In the run up to Christmas, we’ve given the Honeybuns gluten free cake treatment to the traditional trifle.

Using our gluten free and vegan Mincemeat Crumble Slices as a base, we’ve created a delicious and decadent festive trifle, with a twist. This special pudding is dairy and egg free too, whilst still tasting rich and creamy.

Just head over to the Honeybuns online shop to order your Mincemeat Crumble Slices.

We show you step by step how to make this easy peasy centre piece dessert for the Christmas holidays. With just 5 key ingredients you can make this simple, yet impressive pudding in just 20- 25 minutes.

Check out our gluten free ingredients and substitutions section below for tips on how to swap different ingredients in. Our helpful tips give you ideas for yummy flavour combinations and advice on plant based toppings too. Happy trifling!

Vegan Christmas Trifle ingredients and substitutions

Honeybuns dairy free Mincemeat Crumble Slices: Our hand crafted gluten free and vegan Mincemeat slices are a seasonal treat we make and are available on our online shop as a 16 portion tray bake or as individually wrapped Christmas slices. Why not treat yourself to a whole tray bake? Use what you need and keep the rest in the freezer for quick and easy dairy free puddings. Check out our whole online range of gluten free treats. They make great alternatives to traditional Christmas cake or puddings.

Fruity Layer: I used sultanas with apples but any number of dried fruits, fresh berries, seeds and nuts could be used here. Date and pear would work well. For a bright, festive red colour how about crushed raspberries and a touch of vanilla? If you are short on time you can buy a ready made free from fruit compote

Spices: I added ground cinnamon and nutmeg plus some star anise to my fruity layer. Cloves, orange zest and ginger would all work well too.

Custard layer: I used “Just Wholefoods” custard powder made up with almond milk. You can buy this Vegan Society approved and gluten free custard powder from Ocado. Any dairy free, plant based milk can then be added to make your own custard.

Instagram ready sweet toppings: I chose a dusting of cinnamon and cut out stars made from red apple peel. Pomegranate seeds also work well or try vegan, gluten free dark chocolate flakes with a fresh cherry dipped in edible, gluten free glitter.

USEFUL RECIPE INFORMATION

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Skill Level: Ideal for beginners and kids will love helping out too

EQUIPMENT

2 individual trifle bowls or glasses
Saucepan

SERVINGS: 2

CHRISTMAS TRIFLE RECIPE INGREDIENTS

4 small apples, or 3 large ones, peeled, cored and finely chopped. (I used 4 small Cox’s)
80g sultanas
2 star anise
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
4 tbsp water
250ml of made up custard, using any plant based milk
2 individual Honeybuns gluten free, dairy free and vegan mincemeat crumble cake slices

How do I make my gluten free trifle?

Pop your chopped fruit, sultanas, spices and water into a saucepan and simmer for 20 mins or until the apple pieces go pulpy. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent the bottom burning.
Make up your custard as per the packet instructions.
Crumble up your Mincemeat Crumble Slice cakes and sprinkle half of a slice in the bottom of each pudding glass.
Spoon in 1.5 tbsp of cooked fruit on top of the crumble layer.
Crumble in another half slice of mince meat.
Top with a second layer of fruit.
Pour your custard over the top.
Decorate as you wish.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I used ready made custard instead?

A: We struggled to find a ready made custard that was gluten free, dairy free and vegan, but found the “Just Whole Foods” custard powder online from Ocado. You can also buy it directly from the “Just Whole Foods” website.

Q: Help I’ve got lumpy custard

A: Keep stirring the custard even as it cools down. Use a sieve to remain any stubborn lumps or blitz in a food processor.

Q: Can I prep this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can actually freeze the whole thing for up to three months. Or keep your Honeybuns Mincemeat Crumble Slices in the freezer so you can whiz a trifle up super speedily.

Q: I don’t like mincemeat. Advice please?

Why not try our coconut and dark chocolate oaty slices available online instead of the mincemeat? They are also gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

TOP TIPS

Try adding free from cocoa powder to your custard for a chocolate rich adaptation.
Try making your own edible, gluten free Xmas cake decorations which you can use to top your trifle.
Make this pudding boozy by adding a glug or three of your favourite spirit or fortified wine. Just pour over the mince meat crumble and fruity layers.
For more Xmas ideas keep an eye on Em’s Blogs, we’ll be posting loads more festive recipes, crafting and gift ideas in the run up to Christmas.

If you do make these festive trifles, we’d love to see your photos. If you have any questions, do get in touch via this blog in the comments section, or via facebook, email or telephone.