If you crave a bright, tangy dessert that’s equal parts show-stopping and comforting, the Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is your new go-to. This trifle is stacked high with cubes of airy angel food cake, silky lemon pudding laced with rich lemon curd, clouds of real whipped cream, and just enough lemon zest to make your tastebuds sing. Each spoonful is a sunny burst of flavor—one that always brings family and friends running back for seconds. Whether you need a make-ahead summer treat or an impressive finish to a spring gathering, nothing lights up the table like this cheerful masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the trifle:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 jar (10 oz) lemon curd
- 1 prepared angel food cake (about 14 oz)
- 2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate shavings (optional)
How to Make Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Pudding Base
In a generous bowl, combine the instant lemon pudding mix with the cold milk. Give it a brisk whisk for about 2 minutes until it’s perfectly smooth and thickened—no lumps allowed! Once it’s set, fold in the entire jar of luscious lemon curd. The result is a pudding that tastes like sunshine and feels like silk—seriously irresistible.
Step 2: Cube the Angel Food Cake
Slice your angel food cake into even, bite-sized 1-inch cubes. The fluffy texture is essential here—it’ll absorb just the right amount of citrus goodness without ever getting soggy. Don’t worry about precision; rustic cubes look just as beautiful layered in the trifle.
Step 3: Build Those Magical Layers
Grab your prettiest trifle dish or a large clear bowl so you can admire all the layers. Start by scattering half the cake cubes across the bottom. Next, spoon over half of the lemon pudding mixture, spreading gently to cover the cake. Dollop on half of your whipped topping or whipped cream for that first dreamy layer.
Step 4: Repeat for Drama
Add the second half of the cake, followed by the rest of the pudding mixture, and finish with a generous blanket of whipped cream on top. These layers not only look stunning—they build a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Zest and Goodies
Sprinkle the entire trifle with vibrant lemon zest and a splash of fresh lemon juice for pep and brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh raspberries and white chocolate shavings across the top. This not only makes the Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle look spectacular, but also adds little bursts of sweet, tart, and creamy in every serving.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover your trifle and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours—this mellows and melds the flavors in the most magical way. The Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is even better when made ahead, as the lemon and cream get to know each other overnight. When you’re ready, grab a big spoon and let the celebration begin!
How to Serve Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle
Garnishes
The crowning touch for your Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is all about color and flavor. A final shower of fresh lemon zest on top brings zingy aroma and makes the trifle shimmer with yellow flecks. Pile on plump raspberries and feather-light white chocolate shavings to wow your guests and add a pop of sophistication. Even a little edible glitter or a handful of mint leaves can make it extra festive for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This trifle truly shines as the star of any dessert table but pairs nicely with a plate of crisp butter cookies or delicate almond biscotti to balance the creamy textures. If you’re feeling extravagant, offer bowls of extra berries on the side for those who want even more tart pops in each bite. And don’t forget coffee or hot tea, which complement the citrus perfectly and round out a sunny brunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress party guests or give everyone their own special treat, layer the Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle in individual mason jars, pretty glasses, or miniature parfait cups. Each portion becomes its own jewel-like dessert, perfect for picnics and buffets. You can also make a deconstructed version: serve the cake cubes, pudding, whipped cream, and toppings in separate bowls and let everyone build their own custom citrus dream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The cake will continue to absorb all those lemony layers, so each day it gets a little more luscious. Just be warned: it tends to mysteriously disappear quickly!
Freezing
While Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if you really need to. Spoon single portions into airtight containers and freeze for up to a month. Be aware: the whipped cream may change texture once thawed, so it’s a good idea to add a new dollop of fresh cream when serving.
Reheating
This is a no-bake, chilled dessert, so no reheating is necessary or recommended. If the trifle has been stored in the fridge, just allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors and texture shine their brightest.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While angel food cake keeps things light and airy, pound cake or sponge cake are both fantastic options. Each gives a slightly different texture—pound cake is richer, and sponge cake is a bit denser—so pick your favorite or what’s easily available.
Is there a way to make this dessert more tart?
If you crave tang, add extra lemon zest or an extra drizzle of lemon juice over each layer as you build the trifle. More lemon curd between cake and pudding layers also amps up the sharp, citrusy flavor for true lemon enthusiasts.
How far ahead can I make Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle?
This trifle is perfect for making ahead. Prepare and chill it up to 24 hours before serving, which actually enhances the flavor and lets the layers set beautifully. Just save those pretty raspberries and chocolate shavings for a last-minute garnish to keep them ultra-fresh.
Can I make this trifle gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free angel food cake or pound cake (many grocery stores now carry them), and double-check that your pudding mix and lemon curd are certified gluten-free. No one should have to miss out on this sunny treat.
What’s the best way to slice angel food cake into cubes?
For neat, even cubes, use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. If your cake is extra fluffy, try chilling it for 10–15 minutes first—this makes slicing so much easier and keeps your cubes picture-perfect for layering.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the pure joy you’ll bring to the table with an Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle. Each scoop is layered sunshine, sweet and tart, soft and creamy all at once. I can’t wait for you to taste it—trust me, you’ll want to make it for every celebration, picnic, or just because. Take a deep breath, grab your lemons, and let dessert magic happen!
Print
Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing and zesty flavors of this Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle that combines layers of lemon pudding, angel food cake, and whipped topping for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the trifle:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 jar (10 oz) lemon curd
- 1 prepared angel food cake (about 14 oz)
- 2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Layer the trifle: Gently fold in the lemon curd. Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Layer half of the cake cubes, lemon pudding mixture, and whipped topping in a trifle dish. Repeat the layers. Top with lemon zest, lemon juice, raspberries, and white chocolate shavings.
- Chill and serve: Chill the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can use pound cake or sponge cake as alternatives to angel food cake.
- For a more tangy flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or curd between layers.
- This trifle is best enjoyed cold and can be prepared a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
