![Southern Living Punch Bowl Cake ready to serve with bowls and spoons beside](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/HmeQExETMavUqyDMNqsnuPbO-dU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PunchBowlCake_beauty_Batch55_11470-b8fb3ac643224d989c8239138b8f4718.jpg)
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
No holiday spread is complete without at least one dessert on the table, and in the South, that dish is likely a trifle. They are much easier to make than a layer cake but just as impressive—and more portable, too.
One of the best things about trifles is how quickly you can create a delicious dessert display—thanks in part to the large glass dishes in which they are assembled. With the primary base components consisting of cake, custard, and fruit layers, there is plenty of room for creativity when it comes to flavors, toppings, and composition.
From a classic Brownie Trifle to a festive Ambrosia Trifle, these impressive (and impressively easy!) treats are ready for any celebration. Serve up a bowlful of cheer with one of our delicious and decadent holiday trifle recipes that are sure to be the start of the show.
Chocolate Trifle
![Chocolate Trifle Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/0goN53mhlKo1O2N1F8DU-LNiWOs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2547201_south17369_0_2-42d608d511ce4d59a51474ed72916170.jpg)
Don't be intimidated by this decadent dessert; even the novice baker can pull it off. With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, your guests will have no idea you didn't labor over the pudding and brownies all day. Kahlua adds a fresh flavor to a traditional chocolate trifle; however, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, 4 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee and 1 teaspoon of sugar may be substituted.
Cherry-Spice Cake Trifle
![Cherry-Spice Cake Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/suQiLs39s2YB3MqkryWZK3p48j8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2426402_pecan007_0-2000-4a5405002a734e848bda889a33018596.jpg)
While we love the homemade custard and spice cake in this cheery holiday trifle, you can save time by opting for a vanilla custard mix and boxed spice cake mix instead.
Ambrosia Trifle
![Ambrosia Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NP43E9adgZi-RMiqA-9DV3QhKI4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/26734_Trifle_153B-2000-fd58e73f2abf41acba837c15622f8b64.jpg)
We'd be remiss not to include ambrosia, a classic Southern holiday dish made with citrus, cherries, and coconut. Those ingredients, plus cake and custard, also happen to also make a fantastic trifle.
Old-Fashioned Trifle
![Old-Fashioned Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/rFzs9k3z4d3-ELt2e0HTffFR9B4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2617001_spiri_old_fashioned_trifle_303_0-2000-f8d32fb6db68445cbf7821a66a99996a.jpg)
We're talking the boozy kind of old-fashioned here. The classic cocktail was the inspiration for this spectacular trifle.
Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle
![Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/46WB-tNiqnvxNaeT2ZJG4rT_7Vs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2247902_9reda_11993_wms3_0-2000-838e9617023c4bb6afedabcf64929dfe.jpg)
Recipe: Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle
This one is shockingly easy: You can make it in just 30 minutes and up to four days before your guests arrive. Cranberries add the right amount of tartness to balance the other components, and they add a pretty pop of red to your table too.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Trifle
![Hot Chocolate Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/y7TZxMcbL9h9qvIVOTTYMc7E5WE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2335201_ibhto_075_1-2000-29e84102e3d846339fb5f28e344e4156.jpg)
Recipe: Mexican Hot Chocolate Trifle
Our traditional chocolate trifle just got an upgrade. Just like a cup of hot cocoa, we're layering in marshmallow topping. Complete this dessert by sprinkling delicate chocolate curls on top.
Punch Bowl Trifle
![Southern Living Punch Bowl Cake ready to serve with bowls and spoons beside](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HmeQExETMavUqyDMNqsnuPbO-dU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PunchBowlCake_beauty_Batch55_11470-b8fb3ac643224d989c8239138b8f4718.jpg)
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
This "bowl cake" starts with a boxed vanilla cake mix and vanilla pudding, and rom there, the flavor combinations are seemingly endless. This recipe includes layers of cherry pie filling, coconut, bananas, whipped topping, and maraschino cherries on top.
Red Velvet-Raspberry Tiramisù Trifle
![Red Velvet-Raspberry Tiramisu Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9KUAmJykkAzbGrLzN0lAK7kXpz0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2138801_redve0732a_0_0_0-2000-eba9e44edfa9413d92f225e1e159cc48.jpg)
Dress up this red velvet dessert by creating snowflakes with royal icing. To make the snowflakes, draw the desired shapes on wax paper with icing and let them dry.
Butterscotch-Spice Trifle
![Butterscotch-Spice Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NFXjGpFEbpprusnuDO7RYiPvcNg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2582701_tryan_5380_0_0-d90e7e65e89b4e19a4d001c64aec7ca2.jpg)
This flavor-packed trifle brings together the rich flavors of butterscotch, winter spices, and vanilla for a show-stopping dessert that is as delicious as it is pretty.
Tipsy Parson
![Tipsy Parson Dessert](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/1cHE98JU_FXKnuvlLokKW0dJetg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL.com-vintage-holiday-desserts-376-2000-43598c5446c6416496225c9d03d9b59d.jpg)
Skip the hassle of assembling the picture-perfect dessert (and serving it) by treating your guests to their own mini trifles. This recipe calls for layers of gingered cherries, sherry, and vanilla pudding.
Brownie Trifle
![Groom's Chocolate Table: 1](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/JVlS00ygRb136qkVI0H-D0WIWzM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chocolate-table1-sl-x_0_0-48f639021a6b47e2802be51fa48320a6.jpg)
You're just five ingredients away from enjoying this beloved Southern dessert. Made with a brownie mix, chocolate pudding, and toffee candy, it's one of our most indulgent trifles ever.
Banana Pudding Trifle
![Banana Pudding Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/TEEOeoKn0WCh-7wxOc9Y4REmhmg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/banana-trifle-sl-257709-x_0-1e25bedaf3174826acc74331fbbeacc1.jpg)
Banana pudding is often served in a trifle bowl, especially when you need to feed a crowd. This version includes bourbon-soaked vanilla wafers for an extra festive twist.
Strawberry-Orange Trifle
![Strawberry-Orange Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sN4RGh2ROvrmlvbTZ8IXrlX2QrY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-trifle-sl-1713127-x_0-14cfd937c73c4558924104cc4e9a0e4f.jpg)
Lemon curd and shortbread cookies combine with strawberries and oranges for a light and citrusy take on the trifle.
Strawberry-Sugar Biscuit Trifle
![Strawberry Sugar Biscuit Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/o_qdHrMFrv0GS-wBuDZ5vhb4oL0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fotrif021028888_0_0-8a8297fba9a54d3db4694ef1b6060691.jpg)
This red and white dessert will add a festive touch to any holiday celebration. For a winter twist, swap out the berries for segments of fresh citrus.
Turtle Trifle
![Turtle Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jFHT1wIrb2_iWgVzJBiEo60_PjU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/turtle-trifle-sl-x_0-de71dbc26df84f4481d8520621ddf85a.jpg)
Inspired by classic turtle candy, this dessert includes pecan pie, caramel, and chocolate fudge.
Nutter Butter-Banana Pudding Trifle
![Nutter Butter-Banana Pudding Trifle](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/milEqFTZJ00MoyaI-fFP1BKlfBk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_7f18c3125fd52256_spcms_2_0-2000-ebfc8ad191474849b88cd21e7207bab6.jpg)
Peanut butter and bananas are a match made in trifle heaven. We took the standard banana pudding trifle to a whole new level by incorporating these nostalgic peanut butter sandwich cookies.