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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Easy Individual Mini Trifle Cups Recipe

Modified: Sep 12, 2024 · Published: Apr 8, 2011 by Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

Jump to Recipe

These easy mini trifle cups are easy to make with store bought ingredients and are always a hit with guests. You can make them ahead of time, and don't have to worry about serving as they're individual sized already. They only take about 10 minutes to put together.

Easy individual trifles with whipped cream and a fresh raspberry on top.
Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Individual Serving Size
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Individual Dessesrt Ideas
  • Recipe

I love these mini trifles. I have served them many, many times and they are always a huge hit with guests.  These individual trifles are great for a tea party, dessert table, or as your main dessert. You might also like our mini chocolate brownie trifles, and our mini caramel apple trifles.

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Store bought ingredients mean they are very easy to make.
  • They only take 10 minutes to put together.
  • Invidual serving size means no messy dishing up, and everyone can help themselves.
  • What could be more delicious than cream, custard, fruit and cake?

Individual Serving Size

I like to make these mini trifles in a small glass, or mini parfait dessert bowl, half pint-sized mason jars, or mini trifle bowls, or even in a clear plastic disposable cup.  

A clear cup works well, as you can see all the layers through the glass, and they're the perfect individual serving size.  These individual desserts making serving so much easier.  And there's also the cuteness factor, because these mini trifle cups make such a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Easy individual trifle cup ingredients.

These are super easy to put together because I used all store bought ingredients.  You can put these together quickly and easily and they're so good.

This recipe is more of an assembly kind of a recipe, you could of course make the custard and pound cake from scratch, but this version is quick, easy and really, really yummy.

This no bake dessert is quick to make and so delicious.

  • Cake

I like to use pound cake as the cake layer in my mini trifles.  

If you can't find pound cake you could also use a sponge cake, or small jelly rolls, or even angel food cake.  

If you can find a raspberry pound cake it works perfectly for the raspberry trifles, but plain pound cake or lemon pound cake works really well for these mini berry trifles.

  • Custard

Trifle is traditionally made with custard.  You can make it from scratch, or use a mix to make it.  Or, like I did, you can look for the canned version.  

Using canned custard makes this whole recipe so easy to put together.  If you can not find custard you would also use vanilla pudding instead.

  • Jam

Traditional English trifle usually has a jelly layer.  But making jello and allowing it to set takes quite a while, so I have substituted it with jam.  It works really well to add some sweetness to the dish.  

You can change the fruit in this dish, and if you do then change the jam flavor to match it.  For individual strawberry trifles, you could use strawberry jam instead of raspberry.

  • Fruit
How to make easy individual trifles with raspberries.

Our raspberry trifles have a layer of fresh raspberries in them.  The fresh berries add a tangy freshness to the dish.  And be sure to keep a perfect fresh raspberry to garnish the top of the trifles.

  • Whipped Cream

We made homemade fresh whipped cream using heavy cream for this dish.  Despite using some other shortcuts, I would not use a shortcut for this step.  Spray whip cream from a can won't hold, and turns into a watery mess if it isn't served immediately.  A dessert topping like Cool Whip just doesn't have the same great flavor of real whipped cream.  

Whipped cream is easy to make, and worth the few minutes that it takes to make it from scratch, especially when you're saving time on the other steps by using a store bought pound cake and canned custard.

Substitutions and Variations

I love these in raspberry flavour, but you could really use any jam and fresh fruit in them.  Strawberry would be great, and blueberry is a favourite too.

You can also use this mini trifle recipe to make one large one instead.  Instead of using individual small bowls, layer the ingredients in a large trifle bowl instead.

Instructions

Making mini trifles with pound cake cut into cubes.

1. Assemble each mini trifle in a small juice glass, or mini parfait, or small mason jar. First, cut the pound cake into small cubes, and layer into the bottom of the glass.

2. Next take some raspberry jam, and warm it up in the microwave to make it more runny. You can also add a tsp. or so of water to the warm jam to make it more runny. Pour about a tablespoon of jam or 2 over the pound cake in each glass.

Step by step pictures of making mini trifles, adding the pound cake and adding the jam.

3. Add some fresh raspberries as the next layer, but remember to save a few for the top.

4. The next layer is the custard, just spoon some over the raspberries. If you do make it yourself, let it cool before you add it.

Step by step mini trifle recipe, adding raspberries and custard.

5. Then, whip the cream in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Next, add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tbsps of sugar and whip to combine. Add a layer of whipped cream to the mini trifles as the final layer. Garnish with another raspberry and a little grated chocolate.

 Individual mini trifles recipe in glass dessert cups.

