Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that captures the festive spirit without a fuss, this Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a colorful, luscious layering of moist red velvet cake, rich cherry pie filling, and a dreamy cream cheese whipped cream that comes together quickly and tastes like a holiday dream. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just indulging yourself because, well, it’s Christmas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential—they create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic festive red color that makes this trifle a crowd favorite. Each component plays a star role, from the tender cake to the creamy topping and sweet cherries.

• Red velvet cake mix (1 box): The base of our trifle, providing that signature red color and moist crumb with minimal effort.
• Vegetable oil and eggs: Essential for baking the cake according to the box instructions, keeping it tender and fluffy.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds tangy richness and helps the whipped cream hold its body with a smooth finish.
• Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped into soft peaks, it creates the light, airy texture that balances the denser cake and filling.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese whipped cream; add more if you have a sweet tooth.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brings warmth and a subtle depth of flavor to the creamy layer.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Cherry pie filling (21 oz can): Bursts of juicy, tart cherries that add a festive pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake

Start by preparing the red velvet cake mix following the instructions on the box, using vegetable oil and eggs as directed. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This cake forms the flavorful, moist foundation of your trifle, setting the stage for all those delicious layers to come.

Step 2: Soften and Whip the Cream Cheese

While the cake cools, use an electric mixer to whip the softened cream cheese in a small bowl until it’s soft and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that velvety texture in the cream cheese whipped cream that will elevate the whole dessert.

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream

In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium speed until soft peaks form—you want it just firm enough to hold shape but still wonderfully light and airy. This whipped cream is the heart of the trifle’s creamy layer, creating delightful contrasts between the cherry filling and the rich cake.

Step 4: Combine Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream cheese into the whipped cream while continuing to mix on high speed until stiff peaks form. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, whipping again to fully integrate everything. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. You can make this luscious cream cheese whipped cream up to a day ahead; just keep it covered and chilled.

Step 5: Assemble the Trifle Layers

Cut the cooled red velvet cake into bite-sized cubes and place an even layer at the bottom of a trifle dish or a large clear bowl. This chunkiness gives the trifle texture and makes every spoonful satisfying.

Step 6: Add the Cherry Pie Filling Layer

Spread one third of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes, letting its juicy, ruby-red cherries shine through and infuse their sweet-tart flavor into the cake.

Step 7: Spread the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

Top the cherries with a generous layer of one third of your cream cheese whipped cream. Smooth it gently—this creamy layer mellows the cherries and complements the cake perfectly.

Step 8: Repeat the Layers

Continue layering cake cubes, cherry pie filling, and cream cheese whipped cream two more times, finishing with the cream cheese whipped cream on top. It’s the magic trifecta that creates the festive look and balanced flavors.

Step 9: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve your Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe right away for a fresh, airy bite, or cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to let the layers meld gloriously. Either way, it’s going to steal the show.

Step 10: Garnish (Optional)

Sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles over the top for a holiday sparkle and a bit of extra crunch. It’s an optional flourish that adds festive cheer and a subtle peppermint twist.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your trifle with crushed candy canes or fresh maraschino cherries can add both texture and a visual pop that make your dessert as fun to look at as it is to eat. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate shavings also work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This rich and delightful trifle pairs wonderfully with something light and refreshing—think a crisp winter salad with citrus segments or a simple fruit platter. These sides help balance the richness and keep your holiday meal feeling well-rounded and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond a classic trifle dish, try layering this recipe in individual clear glass jars or pretty parfait glasses for personal servings that wow guests at dinner parties or make perfect take-home treats. For a fun twist, invert the trifle into a large bowl to create a playful dome shape.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store it in an airtight container or keep the trifle dish tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

Because of the whipped cream and cherry pie filling, freezing this trifle isn’t recommended as the texture of the cream layers may suffer. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within the first day of refrigeration to savor the perfect creamy consistency.

Reheating

This is a dessert best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised since the cream cheese whipped cream and cherries will lose their texture and flavor. Simply let refrigerated trifle sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving if it feels too chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle with homemade red velvet cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely! Using a homemade red velvet cake will add a personal touch and might even elevate the flavor further. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before assembling the trifle to keep those layers neat.

Is it possible to use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

You can! Fresh cherries bring a bright, natural flavor and texture. To mimic the pie filling’s sweetness and syrup, consider making a quick cherry compote by cooking fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken.

Can this dessert be made vegan or dairy-free?

With a few adaptations, yes. Substitute the cake mix for a vegan red velvet recipe, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut or oat-based whipping cream alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ but can still be delicious.

How far in advance can I assemble the trifle?

The trifle can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes it an ideal make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.

What’s the best way to serve individual portions?

Use a large spoon or ladle to dig into the layers, ensuring each serving includes cake, cherry filling, and cream. If desired, transfer portions into smaller dessert bowls or glasses to make it easier and more elegant for guests.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe brings together festive colors and comforting flavors in a way that’s truly effortless yet unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday party, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this trifle promises smiles with every spoonful. Give it a try this season—you might just find a new holiday classic to treasure!

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