When it comes to holiday desserts, this Eggnog Trifle is a showstopper! With layers of creamy pudding, crunchy cookies, and juicy berries, it's the perfect balance of festive flavors and textures.
Jump to:
Eggnog Trifle Recipe
Each year, I go through different flavor phases, and right now, I'm enjoying eggnog. I made eggnog muffins and an eggnog dip, and I still have so many delicious ideas. I wish there were more days to share all the desserts I want to make during the holiday season!
This year, I wanted to create a simple but impressive dessert for holiday parties. This eggnog trifle hits the spot with creamy layers of eggnog pudding, crunchy gingersnap cookies, and fresh raspberries. It has all my favorite flavors of the season!
Don't forget to add a row of little gingerbread men peeking through the trifle bowl. This Christmas dessert will wow your guests before they even take a bite.
Why You'll Love This Holiday Dessert
- No need to turn on the oven! This easy dessert is stress-free and perfect for busy holiday schedules when you are short on time.
- The combination of eggnog, gingersnaps, and raspberries captures the taste of Christmas in every bite.
- The layers in this holiday trifle are visually stunning! It will be a hit at every Christmas party.
- Whether it's a family gathering, office party, or holiday potluck, this dessert is big enough to feed a crowd.
Main Ingredients
- Cookies: I used gingersnaps and crunchy gingerbread men for the layers and decorations. To simplify the process, you could buy two bags of gingerbread men and use those in the layers.
- Instant Pudding: You can use white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix for this recipe. Just make sure you buy instant so it sets up properly.
- Eggnog: A rich, full-fat eggnog will provide the best flavor for this recipe. My favorite store-bought eggnog is Southern Comfort; it's thick, creamy, and delicious.
- Cream Cheese: Use a block of full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and taste. Be sure to set it out ahead of time so it is softened.
- Extras: Adding rum extract plus ground nutmeg adds a more robust eggnog flavor to the pudding.
- Cool Whip: Gives the pudding mixture a fluffy texture. If you prefer, 3 cups of homemade whipped topping works too.
- Raspberries: Fresh berries are best for this recipe. After thawing, frozen berries will be too juicy and make the cookies soggy.
BruCrew Tip: Use the leftover eggnog to make a batch of eggnog whipped cream. It's a delicious addition to holiday desserts, hot chocolate, or your morning cup of coffee.
How To Make An Eggnog Trifle
The layers of fresh berries, cheesecake pudding, and gingersnap cookies make this Christmas trifle absolutely stunning.
- Whisk together the pudding mix and eggnog in a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate until thickened.
- Place the cream cheese into the mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Slowly add the chilled eggnog custard to the cream cheese and beat again. Stir in the extract and nutmeg, then fold in the Cool Whip.
- Place half the chopped cookies in the bottom of a large bowl, then add half the raspberries. Eight gingerbread boy cookies should be placed standing up around the outside of the bowl before continuing with the rest of the layers.
- Gently spoon in half the eggnog mixture, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Repeat with the remaining cookies, berries, and eggnog pudding.
- Add the remaining whipped cream on the top. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving, garnish with raspberries, mint leaves, and gingerbread boys.
Storage Recommendations
This gingerbread eggnog trifle is best if served within 24 hours of making it. The fruit will get juicy and soften the cookie layers the longer it sits.
Cover the layered dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you can serve it.
Tips and Tricks
- Layer everything in a large, clear trifle bowl that holds at least 3 quarts. A punch bowl is another great option.
- Sturdy gingersnap cookies are ideal because they withstand the layers without getting too soggy. You can also use a pre-made angel food cake or pound cake instead of cookies.
- Let the trifle chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Place the gingerbread cookies around the edges of the trifle bowl for a whimsical, festive touch.
- This dessert can be made one day in advance, giving you more time to focus on other holiday preparations.
FAQs
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of gingersnaps, try graham crackers, vanilla wafers, angel food cake, or pound cake.
Substitute the eggnog in the pudding layer with milk or a flavored creamer for a different twist.
Yes! Layer the ingredients in small glasses or Mason jars for single-serving trifles. These are great for parties and make a cute presentation.
No, I do not recommend freezing this Christmas dessert. It will not be the same after it thaws.
More Eggnog Desserts
- Eggnog Thumbprints
- Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
- No Bake Egg Nog Pie
- Hot Chocolate Eggnog
- Eggnog Cupcakes
- Eggnog Bundt Cake recipe
Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.
Recipe
Eggnog Trifle
When it comes to holiday desserts, this Eggnog Trifle is a showstopper! With layers of creamy pudding, crunchy cookies, and juicy berries, it's the perfect balance of festive flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 16 ounce package gingersnaps, chopped
- 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 ¼ cups eggnog
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon rum extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg + extra for garnish
- 6 cups fresh raspberries + 6 for garnish
- 10 gingerbread boy cookies
- mint leaves, optional
Instructions
- Whisk the pudding mix and eggnog in a bowl, then place it in the refrigerator.
- Place the cream cheese into a mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Slowly add the chilled pudding to the cream cheese and beat again. Stir in the extract and nutmeg, then fold in half of the Cool Whip gently.
- Layer half the chopped cookies in the bottom of a trifle bowl. Top with half the raspberries.
- Place 8 gingerbread boy cookies standing up around the outside of the bowl. Gently spoon in half the eggnog mixture. Use a spoon to spread it out evenly.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies, berries, and eggnog cheesecake.
- Add the remaining Cool Whip on the top of the layers. Top with raspberries, mint leaves, and gingerbread boy cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve. It is best served within 1 day of making it.
Notes
- Layer everything in a large, clear trifle bowl that holds at least 3 quarts. A punch bowl is another great option.
- Sturdy gingersnap cookies are ideal because they withstand the layers without getting too soggy. You can also use a pre-made angel food cake or pound cake instead of cookies.
- Let the trifle chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Place the gingerbread cookies around the edges of the trifle bowl for a whimsical, festive touch.
- This dessert can be made one day in advance, giving you more time to focus on other holiday preparations.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 409Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 350mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 4gSugar: 28gProtein: 6g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in December 2016. It was updated and then republished in December 2024.
Jane
I need to make this dairy free, will let you know how it turns out
Brandi
Was wondering if this could be made the night before or is it better to make the day of?
Jocelyn
I would say it's probably the best if you make it the day you are actually going to serve it. It should be ok though if you need to make it one day ahead. I hope you enjoy the trifle!
KS
Made it today for a church event....BIG hit!!! It tasted great!!!
Jocelyn
That's awesome to hear! I'm so glad everyone loved it!!!
Robert Lopez
Really, no bake eggnog cheese cake trifle? Yummy,,perfect treat for the new year.
Cecilia Charlton
Love it,going To make for christmas
Maureen Blackburn
What a yummy, festive dessert!! Gingerbread is one of my favorites this year, and I know this one will bring huge satisfied smiles. Thank you for another amazing recipe!! And, egg nog is always a favorite.
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting
This trifle is so cute! I am a huge eggnog fan, sometimes I think I have an issue LOL
Marye
YUM! This looks so gorgeously delicious!
Beth - Slice of Southern
This is such a festive looking dessert. I love your creativity! Pinned this to try it!!!
Pam
This has been a popular Christmas dessert at my house for the last few years. Easy to make and so good! A family favorite!
Jocelyn
I am so thrilled that this is a favorite recipe in your house! Thank you for sharing!