• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Grits and Pinecones
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Easter
  • Cinco de Mayo
  • Mother’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • All Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Desserts

    Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle

    December 2, 2018 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated October 15, 2020 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle

    It might be said that my Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle with its festive candy cane colors and delicious and decadent layers is a Christmas miracle!

    Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle with festive candy cane colors ready to serve in a trifle dish

    The holidays are upon us, and with all of the hustle and bustle, it seems as if there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. Not only that, but there are office parties and Christmas parties, plus out-of-town guests and I’m guessing you might be feeling slightly overwhelmed at this point.

    With this Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle, you can cross one worry off your list. This easy recipe starts with a red velvet cake mix and it literally only takes minutes to assemble.

    Make it ahead! 

    The cake can be made ahead and frozen well before the big day and then all you have to do is prepare the luscious cream cheese whipped cream.

    Yes, that’s right, as if whipped cream could get any more decadent, the addition of cream cheese not only makes it even more outrageous. It also gives it a little more body and the whipped cream holds up better when sandwiched between the layers of cake.

    Then, just because I can never just leave well enough alone, I added a layer of cherry pie filling. This brings all of the flavors together in a beautiful showstopping holiday dessert recipe!

    More Christmas dessert recipes:

    It seems like everything including desserts are a little more decadent during the holidays. And I confess to having some pretty decadent desserts on my blog. Check out these quick, easy and mostly make-ahead confections:

    • Cranberry Upside Down Cake
    • Christmas Cranberry Pie with Orange Marmalade
    • Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes
    • Chocolate Peppermint Whoopi Pies
    • Easy No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake
    • Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake
    • Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

    Need more Christmas dessert ideas or recipes perfect holiday entertaining, check out all of my Christmas recipes here: 

    Christmas trifle ingredients:

    The ingredients for this easy Christmas trifle include a box of red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, cream cheese, whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and cherry pie filling. Optional, crushed candy canes for garnish.

    Easy “how-to” directions for this red velvet trifle:

    Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the directions on the box and bake it in a 9×13 pan. If you are making it ahead, when the cake has cooled, wrap well and freeze until you are ready to prepare the trifle.

    To make the cream cheese whipped cream, use an electric mixer and whip the cream cheese in a small bowl until it is soft and fluffy. Set aside.

    Cream cheese whipped cream for Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle

    Add the whipping cream to a large bowl and use an electric mixer set on medium to whip the cream until soft peaks form.

    Add the cream cheese to the whipped cream and continue whipping on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and whip to combine. Taste and add more powdered sugar if you want it a little sweeter.

    Cream cheese whipped cream can be made up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

    When you are ready to make the trifle, cut the cake up into cubes and place a layer of cubes in the bottom of a trifle dish.

    Red Velvet Cake cut into cubes for Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle

    Top the cake cubes with ⅓ of the cherry pie filling and spread out evenly.

    Top the cherry pie filling with ⅓ of the cream cheese whipped cream and spread out evenly.

    Adding the Cream Cheese Chipped Cream layer to Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle

    Repeat the layers two more times ending with a layer of cream cheese whipped cream.

    Serve this easy trifle immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 1 day before serving.

    Optional, garnish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

    Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle with festive candy cane colors ready to serve in a trifle dish

    Sharon’s Tips:

    • I used a clear glass trifle bowl, which was approximately 7.5″ in diameter and 5″ deep. If you don’t have a trifle bowl, you can use a clear glass bowl.
    • Yes, you can substitute refrigerated whipped topping for the cream cheese whipped cream. However, you should only do this if you are going to be serving the cake immediately.  But the refrigerated whipped topping will not hold up quite as long in the refrigerator.
    • If you are making the cake ahead, wrap it up well and freeze for up to a month.