Storage

These delicious treats are a great make ahead.  Make them the night before and wrap the top of each one with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until it's time to serve them.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap.

Tip: Make these individual trifles ahead of time for a party. Assemble the day before and wrap each one in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator until it's time to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different berries?

Yes, substitute your favorite berry, and change the jam flavor to match. Strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berries are all great options.

What if I can't find canned custard?

You can make your own custard, look for a custard mix like Bird's custard powder at the grocery store and follow the instructions on the package. Or, make it from scratch.

What if I can't find pound cake?

You can substitute jelly rolls for the pound cake if you can't find any.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, make these the day before wrap each one in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator until serving.

More Individual Dessesrt Ideas

  • Individual chocolate brownie trifle in a glass with gold spoons.
    Easy Chocolate Brownie Trifle
  • Caramel apple trifles made in mason jars.
    Caramel Apple Trifle
  • Dirt Pudding no cream cheese in glasses with candy rocks, and fresh mint that looks like a little plant.
    Easy Dirt Pudding Recipe without Cream Cheese
  • Mini no bake cheesecake with blackberries.
    Easy Mini No Bake Philadelphia Cheesecake in a Mason Jar

If you tried this Easy Mini Trifle Cups Recipe or any other recipe on my blog please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!

With easy mini trifles, life really is a party!

Recipe

Group of individual trifles in glass dessert bowls.

Easy Mini Trifles

Individual trifle cups made with pound cake, raspberry jam, fresh raspberries, custard, and whipped cream.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 283kcal
Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Ingredients

  • 1 raspberry or plain pound cake
  • 1 pint fresh raspberries
  • 8 tbsp. raspberry jam
  • 400 g can of Devon custard
  • 236 mL whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • grated chocolate

Instructions

  • Assemble each mini trifle in a small juice glass, plastic cup, mini parfait, or small mason jar. First, cut the pound cake into small cubes, and layer into the bottom of the glass.
  • Next take some raspberry jam, and warm it up in the microwave to make it more runny. You can also add a teaspoon or so of water to the warm jam to make it more runny. Pour about a tablespoon or 2 over the pound cake in each glass.
  • Add some fresh raspberries as the next layer, but remember to save a few for the top.
  • The next layer is the custard, just spoon some over the raspberries. If you do make it yourself, let it cool before you add it
  • Then, whip the cream in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Next add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons of sugar and whip to combine. Add a layer of whipped cream to the mini trifles as the final layer. Garnish with another raspberry and a little grated chocolate.

Video

Notes

You can change out the berries and jam for any kind you prefer, or make these from mixed berries.
This recipe uses lots of time saving store bought ingredients. Do not substitute the homemade whipped cream for spray can whipped cream, because it will not hold it's shape well.  If you are using it, add it just before serving so that it doesn't go runny.
You can make these ahead of time and wrap each one in plastic wrap.  Store in the refrigerator until serving time.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 86mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 21g
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LifeisaParty or tag #lifeisaparty!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist says

    October 23, 2024 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    These individual trifles are so easy to serve and look great, and they're delicious. Perfect for entertaining.

  2. Catherine says

    November 24, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    Thank you for your help. I've been to Ikea and purchased the glasses and I'm all set. I will do it the day before. Keep up the great ideas.

  3. dnr says

    November 15, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Hi Catherine, I'm sure the day before would be fine, just wrap each one with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge. Good luck!

  4. Catherine says

    November 15, 2011 at 8:59 am

    These look like a perfect idea for a Christmas dessert spread. How far beforehand do you think they could be made. The morning of..., the day before.... I haven't made trifle before so would greatly appreciate your help. I'm in London ON - love your blog.

  5. Chiara says

    April 15, 2011 at 11:57 am

    I L-O-V-E this! I am hosting Easter and plan on making these mini trifles. This solves the serving issue. Trifles look so pretty when they are made and then, when you start spooning, they start to lose their appeal. This makes each individual portion gorgeous! : ) I shared this recipe on my Friday Favorites post today. Feel free to grab a featured button if you would like it. Have a wonderful weekend.

  6. Tammy says

    April 09, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    These look delicious! Love the idea of everybody having their own. Looks like a terrific party, facilitated by a terrific host. 😉

  7. cheryl neely says

    April 09, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    Was at the Tea party last nite at Springvale and thot I would check out the triffles We are going to have a mother and daughter tea party on mother's day saturday so this is a perfect time to try these and the other recipes you gave us Thansk again Will try to get to Uxbridge to check out Heather's store too soon

  8. connie says

    April 08, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    LOVE these

5 from 1 vote

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