Ingredients
- 1 pound cake, cut into cubes
- 2 cups mixed berries
- 2 cups vanilla pudding
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 cup sherry or fruit juice
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions
Place half of the pound cake cubes in the bottom of a large glass bowl.
Drizzle half of the sherry or fruit juice over the cake cubes, if desired.
Layer half of the mixed berries over the cake.
Spoon half of the vanilla pudding evenly over the berries.
Top the pudding with half of the whipped cream, smoothing it gently.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pound cake, berries, pudding, and whipped cream.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top layer and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I prepare this Christmas Trifle to ensure the pound cake stays fresh?
You can assemble this Christmas Trifle up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor and texture. Store it covered in the refrigerator, allowing enough time for the pound cake cubes to soak up the sherry or fruit juice without becoming overly soggy.
What are the best substitutions if I don't want to use sherry in my Christmas Trifle?
If avoiding alcohol, you can easily substitute the sherry with 1 cup of high-quality fruit juice, such as apple, white grape, or orange juice, to moisten the pound cake cubes. This keeps the dessert festive while maintaining the necessary moisture.
Can I make the vanilla pudding component of this trifle ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, the vanilla pudding can certainly be made ahead of time; prepare it according to package directions or your recipe. Store the pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the trifle layers with the pound cake and berries.
