Dairy Goodness Holiday Trifle Challenge

The holidays are stressful. Yet, we put all that stress on ourselves, trying to make the perfect holidays, with the perfect activities, finding the perfect gifts, sending the perfect cards, and making the perfect food. This year, I’m going to try to have a less stressful holiday season. Thanks to the “add to cart” button, shopping wasn’t stressful this year. I also ordered my cards online instead of making my own. I’m going to (try to) keep the cookie baking to a minimum this year too, making a few family favourites. Activities? The kids are thrilled to go sledding and come home for some hot chocolate, or watch a Christmas movie while eating a bowl of popcorn. They are easy to please. 🙂

The best way to remove stress from your holiday gatherings and get togethers? Plan ahead – prepare food that can be made in advance. My favourite desserts to bring to gatherings, at any time of year, are trifles. They are more than “just cake” when you layer it with richly flavoured pudding and whipped cream in a pretty bowl. They become a centerpiece. Not to mention, they are best made in advance, even the day before, and they are made to serve a crowd. If the gathering isn’t too large, make them into individual trifles by using small, inexpensive glasses. Wine glasses, (brand new) votive holders, and mason jars are all inexpensive, yet pretty when filled with layers of cake, pudding, and whipped cream.

A rich, mocha-flavoured cake layered with chocolate peppermint pudding and lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Looking for more trifle ideas for the holidays? How about one of these beauties?

Flourless Chocolate Cake Trifle

Gluten Free Caramel Apple Trifle

Gluten Free Fresh Fruit Trifle