This Eggnog Gingerbread Trifle is a decadent and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. Layers of rich gingerbread, creamy eggnog pudding, and whipped cream come together to create a dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or as a special treat for your family, this trifle is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Eggnog Gingerbread Trifle
For the Gingerbread:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup hot water
For the Eggnog Pudding:
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- Gingerbread cubes
- Eggnog pudding
- Whipped cream
- Ground nutmeg, for garnish
How to Make Eggnog Gingerbread Trifle
- Prepare the Gingerbread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water, until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely, then cut into cubes.
- Prepare the Eggnog Pudding:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggnog, cornstarch, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer the gingerbread cubes, eggnog pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle the top with ground nutmeg for garnish.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the trifle chilled, scooping out portions to reveal the beautiful layers of gingerbread, eggnog pudding, and whipped cream.
About the Main Ingredients
- Gingerbread: Gingerbread is a classic holiday flavor, featuring warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. It provides a sturdy base for the trifle and adds a deliciously spiced flavor.
- Eggnog: Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the pudding layer, as well as a festive eggnog flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to the trifle, balancing out the richness of the gingerbread and eggnog pudding.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a warm and aromatic spice that is often used to garnish eggnog. It adds a final touch of holiday flavor to the trifle.
