Best Gingerbread Trifle Recipes

PAULA'S PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Combine gingerbread cake mix, water, and eggs in a large bowl. Stir until well blended. Divide batter between 2 ungreased 9-inch cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Place cake pans on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Invert and let cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
• Combine milk and vanilla pudding mix in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let cool until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in pumpkin pie filling, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Crumble 1 gingerbread cake into the bottom of a large punch bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread. Add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with remaining gingerbread cake, pudding mixture, and whipped topping. Sprinkle gingersnaps on top.
• Refrigerate until pudding is set and flavors combine, 8 hours to overnight.

EGGNOG GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Prepare gingerbread cake mix and bake according to package directions (any size pan). Cool completely.
• Place the pudding mix in a large bowl. Pour in the eggnog and whisk for about 2 minutes. Refrigerate pudding until the gingerbread cake is cool and you are ready to assemble the trifle.
• In a large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in sugar and vanilla until peaks form.
• Crumble 1/2 of the gingerbread into the bottom of a trifle bowl or a large glass bowl. Spread 1/2 of the eggnog pudding over the gingerbread, then spread 1/2 of the whipped cream on top of the pudding. Repeat the layers with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped cream. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Sprinkle the top with the cranberries and cookie crumbs before serving.

GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set., In a 2-qt. serving bowl, layer half of the cake cubes and pudding. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup toffee bits. Top with remaining cake and pudding. Spread whipped topping over the top; sprinkle with remaining toffee bits. Garnish with cherry.

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely.
• Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set aside to cool.
• Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar, and cardamom into the pudding.
• Crumble 1 batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large, pretty bowl.
• Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping.
• Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped topping.
• Sprinkle of the top with crushed gingersnaps, if desired.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• Trifle can be layered in a punch bowl.

PAULA'S PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Preheat your oven then mix and bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; turn out onto a rack and let cool completely.
• While gingerbread is baking, cook the vanilla pudding according to the package directions; set aside and let cool.
• When pudding has cooled, stir in the pie filling, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
• Crumble the cooled gingerbread into pieces (about 1/4 inch, but not too finely).
• (If you have a trifle bowl, wonderful- otherwise you can use another large decorative bowl or a punchbowl to assemble the trifle in).
• Put half of the crumbled gingerbread in the bottom of the bowl, sprinkle with half of the sherry or Southern Comfort (if using), then pour half of the pudding mixture over it, and then half of the whipped topping.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining prepared ingredients as above, then sprinkle the crushed gingersnaps over the top (2 or 3 tablespoons chopped pecans would make a good addition to the topping, as well).
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight in the refrigerator.
• Notes: you can use spice cake instead of gingerbread for a gentler flavor.

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Make gingerbread:
• Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Butter a 13- by 9-inch baking pan. Line pan with foil, leaving an overhang at both ends, then butter foil.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
• Beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in egg until blended, then beat in molasses and buttermilk. At low speed, mix in flour mixture until smooth, then add hot water and beat 1 minute (batter may look curdled).
• Spread batter evenly in pan and bake until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan. Using foil as an aid, transfer gingerbread to a cutting board and cut into 1-inch cubes with a serrated knife.
• Make pumpkin mousse:
• Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small saucepan and let soften 1 minute. Bring to a simmer, stirring until gelatin has dissolved. Whisk together gelatin mixture, pumpkin, brown sugar, spices, and salt in a large bowl until combined well.
• Beat cream with vanilla using cleaned beaters until it holds soft peaks, then fold into pumpkin mixture gently but thoroughly.
• Make whipped cream:
• Beat cream with sugar and vanilla using mixer until it holds soft peaks.
• Assemble trifle:
• Put half of gingerbread cubes in trifle bowl. Top with half of pumpkin mousse, then half of whipped cream. Repeat layering once more with all of remaining gingerbread, mousse, and cream. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Prepare and bake gingerbread mixes according to package directions for cake. Cool completely on wire racks., Meanwhile, prepare pudding mix according to package directions. Stir in brown sugar and pumpkin; cool completely., Crumble half of the gingerbread into a 4-qt. glass bowl; press down gently. Layer gingerbread with half of the pudding mixture and half of the whipped topping; repeat layers. Refrigerate, covered, overnight before serving.

