Easy Lemon Trifle Recipe – The Best Lemon Dessert for Summer | Light, Creamy & Irresistible!
If you’re anything like me, you always have a few extra lemons sitting in the fridge, just waiting to be used. Maybe you bought a big bag thinking you’d squeeze fresh lemon juice into your water every day (spoiler: you didn’t). Or maybe you needed one lemon for a recipe, and now you’re stuck wondering what to make with lemons before they shrivel up and die. Either way, I’ve got you covered with one of the best lemon desserts out there—lemon trifle.
This is one of those easy lemon desserts that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Seriously, it’s just layers of cake, pudding, lemon curd, and whipped cream all stacked together like a creamy, dreamy masterpiece. If you love lemon sweets and lemon treats that are light, refreshing, and just the right amount of tangy, this is for you. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those lemons before they go bad—because let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of letting produce die in the crisper drawer.
Whether you need a summer lemon dessert for a BBQ, a quick lemon lush dessert to bring to a potluck, or just something sweet after a long day of wrangling kids, this recipe is a winner. So if you’re looking for things to do with lemons or recipes to use up lemons, grab a bowl and let’s make some magic.
What You Need
Nothing fancy here. Just simple ingredients that come together like magic.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cake or angel food cake (store-bought or homemade, but let’s be real, store-bought is easier)
- 2 cups lemon curd (you can make your own, but I grab a jar from the store because, again, time)
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (instant pudding works great—no shame in that)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or a tub of Cool Whip if you’re in a hurry)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a little extra zing)
- Fresh berries or mint for garnish (totally optional, but makes it look extra nice)
How to Make It
Step 1: Whip the Cream
If you’re using heavy cream, grab a mixing bowl and whip it with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it gets fluffy with soft peaks. If you’re using Cool Whip, just give yourself a pat on the back for saving time and move on.
Step 2: Cut the Cake
Take your pound cake or angel food cake and cut it into bite-sized cubes. The kids love sneaking little pieces at this step, and honestly, I don’t even try to stop them.
Step 3: Start Layering
Get a big glass bowl or a trifle dish if you have one. If not, any large bowl will work.
- First layer: Spread a layer of cake cubes at the bottom.
- Second layer: Spoon some vanilla pudding over the cake.
- Third layer: Add a generous scoop of lemon curd.
- Fourth layer: Spread a layer of whipped cream.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Keep layering until you run out of ingredients or reach the top of your bowl. I like to make sure the top is finished with a nice fluffy layer of whipped cream because it just looks prettier.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Sprinkle some lemon zest on top, maybe toss on a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. If you can make it ahead and let it sit overnight, even better. Everything soaks together and tastes amazing.
FAQs About Lemon Trifle
What can I serve with lemon trifle?
Honestly, it’s perfect on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, serve it with shortbread cookies or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Is this a good summer dessert?
Oh, 100%. If you’re looking for summer lemon desserts that are light and refreshing, this is it. It’s cool, creamy, and perfect for warm weather.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes! Layer everything into mason jars or small cups for single-serve desserts. Perfect for parties or when you just want a little treat without committing to a whole bowl.
How long does lemon trifle last in the fridge?
It’s best within the first 24 hours, but it can last up to 2-3 days. After that, the cake gets too soft, and the whipped cream starts to lose its fluff.
Can I add other flavors?
Totally! Lemon pairs well with berries, coconut, or even a little white chocolate. You could mix in some crushed cookies between layers or drizzle a little raspberry sauce on top for extra fancy points.
Lemon Trifle Recipe Card
Lemon Trifle
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. (Skip this step if using Cool Whip.)
- Cut the pound cake or angel food cake into small cubes.
- Layer 1: Place cake cubes in the bottom of a large glass bowl.
- Layer 2: Spoon vanilla pudding over the cake.
- Layer 3: Spread lemon curd on top.
- Layer 4: Add a fluffy layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat these layers until the bowl is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle lemon zest on top. Add fresh berries or a mint sprig if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (overnight is even better!).
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled, straight from the fridge.
- Try adding crushed shortbread cookies between layers for extra texture.
- Serve in individual mason jars for a cute, single-serve dessert.
So there you have it—one of the best lemon desserts that’s easy, refreshing, and looks way fancier than the effort it actually takes. This lemon lush dessert is the kind of thing you whip up when you need something sweet but don’t have the time (or patience) to bake. It’s light, creamy, and full of bright lemon flavor, making it one of my favorite summer lemon desserts when the weather is warm and you want something fresh.
If you’re ever staring at a pile of lemons wondering what to make with lemons or need recipes to use up lemons before they turn into little wrinkly science experiments in the fridge, this is your answer. It’s one of those easy lemon desserts that works for any occasion—family dinner, backyard BBQ, or even just a random Tuesday when you need a pick-me-up. Plus, it’s one of those lemon sweets that both kids and adults actually love, which is a win in my book.
Next time you’re looking for things to do with lemons, skip the lemonade and go for this trifle. Trust me, you won’t regret it. And when people ask for the recipe? Just smile and pretend it was way harder than it actually was.
