Christmas Peppermint Trifle Dessert Cups Recipe
These layered peppermint trifle dessert cups are a delightful and festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring layers of creamy peppermint mousse, chocolate cake, and whipped cream, they offer a refreshing and indulgent flavor combination.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for entertaining. Each cup is beautifully presented, ensuring a stunning addition to your dessert table.
Festive Peppermint Trifle Dessert Cups

This dessert features layers of chocolate cake, peppermint-flavored mousse, and whipped cream, all served in individual cups for easy serving. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and requires chilling time, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required to prepare)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for mousse)
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions. Allow it to cool completely before cutting it into small cubes.
- Make the Peppermint Mousse: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Add the peppermint extract and mix well. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1 cup of powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Layer the Trifle: In individual dessert cups, layer the chocolate cake cubes, followed by a layer of peppermint mousse, and then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish: Top each cup with crushed peppermint candies and chocolate shavings for decoration.
- Chill: Refrigerate the trifle cups for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 cups
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
