6 Easy Trifle Recipes

Trifle is a classic layered dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a festive Christmas treat or a light and refreshing summertime dessert, these easy trifle recipes have you covered. From lemon and strawberry cheesecake to a decadent chocolate-filled bowl, this roundup has something for everyone. Whip up one of these easy trifle recipes for your next gathering, and get ready to wow your guests!

1. Lemon Trifle

This bright and refreshing lemon trifle is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Layers of moist lemon cake, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy whipped cream come together in this easy-to-make treat. Serve it up at your next summer barbecue or enjoy it as a light and zesty dessert any time of year.

Why You Will Love It

The bright, tangy lemon flavor is so refreshing.
It’s a light and airy dessert that’s not too heavy.
It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (3.4 oz) box instant lemon pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 (10 oz) jar lemon curd
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

How To Make It

Prepare the lemon cake according to package instructions and allow to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon pudding mix, and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer the following: 1/3 of the lemon cake, 1/2 of the lemon pudding mixture, 1/2 of the lemon curd, and 1/3 of the whipped topping.
Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining lemon cake and whipped topping.
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.
Garnish with lemon slices just before serving, if desired.

Variations And Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free whipped topping and vanilla pudding mix instead of lemon. You can also try swapping the lemon cake for a vanilla or pound cake. If you’re not a fan of lemon curd, you can use a fruit preserve or jam instead.

Tips

Make this trifle up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

2. Christmas Trifle

This festive Christmas trifle is the perfect holiday dessert. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy eggnog custard, and fluffy whipped cream come together in this indulgent treat. Topped with crunchy toasted pecans and a sprinkle of nutmeg, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.

Why You Will Love It

The combination of chocolate, eggnog, and pecans is so delicious.
It’s a beautiful and impressive dessert that’s perfect for the holidays.
It can be made in advance, making it a stress-free holiday dessert.

Ingredients

1 (18.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold eggnog
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Ground nutmeg, for garnish

How To Make It

Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions and allow to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and eggnog until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer the following: 1/3 of the chocolate cake, 1/2 of the eggnog pudding, 1/2 of the whipped topping, and 1/2 of the toasted pecans.
Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining chocolate cake, whipped topping, and pecans.
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.
Just before serving, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of ground nutmeg.

Variations And Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free whipped topping and milk-free pudding mix. You can also try using a spice cake or gingerbread cake instead of the chocolate cake. If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can use toasted almonds or walnuts instead.

Tips

Make this trifle up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together beautifully. Garnish with a light dusting of nutmeg just before serving for a festive touch.

3. Heaven in a Bowl Trifle

This decadent “Heaven in a Bowl” trifle is the ultimate indulgence. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream come together in this irresistible dessert. Topped with shaved chocolate and crushed Oreos, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Why You Will Love It

The multiple layers of chocolate make it incredibly rich and satisfying.
It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients

1 (18.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
Shaved chocolate, for garnish

How To Make It

Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions and allow to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer the following: 1/3 of the chocolate cake, 1/2 of the chocolate pudding, 1/2 of the whipped topping, and 1/2 of the crushed Oreos.
Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining chocolate cake, whipped topping, and a sprinkle of crushed Oreos.
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.
Just before serving, garnish the top with shaved chocolate.

Variations And Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use a dark chocolate cake mix or substitute some of the milk in the pudding with strong brewed coffee. You can also try adding a layer of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture. If you’re not a fan of Oreos, you can use crushed graham crackers or chocolate wafers instead.

Tips

Make this trifle up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together beautifully. Garnish with shaved chocolate just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

4. Chocolate Trifle

This rich and indulgent chocolate trifle is the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. Layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and whipped cream come together in this decadent treat. Topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.

Why You Will Love It

The combination of chocolate cake, mousse, and whipped cream is irresistible.
It’s a beautiful and impressive dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
It can be made in advance, making it a stress-free dessert option.

Ingredients

1 (18.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup chocolate sauce, plus more for drizzling
1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts (such as almonds or pecans)

How To Make It

Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions and allow to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer the following: 1/3 of the chocolate cake, 1/2 of the chocolate mousse, 1/2 of the whipped topping, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining chocolate cake, whipped topping, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.
Just before serving, sprinkle the top with the chopped toasted nuts.

Variations And Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use a dark chocolate cake mix or substitute some of the milk in the pudding with strong brewed coffee. You can also try adding a layer of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted chocolate twist. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can omit them or use a different topping, such as shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Tips

Make this trifle up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together beautifully. Garnish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and chopped toasted nuts just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

5. Nutter Butter Trifle

This Nutter Butter trifle is a peanut butter lover’s dream! Layers of crumbled Nutter Butter cookies, creamy peanut butter pudding, and whipped cream come together in this indulgent dessert. Topped with chopped Nutter Butter cookies and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, it’s a sweet and salty treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You Will Love It

The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is irresistible.
It’s a fun and unique twist on a classic trifle.
It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients

1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 (14 oz) package Nutter Butter cookies, crushed
1/2 cup chocolate sauce, for drizzling

How To Make It

In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
Add the peanut butter to the pudding mixture and stir until well combined.
In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer the following: 1/3 of the crushed Nutter Butter cookies, 1/2 of the peanut butter pudding, and 1/2 of the whipped topping.
Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining crushed cookies.
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.
Just before serving, drizzle the top of the trifle with the chocolate sauce.

Variations And Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use a chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla. You can also try adding a layer of chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of toffee bits for extra texture. If you’re not a fan of Nutter Butter cookies, you can use crushed graham crackers or Oreos instead.