GINGERBREAD AND LEMON CURD TRIFLE WITH BLACKBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Spray 1 half-sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper; spray paper. Sift flour and next 6 ingredients into medium bowl. Mix in crystallized ginger. Using an electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in brown sugar. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Gradually beat in molasses, followed by 1 cup boiling water. Mix in grated lemon peel. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the pan sides. Turn out onto a rack and peel off paper. Cool and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• To assemble:
• Using a trifle bowl, start with an even layer of gingerbread cubes, top with 1/3 of the lemon curd mixture, and 1/3 of the blackberry sauce. Repeat 2 more times. Top with remaining whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
• Place lemon curd in a large bowl. Fold in half of the whipped cream until combined. Refrigerate if not using immediately. Reserve remaining whipped cream for the top of the trifle.
• Place blackberries, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan and cook until the berries are soft and the sugar has melted. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour through a strainer into a bowl. Stir in the framboise and lemon juice. Set aside until ready to use.

HOLIDAY PUMPKIN-GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Bake and cool gingerbread as directed on box.
• Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat pumpkin, condensed milk, pudding mix, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and milk with whisk 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is smooth and thickened; set aside.
• Cut gingerbread into 2- to 3-inch cubes. In trifle bowl or large clear glass bowl, layer half of gingerbread.
• Reserve 12 cookies and some of the whipped topping for garnish. Crumble 5 cookies over gingerbread layer. Spread about half of remaining whipped topping over cookies. Top with half of pumpkin mixture. Repeat layers. Crumble 2 remaining cookies over top. Garnish top with reserved whipped topping and whole cookies.
• Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving.

GINGERBREAD PUMPKIN TRIFLE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition., Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut gingerbread into 1/2-in. to 1-in. cubes; set aside., In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Combine the pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon; stir into pudding. In another bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and extract; beat until stiff peaks form., Set aside 1/4 cup gingerbread cubes. In a 4-qt. trifle bowl or glass serving bowl, layer a third of the remaining gingerbread cubes; top with a third of the pumpkin mixture and whipped cream. Repeat layers twice. Crumble reserved gingerbread; sprinkle over top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

GINGERBREAD BUTTERSCOTCH TRIFLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. With a stand or hand mixer beat butter with Sugar In The Raw® and Stevia In The Raw® until creamy. Beat in molasses and egg. Beat in flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt on low speed. Then mix in water on low speed, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely and then cut into 1-inch cubes.
• To make butterscotch, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, Stevia In The Raw®, cream, and salt and whisk until combined. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
• In a large bowl beat cream, Sugar In The Raw® and Stevia In The Raw® on high speed until stiff peaks form - about 1 minute. Keep whipped cream cold until ready to assemble trifle.
• To assemble, distribute half the gingerbread cubes amongst 10 individual serving dishes or jars. Top with some of the butterscotch sauce and whipped cream then top with the remaining gingerbread cubes, butterscotch, and whipped cream.

GINGERBREAD TRIFLE WITH COGNAC CUSTARD AND PEARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch-round-by-2-inch-tall cake pan; line with parchment.
• Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl, and set aside.
• Beat 8 tablespoons butter in electric mixer on medium-high speed until lightened, 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup at a time; scrape down sides after each addition. Beat until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes more. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition. Slowly add molasses, beating on medium speed, about 10 seconds. Slowly pour in buttermilk; beat to combine.
• On low speed, slowly add reserved flour mixture in 3 parts, beating to combine after each addition. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Let cool on wire rack. Gingerbread may be made 2 days ahead or kept frozen for 1 month.
• Juice lemon; place juice and both halves in large bowl of cold water. One at a time, peel pears, quarter, core, and cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch chunks; transfer to acidulated water.
• Drain pears; transfer half to 12-inch skillet. Add 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Place over high heat; saute, stirring, until sugar and butter melt and form caramel, 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium high, cover, and continue cooking 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Transfer pears and liquid to large bowl to cool; repeat with remaining pears, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Let cool completely.
• Slice gingerbread into 3 rounds of equal thickness. Cut each round into 8 triangles. Line bottom of trifle bowl with 8 triangles of gingerbread; trim to fit if needed. Spoon 1 cup Cognac Custard over gingerbread, followed by 2 cups pears. Repeat process in two groups, layering with remaining gingerbread, custard, and pears.

