Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Pear And Gingerbread Trifle
DessertsMedium

Pear And Gingerbread Trifle

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Pear and Gingerbread Trifle is truly one of my go-to desserts when I want something that feels incredibly festive but doesn't take all day to assemble. There’s just something about the warmth of gingerbread mixed with sweet, soft pears that instantly makes me think of cozy evenings. What I really adore about this trifle is how it balances textures. You get that soft, spiced crumble from the gingerbread mixed with the creamy custard and the lovely, subtle sweetness of the poached pears. It looks so elegant layered in a glass bowl, but honestly, it comes together so quickly—perfect for my 'Fast Dessert Recipes' motto! It’s elegant without being fussy, which is exactly how I like my baking. My little tip for making this the best it can be is to let it chill for at least a few hours before serving; that time allows the gingerbread to soak up just the right amount of moisture from the custard, making every spoonful perfect. It really takes the texture from good to absolutely divine. I hope you give this Pear and Gingerbread Trifle a try this season. I know you’re going to love the delicious combination of flavors just as much as I do. Drop us a line and let us know how your trifle turned out!
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
6
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan.

2

In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses.

3

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.

4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes.

6

Let the baked gingerbread cool completely in the pan, then cut into cubes.

7

In a medium bowl, toss chopped pears with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.

8

In a clean bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

9

In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer the gingerbread cubes, pear mixture, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

10

Chill the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving.

11

Garnish with crystallized ginger or toasted almonds, if desired.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the gingerbread component of this Pear and Gingerbread Trifle ahead of time?

Yes, the gingerbread cake can be baked up to two days in advance. Once fully cooled, wrap the 8-inch square cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. Store it at room temperature until you are ready to assemble the trifle layers.

What is the best way to store leftover Pear and Gingerbread Trifle?

Because this trifle likely contains a creamy or whipped element between the gingerbread layers, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it chilled; it is best consumed within 3 days for optimal texture.

Can I substitute the spices in the gingerbread for this trifle recipe?

While the spice blend (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) is key to the flavor, you can adjust the ratios slightly if needed. If you omit ground cloves due to preference, increase the ground ginger to 2 1/2 teaspoons to maintain a robust warmth in your gingerbread layer.