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Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups

  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups are a merry little dessert that packs BIG holiday flavor. Layered with velvety cream cheese filling, bright homemade cranberry sauce, crunchy gingerbread cookie crumbs, and a festive sprinkle of pecans, every spoonful is creamy, cozy, and full of Christmas cheer. Served in individual cups for easy entertaining, these minis are perfect for holiday parties, winter gatherings, or a make-ahead Christmas Eve treat that looks stunning on any dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup gingerbread cookies, crushed
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • Mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the cranberry sauce:
    In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries and sugar over medium heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the mixture becomes thick and jammy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the creamy layer:
    In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and well combined.
  3. Assemble the trifles:
    Begin by adding a layer of crushed gingerbread cookies at the bottom of each serving cup. Spoon a layer of the cream cheese mixture on top, followed by a layer of cooled cranberry sauce. Continue alternating layers until the cups are full, ending with a layer of cream or the cream cheese mixture for a clean, festive look.
  4. Finish and garnish:
    Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top layer and add a fresh mint leaf for a holiday touch. Serve immediately or chill for up to several hours.

Notes

  1. The cranberry mixture thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks loose in the pan.
  2. Softening the cream cheese fully helps the cream layer stay smooth and lump-free.
  3. If serving later, layer just before serving to keep the cookie base from getting too soft unless you like a softer trifle texture!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday Dessert, No-Bake
  • Method: Stovetop + Layering
  • Cuisine: American, Christmas, Winter

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 trifle cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: cranberry trifle cups, Christmas trifle, cream cheese cranberry dessert, holiday mini trifles, no bake Christmas dessert, gingerbread trifle, festive layered dessert

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Find it online: https://www.chefsophia.com/christmas-cranberry-cream-cheese-trifle-cups/