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Lemon Trifle

This easy lemon dessert is light, creamy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made with layers of cake, pudding, lemon curd, and whipped cream, it’s the perfect summer lemon dessert that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. Great for potlucks, BBQs, or just a sweet treat at home!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cake or angel food cake cubed
  • 2 cups lemon curd store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cups vanilla pudding instant or pre-made
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream or 1 tub Cool Whip
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh berries or mint for garnish optional

Method
 

Step 1: Whip the Cream
  1. In a bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. (Skip this step if using Cool Whip.)
Step 2: Prepare the Cake
  1. Cut the pound cake or angel food cake into small cubes.
Step 3: Layer the Trifle
  1. Layer 1: Place cake cubes in the bottom of a large glass bowl.
  2. Layer 2: Spoon vanilla pudding over the cake.
  3. Layer 3: Spread lemon curd on top.
  4. Layer 4: Add a fluffy layer of whipped cream.
  5. Repeat these layers until the bowl is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
  1. Sprinkle lemon zest on top. Add fresh berries or a mint sprig if desired.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
  1. 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.