Classic British Christmas Pudding Trifle Recipe

A Festive British Tradition

The Christmas Pudding Trifle is a quintessential British dessert that transforms the rich, spiced flavors of traditional Christmas pudding into a light, creamy, and indulgent treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this trifle combines layers of crumbled pudding, zesty oranges, velvety custard, and whipped cream, all topped with a sprinkle of almonds and chocolate. It’s a delightful way to elevate leftover Christmas pudding or create a show-stopping dessert from scratch. This recipe captures the essence of British festive cheer, making it a must-have for your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pudding Trifle

What makes this Christmas Pudding Trifle so special is its balance of textures and flavors—crumbly pudding, juicy citrus, smooth custard, and airy cream create a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The addition of Grand Marnier adds a subtle boozy warmth, while the almonds and chocolate provide a satisfying crunch. This dessert is not only delicious but also versatile, as it can be prepared a day in advance, saving you time during the busy holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast or looking for a creative way to use leftovers, this trifle is sure to impress.

Ready to create a festive dessert that will wow your guests?
Dive into the full recipe below for a taste of British holiday magic!

Classic British Christmas Pudding Trifle Recipe

Recipe by Next DeliciousCourse: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Medium

Servings

7

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

400

kcal

Ingredients

• 3 medium oranges

• 1 tbsp demerara sugar

• 2 tbsp Grand Marnier

• 300g Christmas pudding

• 500g ready-made custard

• 250g mascarpone cheese

• 284ml double cream

• Handful of flaked almonds

• 2 tbsp grated dark chocolate

Directions

• Peel the oranges with a sharp knife, removing all the white pith.
• Slice the oranges as thinly as possible and arrange them on a dinner plate.
• Sprinkle the orange slices with demerara sugar, then drizzle with Grand Marnier. Set aside to marinate.
• Crumble the Christmas pudding into large pieces and scatter them evenly over the bottom of a large trifle bowl.
• Arrange the marinated orange slices over the crumbled pudding, pouring any remaining juices from the plate over the top.
• In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone until smooth, then gently stir in the custard until well combined.
• Spoon the custard-mascarpone mixture over the orange layer, spreading it evenly.
• Lightly whip the double cream until soft peaks form, then spoon it over the custard layer.
• Sprinkle the top with flaked almonds and grated dark chocolate.
• Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, before serving.

Notes

• If you don’t have Grand Marnier, you can substitute with Cointreau or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
• Use a high-quality, store-bought custard for convenience, or make your own for an extra-special touch.
• For a lighter texture, whip the cream to soft peaks rather than stiff peaks to keep it airy.
• Ensure the Christmas pudding is at room temperature before crumbling to make it easier to work with.

Storing Tips for Christmas Pudding Trifle

• Refrigeration: Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream and custard may separate and lose their texture.
• Serving: If chilled overnight, give the trifle a gentle stir to refresh the cream layer before serving.
• Leftovers: Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture, as the layers may start to soften over time.

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