How to Layer a Trifle for a Gorgeous Dessert

Container Choices

To show off the layers of cake, berries, and custard, a straight-sided glass dish is best. If you don't have a trifle dish, get creative. Use a clear glass bowl or cookie jar, or even a straight-sided vase. Just make sure the opening at the top is large enough to add all your ingredients and to spoon out complete portions.

Layer 1: Start with a Sauce

Start by spreading a layer of sauce in the bottom of the dish. For this trifle, we used a creamy lemon-white chocolate sauce made with eggs, cream, white chocolate, and lemon juice for the bottom layer, but you could also start with homemade pudding, your favorite frosting, or a fruit sauce.

Buy It: Classic Glass Trifle Serving Bowl (Target)

Layer 2: Top with Crumbled Cake

Next, add a layer of cake cubes on top of the sauce, making sure the cake is equally distributed. We used a dense spicy gingerbread for this trifle. Other options for the cake layer include crumbled cookies, pumpkin bread cubes, ladyfingers, brownies, or slightly sweet corn bread.

Layer 3: Spoon on More Sauce

Next, add more sauce. This second layer in a trifle ensures the cake absorbs all the rich flavor of the creamy sauce. Or, if you want to learn how to layer a berry trifle, you could try adding a layer of berries between the cake and the second layer of sauce or pudding. Don't overdo this second sauce layer, you want to be sure to keep your cake cubes visible.

Layer 4: Add Fruit

For color and flavor, top the trifle with a sweet fruit compote or fresh cut fruit. For this Christmas trifle, tart cranberries are cooked in sugar until syrupy, then paired with sweet strawberries. Just remember: Trifles are meant to be viewed all the way around, so when you're adding the berries, make sure to spread them out all the way to the sides and don't them into the center. If you're just learning how to assemble a chocolate trifle, you could leave out the fruit and add chocolate curls or colored chocolate candies.

Layer 5: Finish with Whipped Cream

For the final layer, a dollop of whipped cream adds extra richness to the dessert. For a boost of flavor and a bit of flair, we sprinkled candied ginger strips over the whipped cream. For other trifle recipes, you could add a dusting of cocoa powder, a sprig of fresh mint, or sprinkles to make the whipped cream look more festive. Enjoy the trifle right away or refrigerate until ready to serve (up to overnight). Use a large spoon when serving in order to keep all those layers intact.

Make Mini Trifles

If you don't own a suitable bowl, another option is to make mini trifles. You can use individual trifle bowls, which will have the same look as a large one but in miniature form, or you can use Mason jars, wine glasses, or any clear glass container that will allow your guests to see those layers.

Buy It: Clear Glass Individual Trifle Bowls, Set of 4 ( World Market)