Under sun-kissed afternoons, this Lemon Trifle feels like bottled sunshine in every bite, with tangy lemon curd dancing atop velvety cream cheese whipped with powdered sugar. Soft cubes of angel food cake soak up a cascade of zesty lemon instant pudding and cold milk, becoming delightfully pillowy pillows of sweetness. Each layer is crowned with fluffy clouds of whipped topping and a sprinkle of lemon zest that tickles your nose before that first forkful. It’s a breezy, no-fuss dessert that whisks you straight to a backyard summer party—bright, playful, and utterly irresistible. Invite this beauty to your next gathering and watch smiles bloom.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This lemon trifle
- Trust me, you’re going to love this creamy, zesty delight!
- This one’s a game-changer for summer gatherings.
- It’s a no-bake dessert that’s super easy to whip up.
- Perfectly light and refreshing, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Each layer is bursting with lemony goodness!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Extra Time | 40 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Chilled and layered |
Ingredients
Here are the delightful ingredients you’ll need to create a refreshing lemon trifle!
- 2 fresh lemons – for zest and juice
- 16 oz cream cheese – softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar – adds sweetness
- 3 cups cold whole milk – for the pudding
- 6.8 oz lemon instant pudding mix – for a burst of lemon flavor
- 14 oz angel food cake – light and fluffy base
- 24 oz whipped topping – for a creamy finish
How to Make Lemon Trifle
Get ready to create a delightful lemon trifle that will brighten up any gathering!
Step 1: Zest and Juice the Lemons
Start by zesting the lemons. Then, squeeze out the juice. Set both aside for later.
Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Add the lemon juice and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Pudding
Slowly whisk in the cold whole milk and lemon pudding mix. Keep mixing until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Prepare the Cake
Cut the angel food cake into bite-sized cubes. This will be the base of your trifle.
Step 5: Layer the Trifle
In a clear glass trifle dish, layer the cake cubes, lemon pudding mixture, and whipped topping. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients.
Step 6: Finish and Chill
Top your trifle with whipped swirls and lemon slices. Chill in the fridge for a bit before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Trifle
- Use fresh lemons for a zesty flavor boost.
- Chill your mixing bowl for fluffier whipped topping.
- Layer ingredients carefully for a beautiful presentation.
- Consider adding fresh berries for a pop of color and taste.
- Assemble the trifle a few hours ahead for the best flavor melding.
How to Serve this lemon trifle
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest for a zesty touch.
- Top with additional whipped topping for extra creaminess.
- Serve in individual cups for a fun, personal touch.
- Pair with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a perfect summer vibe.
- Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a delightful crunch.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this lemon trifle ahead of time and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
Freezing
- Assemble the trifle without whipped topping.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and add whipped topping.
Reheating
- Lemon trifle is best served cold; no reheating needed.
- If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
lemon trifle
Equipment
- 1 Trifle dish Clear glass preferred for visual appeal.
- 1 Mixing bowl For combining ingredients.
- 1 Whisk For mixing the pudding and cream cheese.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 fresh lemons For zest and juice.
- 16 oz cream cheese Softened.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness.
- 3 cups cold whole milk For the pudding.
- 6.8 oz lemon instant pudding mix For a burst of lemon flavor.
- 14 oz angel food cake Light and fluffy base.
- 24 oz whipped topping For a creamy finish.
Instructions
Instructions
- Step 1: Zest and Juice the Lemons. Start by zesting the lemons. Then, squeeze out the juice. Set both aside for later.
- Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese Mixture. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Add the lemon juice and mix until smooth.
- Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Pudding. Slowly whisk in the cold whole milk and lemon pudding mix. Keep mixing until the mixture thickens.
- Step 4: Prepare the Cake. Cut the angel food cake into bite-sized cubes. This will be the base of your trifle.
- Step 5: Layer the Trifle. In a clear glass trifle dish, layer the cake cubes, lemon pudding mixture, and whipped topping. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients.
- Step 6: Finish and Chill. Top your trifle with whipped swirls and lemon slices. Chill in the fridge for a bit before serving.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Sugar | 20g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of cake instead of angel food cake?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use pound cake or sponge cake as a substitute for angel food cake. Both options will provide a delicious base for your lemon trifle and can add a different texture to the dessert.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free lemon trifle, simply use a gluten-free angel food cake or sponge cake. Additionally, ensure that your instant pudding mix and whipped topping are labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert!
3. Can I prepare the lemon trifle in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon trifle a day ahead of time! Just layer the ingredients in a trifle dish and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served. Just be sure to add the whipped topping right before serving for the best texture.
4. What can I use instead of whipped topping?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can use freshly whipped cream as a substitute for whipped topping. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This will give your lemon trifle a rich and creamy texture that complements the lemon flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the delightful layers of lemon trifle! This simple yet rewarding dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy night in. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy every delicious bite!