APPLE AND GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Mix Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Ginger, and Allspice in bowl.
• In separate bowl, beat butter and 4 Tablspoons Sugar until smooth.
• In third bowl, Mix milk and Molasses together.
• Mix third bowl into the Butter Mixture and then FOLD combined mixture into the Flour Mixture.
• Pour into a pan (I use an 8" x 8" x 2") that is lined with Wax Paper.
• Bake in oven at 350 F for about 35- 40 minutes.
• Let stand for 5 minutes and remove the Gingerbread to a rack to cool.
• Peel, core and dice apples in small pieces.
• Put them into a pot with 4 Tablespoons of Sugar and 1/2 cup Water.
• COVER and cook for about 5 minutes.
• Remove lid and continue to stir continuously until mixture STARTS to thicken.
• WHIP Cream and 4 Tablespoons of Sugar until it forms Peaks.
• PLACE slices of Gingerbread, Applesauce on top and Whipped Cream on top of that in bowl and repeat in layers until bowl is full.
• NOTE: ROUNDED Glass Bowl makes lovely presentation!
• TOP with toasted nuts and CHILL for about an hour!
• ENJOY!

CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Prepare cake mix according to package directions and bake using a 9-in. square baking pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 1-in. cubes., In a large bowl, whisk milk, eggnog and pudding mix 2 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes or until soft-set., Arrange nine cookies around sides of a 4-qt. glass bowl, using a third of the cake cubes to stand cookies upright. Top with a third of the pudding and whipped topping. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake, pudding and whipped topping. Refrigerate, covered, 4 hours or overnight., Just before serving, top with remaining cookies.

GINGERBREAD & PUMPKIN CREAM TRIFLE

Steps:

• Prepare and bake gingerbread cake according to package directions. Cool completely on a wire rack., Meanwhile, prepare pudding mix according to package directions; stir in brown sugar and pie mix. Transfer to a bowl; refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes., Cut or break gingerbread into 3/4-in. pieces. In ten 12-oz. glasses or a 3-qt. trifle bowl, layer half of each of the following: cake, pumpkin mixture and whipped topping. Repeat layers. Refrigerate, covered, 4 hours or overnight. Top as desired.

GINGERBREAD TRIFLE WITH CANDIED KUMQUATS AND WINE-POACHED CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• For candied kumquats:
• Stir sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Add kumquats; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until soft mixture to medium bowl. Cool. Cover and chill until cold. DO AHEAD: Can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.
• Before using, pour kumquat mixture through strainer; set kumquats aside for trifle. (Reserve syrup for another use.)
• For wine-poached cranberries :
• Stir wine and sugar in large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil wine mixture 5 minutes. Add cranberries and simmer until soft but still intact, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Cool. Cover and chill until cold. DO AHEAD: Can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.
• Before using, pour cranberry mixture through strainer; set cranberries aside for trifle. (Reserve syrup for another use.)
• For gingerbread cake:
• Combine stout and molasses in large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda (mixture will foam up). Let stand until completely cool, about 1 hour.
• Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Generously butter three 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Dust pans with flour; tap out excess. Whisk 2 cups flour and next 6 ingredients in large bowl to blend. Whisk eggs and both sugars in medium bowl to blend. Whisk oil, then stout mixture into egg mixture. Gradually whisk stout-egg mixture into flour mixture. Stir in fresh ginger. Divide batter among prepared pans (about 12/3 cups for each).
• Place 2 cake pans on top rack and 1 cake pan on bottom rack of oven. Bake until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, reversing position of pans halfway through baking, about 28 minutes total. Cool cakes in pans on rack 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks; cool completely. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap in plastic; store at room temperature.
• For mascarpone cheese:
• Using electric mixer, beat mascarpone in large bowl until smooth. Add all remaining ingredients and beat until peaks form and mixture is smooth (do not overbeat or mixture may curdle). Cover and chill up to 2 hours.
• Using serrated knife, cut each of 2 cakes in half horizontally for a total of 4 cake layers. (Reserve remaining cake for another use.) Trim 1 cake layer to 7-inch round. Place trimmed cake round in bottom of 7 3/4-inch-diameter, 43/4-inch-deep trifle dish. Scatter scant 1/2 cup drained kumquats in single layer over cake. Top with 11/3 cups mascarpone cream, spreading evenly to sides of dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup drained cranberries over. Repeat 2 more times with cake layer, kumquats, mascarpone cream, and cranberries. Top with fourth cake layer. Spread 1 1/3 cups mascarpone cream over. Spoon remaining cream into pastry bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe rosettes of mascarpone cream around top edge of dish. Tent loosely with foil; chill at least 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled. Cover and chill remaining kumquats and cranberries separately.
• Scatter remaining kumquats and cranberries over center of trifle and serve.
• An Italian cream cheese; sold at many supermarkets and at Italian markets.

