Eggnog Trifle
A creamy, festive layered dessert combining vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, pound cake, and whipped topping with a hint of nutmeg, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour milk into a large bowl.
- Add pudding mix, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and ground nutmeg.
- Beat with a wire whisk for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Gently stir in the thawed Cool Whip.
- Slice the pound cake horizontally into 4 layers.
- Sprinkle each cake layer evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of orange juice.
- Cut the cake layers into 1-inch cubes.
- Place two-thirds of the cake cubes in the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart straight-sided bowl.
- Spoon two-thirds of the whipped topping over the cake cubes.
- Top with halved strawberries and toasted almonds.
- Lay the remaining cake cubes and whipped topping over the strawberries.
- Garnish with reserved strawberries and almonds.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the pudding mixture. If you don't have Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream can be used, but make sure to stabilize it with a bit of cornstarch. You can also substitute strawberries with other berries or fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist. This trifle can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the eggnog trifle chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee. For a festive touch, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or garnishing with additional nutmeg. This dessert also complements well with holiday-themed dishes, making it a delightful addition to seasonal gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The trifle may lose some texture over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reassemble it, simply layer the remaining ingredients again, but note the cake may become a bit soggy after a day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggnog Trifle contains roughly 825 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this trifle a day ahead?
Yes, this trifle can be prepared the night before serving. In fact, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight, helps the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb some moisture, enhancing its taste.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or even a flavored syrup like grenadine for a different taste. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this eggnog trifle is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat or fish products. However, ensure that the pudding mix and Cool Whip used are also vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may contain gelatin.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).