Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe

If you’re hunting for a festive dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, this Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe is a total showstopper. Combining rich cheesecake pudding, fluffy whipped topping, fudgy brownies, and a refreshing crunch of white chocolate peppermint candies, it’s the perfect sweet treat to bring some holiday cheer to your table. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering or a lively Christmas party, this trifle delivers layers of creamy, chocolaty, and minty goodness with minimal fuss—making it a beloved go-to recipe that’s easy to whip up yet impresses every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe relies on simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds its own magic—from the creamy cheesecake pudding base to the minty punch of crushed peppermint candies, the rich brownies for texture, and the whipped topping to balance it all with perfect lightness and sweetness.

• Instant cheesecake pudding mix (2 packages, 3.4 oz each): The star flavor providing a rich and tangy foundation.
• Cold milk (3 cups): Essential to whisk the pudding mix and achieve that smooth, luscious consistency.
• Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Adds a fluffy, creamy texture; you can reserve some for garnish too.
• Brownies (enough for two 8×8 pans or one 13×9 pan, cooked and cooled): Fudgy cubes that bring chocolate depth and happiness in every bite.
• Crushed white chocolate peppermint candies (10-12 oz): Delivers that refreshing holiday mint crunch that makes this trifle truly festive.

How to Make Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

Start by whisking together the two packages of instant cheesecake pudding mix with the cold milk for about two minutes until completely smooth. This creamy mixture is what makes the trifle decadently rich without needing any baking. Gently fold in the whipped topping next; it lightens the texture and adds sweetness. If you want a pretty whipped decoration later, save about a cup for garnish. Then pop this luscious pudding mixture in the fridge—chilling it will make layering easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownies and Chocolate

While your pudding chills, cut those fresh brownies into one-inch cubes. The fudgy brownie chunks bring a chewy, chocolaty contrast inside the trifle that everyone loves. Next, crush or chop your white chocolate peppermint candies into small, even bits to ensure they spread evenly throughout the layers. These minty bits add a festive crunch and a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble the Trifle

Now comes the fun part—layering!

Take a large 3-quart trifle dish or any clear glass bowl that shows off the beautiful layers. Begin with a third of the brownie cubes on the bottom. Spread a third of your chilled pudding mixture over the brownies, then sprinkle a third of the crushed peppermint candies on top. Repeat this layering process two more times so that the trifle has three lovely layers of brownies, pudding, and peppermint. This creates a stunning striped effect while ensuring each bite has a balance of all the flavors and textures.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

If you reserved some whipped topping earlier, this is when to dollop or pipe it on top for a pretty and inviting finish. The smooth white whipped topping against the peppermint candies creates holiday vibes visually and flavor-wise. Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve; chilling not only helps the trifle set nicely but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra wow factor, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies over the whipped topping right before serving. You can also add a few whole peppermint sticks or sprigs of fresh mint for a festive and fragrant presentation. This simple garnish brings an elegant holiday touch that’s sure to delight your guests.

Side Dishes

This Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe stands out as a luscious dessert, so keep sides light and balanced. Pair it alongside simple spiced cookies or vanilla bean coffee for a perfect holiday spread. A fresh fruit platter or a crisp green salad can also offer a refreshing contrast after this indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a creative spin, try assembling smaller individual trifles in clear mini glasses or mason jars—perfect for gifting or portion control at parties. You could also layer the trifle in a large glass bowl but use colorful layers by adding crushed red velvet cake instead of brownies for a vibrant twist. With the peppermint candies and cheesecake pudding, your options are both festive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This trifle keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to preserve freshness. The flavors actually improve with a bit of resting time, so leftovers are just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze the leftover trifle, it’s best to avoid freezing after the whipped topping is added as it may affect the texture. To freeze before assembling, store the pudding mix and brownie cubes separately in airtight containers. When thawed, assemble fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without compromising flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The trifle actually benefits from sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully and the layers set perfectly. Just be sure to cover it tightly to avoid drying out.

What can I use instead of brownie cubes?

If brownies aren’t your favorite, you can use cake cubes such as vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the pudding without turning mushy.

Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?

Yes! Homemade whipped cream works wonderfully here if you prefer a fresher, less processed option. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form and fold it gently into the pudding mixture.

Is there a way to make this dessert dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free pudding mixes and whipped toppings available at many stores. Just make sure to check ingredients carefully and adjust milk substitutes like almond or oat milk to create the pudding base.

How important are the peppermint candies to the recipe?

The crushed white chocolate peppermint candies are what give this recipe its signature festive flavor and texture. While you could omit them, the minty crunch is what sets this Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe apart, so I highly recommend including them if possible.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe is one of my favorite holiday desserts because it’s both effortless and irresistibly festive. The combo of creamy cheesecake pudding, fudgy brownies, and that refreshing peppermint crunch is truly something special. Give it a try at your next Christmas gathering—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this treat disappears and how many compliments you’ll get. Trust me, it’s a dessert everyone will want to come back for again and again!

Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle Recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Easy Christmas Peppermint Trifle is a delightful no-bake dessert that layers creamy cheesecake pudding, fluffy whipped topping, rich brownie cubes, and crushed white chocolate peppermint candies. Perfect for the holiday season, this trifle combines festive flavors and textures into an eye-catching and delicious treat ready in just 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Pudding Mixture

• 2 packages instant cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
• 3 cups cold milk
• 8 oz thawed whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Brownies

• Brownies, cooked and cooled: either two 8×8 pans or one 13×9 batch

Garnish

• 10–12 oz crushed white chocolate peppermint candies (amount varies by brand)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two packages of instant cheesecake pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk for 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Gently fold in the 8 oz of thawed whipped topping until well combined. Reserve 1 cup of the whipped topping separately if you want to use it for garnish later. Place the pudding mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other components.
2. Prepare the Brownies and Chocolate: Cut the cooked and cooled brownies into 1-inch cubes to create uniform layers. If the white chocolate peppermint candies are in large pieces, crush or chop them into smaller bits to facilitate even layering in the trifle.
3. Assemble the Trifle: Using a 3-quart trifle dish or a large clear bowl, start by placing one-third of the cubed brownies evenly at the bottom. Spoon one-third of the pudding mixture over the brownies, spreading it out gently. Sprinkle one-third of the crushed peppermint candies evenly on top. Repeat this layering process two more times to build three layers of brownies, pudding mixture, and peppermint candy, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and visually appealing.
4. Garnish and Chill: If you reserved whipped topping earlier, pipe or spoon it decoratively on top of the last candy layer for an extra festive look and creamy texture. Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.

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Notes

• Use a clear trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layered effect and colors of the dessert.
• For an extra kick, you can add a splash of peppermint extract to the pudding mixture, but start with a small amount as it is quite potent.
• Brownies can be homemade or store-bought to save time.
• This dessert is best served within 24 hours of assembling for optimal texture and freshness.
• If you want to keep the topping extra fresh and fluffy, add the garnish just before serving instead of during assembly.