GINGERBREAD PEAR TRIFLE

Steps:

• Make gingerbread: Preheat oven to 350°. Butter an 8- by 8-in. baking pan. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, 1 teaspoons ground ginger, the cloves, and 1/2 teaspoons salt. In a large bowl, whisk 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 egg until thick and pale.
• Stir in applesauce, molasses, 1 tablespoons fresh ginger, oil, and 1/4 cup hot water. Stir in flour mixture.
• Pour into pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes; turn out onto rack and let cool. Cut into 1-in. cubes.
• Cook pears: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add pears. Cook, stirring, until soft, 7 minutes.
• Stir in brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoons salt.
• Make custard: In a pan over medium heat, whisk half-and-half, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoons salt until thickened, 10 minutes. Take off heat; stir in vanilla and 2 tablespoons butter.
• Whip cream: In a large bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger until soft peaks form.
• 5. Assemble trifle: Put half the gingerbread cubes in a trifle dish or glass bowl. Sprinkle with half the brandy. Spoon half the pears and liquid over gingerbread. Pour half the custard over pears. Top with half the whipped cream and half the crystallized ginger. Repeat layers. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 1 day.

GINGERBREAD & LEMON CURD TRIFLE W/ BLACKBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Spray 1 half-sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper; spray paper.
• Sift flour and next 6 ingredients into medium bowl.
• Mix in crystallized ginger.
• Using an electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy.
• Beat in brown sugar.
• Beat in eggs, 1 at a time.
• Gradually beat in molasses, followed by 1 cup boiling water.
• Mix in grated lemon peel.
• Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
• Transfer batter to prepared pan.
• Bake until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Transfer to a rack to cool for 15 minutes.
• Run a knife around the pan sides.
• Turn out onto a rack and peel off paper. Cool and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Blackberry Sauce:.
• Place blackberries, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan and cook until the berries are soft and the sugar has melted.
• Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour through a strainer into a bowl.
• Stir in the framboise and lemon juice.
• Set aside until ready to use.
• To assemble:
• Using a trifle bowl, start with an even layer of gingerbread cubes, top with 1/3 of the lemon curd mixture, and 1/3 of the blackberry sauce.
• Repeat 2 more times.
• Top with remaining whipped cream.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

CRANBERRY-PEACH GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare and bake gingerbread mix as directed on package using water and egg. Remove from pan; place on wire rack. Cool 1 1/2 hours or until completely cooled.
• Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon; mix well. Add cranberry juice and cranberries. Cook over medium heat until bubbly, thickened and most cranberries have popped, stirring constantly. Place plastic wrap on surface of cranberry mixture; set aside.
• In medium bowl, prepare pudding mix as directed on package using milk. In small bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold 1 cup of the pudding into whipped cream. Reserve remaining pudding.
• Cut gingerbread into 1-inch cubes. Arrange 1/3 of gingerbread cubes in bottom of clear glass 2 1/2-quart soufflé dish or trifle bowl. Top with half of the peach slices; spoon half of cranberry mixture over peaches. Top with another 1/3 of gingerbread. Top with remaining peaches; spoon reserved pudding over peaches. Top with remaining gingerbread. Press lightly to compact layers. Spoon remaining cranberry mixture over gingerbread. Top with whipped cream-pudding mixture. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

LEMON-PEAR GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir gingerbread mix, water and egg with fork until blended. Stir vigorously about 2 minutes until well mixed. Pour into pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Meanwhile, drain pears into 2-cup glass measuring cup, reserving 3/4 cup pear liquid. Add 1/2 cup of the pie filling to pear liquid. Microwave uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes or until heated; stir with wire whisk until smooth. Refrigerate pears and remaining pie filling.
• Prick top of warm cake in several places with fork. Pour warm lemon sauce over cake; spread evenly. Cool cake completely, about 1 hour.
• Cut cake into 1 1/2-inch squares. In large bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until thickened. Slowly beat in remaining pie filling; continue beating until thickened. Place 1/3 of the cake cubes in bottom of 2-quart clear glass bowl. Spread with 1/3 of the cream mixture. Arrange 1/3 of the pears on cream mixture. Repeat layers twice with cake, cream mixture and pears. Cover; refrigerate at least 12 hours.