Ultimate Gingerbread Trifle Recipe

Updated on: December 12, 2025

A decadent gingerbread trifle recipe layered with creamy white custard, rich gingerbread cake, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream in a clear glass bowl, garnished with chocolate.

Get ready to dazzle your guests with this incredible Gingerbread Trifle! This festive, layered dessert combines the warm, spicy notes of classic gingerbread with a luscious, creamy filling and rich caramel sauce. It’s a true showstopper, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Prepare this Gingerbread Trifle to be the star of your dessert table; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This recipe preps in just 45 minutes, bakes in 25 minutes, and yields 16 generous servings.

The elegant and indulgent trifle has a rich and captivating history, originating in England over 400 years ago. Learn more about the history of this classic English dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Trifle

Deliciously Festive Flavor Profile: Every spoonful bursts with the comforting taste of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, making it perfect for the holidays.
Stunning, Impressive Presentation: Layers of moist gingerbread cake, creamy filling, and golden caramel create an eye-catching dessert in a trifle dish.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: You can assemble this Gingerbread Trifle a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and saving you time on party day.
Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Treat: Its generous serving size and universally loved flavors make it ideal for large family dinners or festive celebrations.
Versatile for Various Occasions: While perfect for Christmas, this delightful dessert also shines at winter potlucks or any time you crave a comforting, spiced treat.

Ingredients

To create this show-stopping Gingerbread Trifle, you will need a few simple components, each contributing to its delightful flavor and texture.

For the Gingerbread Cake

3 cups all purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1½ tablespoons ground ginger
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1½ cups light brown sugar (packed)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup molasses
1 cup whole milk (room temperature)

For the Whipped Gingerbread Cream Cheese Filling

16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)

For Assembly & Garnish

Optional toppings: crushed gingersnaps, extra whipped cream, fresh cranberries, or candied ginger for a beautiful finish.

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adjust the spices in the gingerbread cake and filling to your preference. For a richer flavor, use dark molasses; light molasses offers a milder taste. If you need a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to create this impressive dessert. Gather these items before you begin.

Large mixing bowls
Stand mixer or hand mixer
9×13 inch baking pan
Small saucepan
Whisk
Large trifle dish (about 3-4 quarts)
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to assemble your stunning Gingerbread Trifle. Take your time with each component for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and molasses until well combined.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Pour the gingerbread cake batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once fully cooled, cut the gingerbread cake into uniform 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Gingerbread Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth and creamy.
Mix in the molasses and milk until the filling is thoroughly combined and has a uniform color.
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to over-whip.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the gingerbread cream cheese mixture in two additions. Use a spatula to maintain the light, airy texture.
Chill the finished cream cheese filling in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble your delicious Gingerbread Trifle.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat. Do not stir initially; gently swirl the pan occasionally to prevent burning. Watch closely until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
Once melted, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully add the cold, unsalted butter, stirring continuously until it melts and combines with the sugar. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
Slowly and carefully whisk in the cold heavy cream. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble and steam. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
Return the saucepan to low heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel sauce slightly thickens.
Remove from heat and let the caramel cool slightly before using. It will thicken further as it cools.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

Begin assembly by placing one-third of the gingerbread cake cubes in the bottom of your large trifle dish. Create an even layer.
Drizzle a generous amount of the slightly cooled caramel sauce over the cake layer.
Spread one-third of the whipped gingerbread cream cheese filling evenly over the caramel-drizzled cake.
Repeat the layering sequence: another layer of cake cubes, followed by caramel sauce, then cream cheese filling.
Place the remaining cake cubes as the final cake layer, drizzle with the last of the caramel, and finish with a generous, final layer of the cream cheese filling on top.
Refrigerate the assembled Gingerbread Trifle for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the moisture.
Before serving, garnish your beautiful gingerbread dessert with optional toppings like crushed gingersnaps, fresh cranberries, or a dollop of extra whipped cream.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Gingerbread Trifle is simple with these helpful pointers.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure butter, eggs, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them combine smoothly and creates a uniform, tender cake and creamy filling. According to baking experts, using room temperature ingredients in baking ensures that they emulsify properly, leading to a smoother, more evenly textured batter and a superior final product. Discover why room temperature ingredients are crucial for baking success.
Avoid Overmixing Cake Batter: Mix the cake batter only until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
Tips for Perfect Caramel: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts; it can burn quickly. Adding cold butter and cream helps stop the cooking process and creates a smooth sauce.
Chill Trifle Adequately: Chilling for at least 4 hours is crucial. It allows the cake to become moist and the layers to set, preventing a soggy trifle and enhancing flavor.
Taste-Test Spices: Before adding all the spices to the cake and filling, taste a tiny bit of the batter/mixture and adjust the spice levels to your personal preference.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This Gingerbread Trifle is an adaptable and versatile dessert, perfect for any festive table.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this impressive gingerbread delight chilled, allowing its layers to shine. Offer extra garnishes like a dusting of cinnamon, sugared cranberries, or a side of hot coffee or rich hot cocoa for a complete experience. The spiced notes pair beautifully with warm beverages.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Gingerbread Trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It remains fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. We do not recommend freezing this trifle, as the cream cheese filling and cake texture can change after thawing, becoming watery or crumbly.

Recipe Variations

Add Different Nuts: Incorporate toasted pecans or walnuts between layers for added crunch and flavor.
Candied Ginger Kick: Sprinkle finely chopped candied ginger over the cream cheese layers for a sweet, spicy bite.
Different Fruit Layer: Add a thin layer of spiced poached pears or stewed apples between the cake and filling for a fruity twist.
Boozy Trifle Option: Drizzle the cake layers with a splash of rum, brandy, or a gingerbread liqueur for an adult version of this delightful treat.

Nutrition Information

Please note, the following nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredient calculations. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and exact portion sizes. This Gingerbread Trifle offers a rich, satisfying dessert experience.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (estimated)
Calories	450 kcal
Total Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	200mg
Total Carbs	55g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	40g
Protein	5g

FAQ

Can I make this gingerbread trifle ahead? Absolutely! This Gingerbread Trifle is an ideal make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and the cake to moisten perfectly.
What if I don’t have a trifle dish? No problem! You can assemble this layered dessert in any large, clear glass bowl or even individual serving glasses for a charming presentation.
Can I use store-bought gingerbread? Yes, for an even quicker assembly, you can use store-bought gingerbread cake or gingersnap cookies as the base. Adjust the liquid drizzle if using cookies.
How to prevent a soggy trifle? Ensure your cake is completely cooled before assembly. Also, don’t over-drizzle with caramel or other liquids, especially if making it far in advance.
Can I make this gluten-free? You can easily adapt this gingerbread trifle recipe by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the cake and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that embodies the festive spirit of the holidays. Its enchanting layers of spiced gingerbread cake, creamy filling, and luscious caramel create a truly unforgettable experience. This gingerbread delight is incredibly satisfying and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering. We encourage you to try this simple yet elegant Gingerbread Trifle recipe and make it a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with us!