Gingerbread Trifle Recipe

If you need a show-stopping dessert that looks elegant but takes almost no effort, this Gingerbread Trifle is the holiday treat everyone will be talking about!

Layered with soft gingerbread cake cubes, creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy cookie crumbles, this festive dessert brings together all the warm, cozy flavors of Christmas in the most beautiful way.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, Christmas dinner, and any holiday event where you want a dessert that tastes amazing and looks like it came straight from a bakery display.

This is a Simply Made Recipe provided by Lilly Ashley. Good recipes, without the paragraphs and fluff to sift through. Save the sifting for the baking! Follow on FB for new recipe updates!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes (if baking gingerbread cake)

Chill Time: 1 hour

Yield: 10–12 servings (large trifle bowl)

Ingredients

Gingerbread Cake

(You may bake homemade, use a boxed mix, or purchase a premade loaf)

  • 1 (14–16 oz) gingerbread loaf OR one 9×13 gingerbread cake
  • Cut into 1-inch cubes

Vanilla Pudding Layer

  • 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Layer

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 4 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

OR

  • 16 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Extras for Layering

  • Crushed gingersnaps or Biscoff cookies
  • Caramel drizzle (optional but amazing)
  • Cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

  1. Bake or prepare the gingerbread cake and allow it to cool completely. Cut into cubes.
  2. In a bowl, whisk pudding mix, milk, and vanilla for 2 minutes until thickened. Chill.
  3. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form (or use Cool Whip).
  4. In a large trifle bowl, layer gingerbread cubes on the bottom.
  5. Add a layer of vanilla pudding, spreading evenly.
  6. Add a layer of whipped cream.
  7. Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps or Biscoff cookies over the top.
  8. Repeat layers until the bowl is full.
  9. Finish with whipped cream swirls, cookie crumbles, and a dusting of cinnamon.
  10. Chill 1 hour before serving.

⭐ Simply Made Tip

For the cleanest layers, chill the pudding until it’s very thick before assembling — this keeps the trifle from sinking or blending too much overnight.

Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

  • Calories: 360
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Sugar: 30g

Category & Subcategory

Category: Desserts
Subcategories:

  • Christmas Desserts
  • Holiday Baking
  • No-Bake Desserts
  • Trifles & Layered Desserts

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