    ★ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

     

    Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle with festive candy cane colors ready to serve in a trifle dish

    Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    It might be said that Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Trifle dessert with its festive candy cane colors and delicious and decadent layers is a Christmas miracle!
    4.74 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 393 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 box red velvet cake mix prepared with vegetable oil and eggs per the cake mix directions
    • 8 oz package cream cheese softened
    • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
    • ¼ cup powdered sugar may add more to taste
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • pinch of salt
    • 21 oz cherry pie filling can

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the directions on the box and bake it in a 9x13 pan.
    • To make the cream cheese whipped cream, use an electric mixer and whip the cream cheese in a small bowl until it is soft and fluffy. Set aside.
    • Add the whipping cream to a large bowl and use an electric mixer set on medium to whip the cream until soft peaks form.
    • Add the cream cheese to the whipped cream and continue whipping on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and whip to combine. Taste and add more powdered sugar if you want it a little sweeter. Cream cheese whipped cream can be made up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
    • When you are ready to make the trifle, cut the cake up into cubes and place a layer of cubes in the bottom of a trifle dish.*
    • Top the cake cubes with ⅓ of the cherry pie filling and spread out evenly.
    • Top the cherry pie filling with ⅓ of the cream cheese whipped cream and spread out evenly.
    • Repeat the layers two more times ending with a layer of cream cheese whipped cream.
    • Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 1 day before serving.
    • Optional, garnish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

    Notes

    Sharon's Expert Tips:

    • I used a clear glass trifle bowl, which was approximately 7.5" in diameter and 5" deep. If you don't have a trifle bowl, you can use a clear glass bowl.
    • Yes, you can substitute refrigerated whipped topping for the cream cheese whipped cream if you are going to be serving the cake immediately and it will be delicious. However, it will not hold up quite as long in the refrigerator.
    • If you are making this dessert ahead, when the cake has cooled, wrap well and freeze for up to a month until you are ready to prepare the trifle

    Nutrition

    Calories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 228mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.7mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

    *This recipe was originally published on November 22, 2017. Republished December 2, 2018, with updated tips but no change to the original recipe.

    More Dessert Recipes recipes

    • A clear glass trifle dish with layers of angel food cake, strawberries and whipped cream.
      Strawberry Trifle with Angel Food Cake
    • Chocolate Ganache Tart with a slice cut out.
      Chocolate Ganache Tart & Raspberry Sauce
    • Collage of five different Valentine's Day desserts including a heart shaped cake, chocolate tart and panna cotta.
      33 Romantic Desserts for Valentine’s Day
    • A heart-shapped chocolate cake topped with cherries.
      Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake with Cherries

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Susan Yakus

      November 30, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      Oh My! I was struggling to find a Christmas dessert and this certainly fills the bill. The flavors sound delicious. I may crush and decorate a bit heavier with the peppermints, since my family loves chocolate mint. I can’t wait to try this. Thank you!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

    Celebrate Easter with these easy recipes:

    • Two lamb chops cut from a rack of lamb on a cutting board.
      Roasted Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Herbs
    • Pineapple cheese casserole topped with crushed Ritz crackers in a white baking dish.
      Baked Pineapple Cheese Casserole
    • A clear glass trifle dish with layers of angel food cake, strawberries and whipped cream.
      Strawberry Trifle with Angel Food Cake
    • Baked Ham topped with pineapple rings and cherries.
      Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
    • A rectangle white baking dish full of sweet potato casserole.
      Southern Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
    • Fresh strawberry pie topped with whipped cream on a white plate.
      Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie with Jello

    More Easter recipes:

    Most popular recipes:

    • A white bowl full of creamy potato salad topped with paprika.
      Classic Southern Potato Salad
    • Sliced baby back ribs on a cutting board.
      Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs and Dry Rub
    • Six hoecakes or fried cornbread on a white plate.
      Quick and Easy Hoe Cakes (Fried Cornbread)
    • Easy Baked Parmesan Grouper Fillets on a plate garnished with parsley and lemon
      Oven-Baked Parmesan Grouper Fillets Recipe – Quick and Easy
    • Fried shrimp and a bowl of cocktail sauce on a white plate.
      Easy Crispy Pan-Fried Shrimp
    • Pan Seared Red Snapper fillet covered with Mango Salsa on a white plate.
      Easy Pan-Seared Red Snapper

    More popular recipes:

    Featured in Parade, The Today Show, Better Homes & Gardens, Greatist, and more.

    Footer

    More Recipe Categories

    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Condiments, Jams, Jellies, Sauces, and Salad Dressings
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Game Day and Tailgating Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes

    More…

    • Lunch Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Snack Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • Southern Peas (Cowpeas) Recipes

    Grits and Pinecones

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Legal Disclaimer

    Copyright © 2023 Grits and Pinecones® · Privacy Policy · Legal Disclaimer

    • 111Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Yummly
    • Email
    1652 shares