Pavlova Trifle – Easy Christmas Party Desserts & Holiday Trifle Ideas

Preheat oven to 170°C / 340°F. Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sour cream, oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring.

Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold gently until just mixed and smooth.

Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool cakes in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

For frosting: Beat butter for 5 minutes until fluffy. Add cream cheese and vanilla, beat again.

Add sifted powdered sugar in two batches. Mix well and beat out air bubbles with a spatula.

Trim cake tops. Frost the first layer, stack the second, and apply a crumb coat.

Chill for 10–15 minutes, then finish with final frosting and decorate with cake crumbs or berries.