serving a trifle in a real trifle dish. I have an affiliate link to one on Amazon in the recipe card below.
Otherwise, you could always make the layers in a very large bowl, or even a large baking dish.
How to store leftovers
Any leftovers store in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap.
It'll be good for about 2-3 days. It'll actually taste better the next day, of course!
Mel's kitchen notes
If you don't have lady fingers and have leftover cupcakes or sponge cake, or cookies of some kind that works great too.
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Boozy Christmas Trifle
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (10 Ounce) Packets Lady Fingers
- ½ Cup Strawberry Jam
- 2 Cups Cream Sherry
- 1 (3.4 Ounce) Box Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 2 Cups Whole Milk
- 1 Pound Frozen Berries
- 16 Ounces Frozen Whipped Topping
- 1 teaspoon Christmas Sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix the milk with the instant vanilla pudding with a whisk. Allow to set for 5 minutes in the refrigerator.2 Cups Whole Milk, 1 (3.4 Ounce) Box Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix
- In the meantime, lay out lady fingers in a single layer, in a baking dish and pour 1 cup of cream sherry all over them.2 (10 Ounce) Packets Lady Fingers, 2 Cups Cream Sherry
- Using a butter knife, take a little strawberry jam and make a little sandwich out of two of the lady fingers and place in a trifle dish (or large bowl).½ Cup Strawberry Jam
- Repeat until you have completely layered the bottom of the trifle dish.
- Spoon half of the vanilla pudding over the top of the lady finger layer and smooth out with the back of a spoon.
- Next add a layer of berries using half of the frozen bag.1 Pound Frozen Berries
- Spoon half of the frozen whipped topping over the top of the berries and smooth out.16 Ounces Frozen Whipped Topping
- Repeat the layers again, ending with the frozen whipped topping.
- Sprinkle with Christmas Sprinkles on top.1 teaspoon Christmas Sprinkles
- Place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours for the trifle to come together. It just tastes better that way.
Notes
Nutrition
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Gabby Dinizo says
Can kids eat this? Or would I have to substitute the Sherry for something nonalcoholic? And what would that be?
Melanie Cagle says
I can remember eating this as a kid - sherry and all, lol - but that was a long time ago.
These days, it'll be ok just to leave the sherry out. It won't be a bad thing - you just won't get that sherry flavor.