Eggnog Ambrosia Trifle with Whipped Cream and Nutmeg Dust

by

Introduction

Celebrate the festive season with a show-stopping Eggnog Ambrosia Trifle! This delightful dessert layers the tropical sweetness of ambrosia salad with creamy, spiced eggnog custard and luscious whipped cream, all topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this trifle is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Ambrosia Salad:

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Eggnog Custard:

  • 2 cups eggnog
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ambrosia Salad

  1. Mix the Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and chopped nuts.
  2. Fold in Sour Cream:
    • Gently fold in the sour cream until all ingredients are evenly coated. Set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Custard

  1. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
    • In a medium saucepan, whisk together eggnog, egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until smooth.
  2. Cook the Custard:
    • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove the custard from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

  1. Beat the Cream:
    • In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Beat until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

  1. Layer the Ingredients:
    • In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, create layers of ambrosia salad, eggnog custard, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
  2. Create a Beautiful Finish:
    • Ensure the top layer of whipped cream is smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Add a Festive Touch:
    • Lightly dust the top of the trifle with ground nutmeg for a festive presentation.
  2. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Cooking Notes

  • Make Ahead: The trifle can be made a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Eggnog Alternatives: Use dairy-free eggnog for a lactose-free version.
  • Custard Consistency: If the custard is too thick, whisk in a splash of eggnog to loosen it before layering.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Coffee or Mulled Wine: Serve alongside a warm beverage for a cozy holiday experience.
  • Add a Biscuit Layer: Include a layer of crushed gingersnap cookies or vanilla wafers for extra texture.
  • Holiday Centerpiece: Decorate with sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for an elegant holiday table centerpiece.

Tips

  1. Uniform Layers: Use a clear trifle dish or glass to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.
  2. Texture Boost: Toast the coconut and nuts lightly for enhanced flavor and crunch.
  3. Chill Time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step; it enhances the texture and flavor of the trifle.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sodium: 90mg

Conclusion

The Eggnog Ambrosia Trifle is the perfect dessert to cap off your holiday feast. With its creamy custard, tropical ambrosia, and fluffy whipped cream, every spoonful is a celebration of festive flavors. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Make this trifle the centerpiece of your dessert table and wow your guests with its decadence!

Print
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Eggnog Ambrosia Trifle with Whipped Cream and Nutmeg Dust

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ambrosia Salad:

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Eggnog Custard:

  • 2 cups eggnog
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ambrosia Salad

  1. Mix the Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and chopped nuts.
  2. Fold in Sour Cream:
    • Gently fold in the sour cream until all ingredients are evenly coated. Set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Custard

  1. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
    • In a medium saucepan, whisk together eggnog, egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until smooth.
  2. Cook the Custard:
    • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove the custard from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

  1. Beat the Cream:
    • In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Beat until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

  1. Layer the Ingredients:
    • In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, create layers of ambrosia salad, eggnog custard, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
  2. Create a Beautiful Finish:
    • Ensure the top layer of whipped cream is smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Add a Festive Touch:
    • Lightly dust the top of the trifle with ground nutmeg for a festive presentation.
  2. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6-8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g

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