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These Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups are a festive and delicious way to impress your guests without stress. Layered with tart cranberry sauce, smooth cream cheese, and crunchy gingerbread cookies, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feel like the holidays in every bite.
I first made these on Christmas Eve when I needed a quick but impressive dessert. Now they are a tradition that family and friends look forward to every year.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: Fresh berries deliver tartness and vibrant color they should be firm and bright red for the best flavor
- Sugar: Controls the sweetness of the cranberry sauce adjust to your taste to balance the tartness
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a rich and creamy texture essential for the layering
- Whipped cream: Adds lightness and a fluffy texture it’s best to use freshly whipped cream for smoothness
- Vanilla extract: Provides subtle sweetness and warmth choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor
- Gingerbread cookies: Crushed gingerbread cookies add crunch and festive spice opt for crunchy varieties over soft for texture contrast
- Pecans: Chopped pecans offer an earthy crunch that pairs beautifully with the gingerbread cookies
- Mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves brighten the presentation and add a mild herbal note select fresh green leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Simmer the Cranberries:
- Combine fresh cranberries and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until most cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely to set the sauce.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract, mixing just enough to combine smoothly without deflating the whipped cream.
- Build the Trifle Cups:
- Start by adding a layer of crushed gingerbread cookies to the bottom of each cup. Next, spoon a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the cookies followed by a layer of cooled cranberry sauce. Repeat these layers until cups are almost full, finishing with a generous final layer of whipped cream on top.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the whipped cream for added texture and garnish each cup with fresh mint leaves to add a festive green pop. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
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I love the cranberry sauce because it brings that perfect holiday tartness that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese layer. One year my kids helped me crush the gingerbread cookies and it became our fun pre-Christmas tradition.
Storage tips
Store leftover trifle cups in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture of the cookies will soften slightly but the flavors will meld beautifully. Avoid freezing as the whipped cream layer can separate with thawing.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have gingerbread cookies try shortbread or graham crackers for a milder crunch. Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference or omit nuts entirely to keep it allergy-friendly.
Serving suggestions
Serve these trifle cups as an elegant holiday dessert or at festive brunches alongside hot spiced cider or mulled wine. They also make charming individual desserts for holiday parties served in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers.
Cultural context
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Trifles are a traditional British dessert typically assembled in layers with cake, fruit, jelly, custard, and whipped cream. This version adds a Christmas twist by using gingerbread and cranberry sauce to capture the flavors of the season in an easy handheld form.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the cranberry sauce in advance?
Yes, the cranberry sauce can be made ahead and cooled before layering, which helps flavors develop.
- → What can I use instead of gingerbread cookies?
Shortbread or graham cracker crumbs work well as alternatives, adding a different but complementary crunch.
- → How can I make the cream cheese mixture smoother?
Beating the cream cheese until fully softened before folding in whipped cream ensures a smooth, fluffy texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Substitute cream cheese and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegan-friendly cookies for a vegan version.
- → What is the best way to store the assembled cups?
Cover and refrigerate the cups for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness and firmness.