Description
This Easy Eggnog Trifle is a festive and creamy holiday dessert featuring layers of pound cake, spiced eggnog pudding, whipped cream, and crunchy gingerbread cookies. Enhanced with warm spices and optional rum or bourbon, it’s perfect for holiday entertaining or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pound Cake Layer
- 1 loaf pound cake, cubed
Eggnog Pudding
- 2 cups eggnog
- 2 packets vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp rum or bourbon (optional)
Additional Layers and Garnishes
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
- Sugared cranberries (optional, for garnish)
- Extra ground nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Slice the pound cake into 1-inch cubes to create the base for the trifle layers.
- Make the Eggnog Pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, eggnog, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and optional rum or bourbon until smooth. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and chill until it sets, typically around 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer half of the cubed pound cake, followed by half of the chilled eggnog pudding, then a layer of whipped cream and half of the crushed gingerbread cookies. Repeat the layering process until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and crushed cookies on top.
- Garnish: Decorate the top layer with sugared cranberries, whole gingerbread cookies if desired, and a generous sprinkle of ground nutmeg for a festive look.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- For a boozy version, add rum or bourbon as indicated, or omit for a kid-friendly dessert.
- Using a clear trifle bowl showcases the beautiful layers.
- Make sure the pudding is fully set before assembling for the best texture.
- Prepare the trifle a day in advance to enhance flavor melding.
- Substitute whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for pudding to set)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: eggnog trifle, holiday dessert, pound cake dessert, layered trifle, vanilla pudding trifle, Christmas dessert, festive trifle
