The Lemon Strawberry Trifle is a truly delightful dessert, renowned for its visually stunning presentation and exquisite balance of flavors. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of creamy lemon pudding, tender pound cake, and juicy fresh strawberries, creating a vibrant and refreshing experience. This elegant, yet surprisingly simple-to-assemble dessert is an ideal choice for any gathering, from casual family meals to more formal celebrations.

Lemon Strawberry Trifle: Your Go-To Easy No-Bake Dessert

Year after year, this easy Lemon Strawberry Trifle has been a cherished favorite in countless homes, including my own. Its stunning appearance, with its distinct and colorful layers showcased beautifully in a clear trifle dish, never fails to impress. Beyond its visual appeal, the taste is nothing short of spectacular, making it a guaranteed hit for holidays like Mother’s Day, Easter, or any spring and summer event.

What makes this trifle a standout is its incredible simplicity, especially as a no-bake dessert recipe. Utilizing a prepared pound cake dramatically cuts down on prep time, allowing you to create a gourmet-looking dessert with minimal effort. The core of its deliciousness lies in the rich and creamy lemon pudding mixture, enhanced with the sweet decadence of sweetened condensed milk. Fresh, ripe strawberries provide a burst of natural sweetness and a slight tartness, perfectly complementing the lemon and cake, making it the quintessential dessert for warmer seasons.

If you’re a fan of layered desserts, you’ll understand the magic of a trifle. My family also adores other variations like a classic Lemon Trifle and the charming Red Velvet Trifle Cups. The beauty of these recipes truly lies in their distinct, vibrant layers that create both visual interest and a complex flavor profile with every spoonful.

Why This Lemon Strawberry Trifle is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this Lemon Strawberry Trifle earns rave reviews and disappears quickly at every gathering. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience:

• Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The bright, zesty tang of lemon perfectly complements the sweet juiciness of fresh strawberries. This classic pairing is universally loved and creates a refreshing contrast against the rich, creamy pudding and delicate cake.
• Effortless Elegance: While it looks incredibly sophisticated, this trifle is surprisingly simple to make. The no-bake aspect, thanks to using a pre-made cake and instant pudding, means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Unlike some overly sweet desserts, this trifle achieves a beautiful balance. The natural sweetness of the strawberries, combined with the zesty lemon and the creamy pudding, ensures each bite is satisfying without being cloying.
• Textural Delight: Imagine the soft, moist cake, the smooth, velvety pudding, and the tender-crisp fresh berries all in one bite. This interplay of textures is a key factor in its appeal.
• Versatility: Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ, a holiday feast, or a special anniversary, this trifle fits right in. It’s seasonally appropriate for spring and summer but delightful year-round. For winter holidays, you could explore variations like a festive Christmas Trifle.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: One of its best features is that it benefits from chilling. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb some of the pudding’s moisture, making it an excellent dessert to prepare in advance.

Every spoonful is a delightful journey through layers of flavor and texture, promising to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable end to any meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Trifle

Crafting the perfect Lemon Strawberry Trifle starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Angel Food Cake: This light, airy cake is ideal for trifles as it readily absorbs the creamy pudding without becoming overly soggy. Using a prepared, store-bought angel food cake is a fantastic shortcut, saving you significant baking time. Simply cut it into bite-sized cubes for easy layering. While angel food is traditional, you can also opt for a store-bought pound cake or butter cake for a denser, richer base.
• Instant Lemon Pudding Mix: We use two boxes of instant lemon pudding mix to create a generous, thick, and flavorful pudding layer. Instant pudding is key for the “no-bake” convenience. If you prefer a milder lemon flavor or can’t find lemon pudding, vanilla pudding mix with added lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice makes an excellent substitute.
• Cold Milk: Essential for preparing the instant pudding. You can use 2 cups of fat-free milk, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk, depending on your dietary preferences. Ensure it’s very cold to help the pudding set quickly and properly.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is a game-changer for the pudding mixture. It adds an incredible depth of sweetness and a luxuriously smooth, decadent texture that elevates the entire trifle. Do not skip this; it makes a remarkable difference.
• Whipped Topping: Thawed and divided, whipped topping (like Cool Whip) provides a light, airy, and creamy contrast to the denser pudding and cake. It’s perfect for folding into the pudding mixture and for the final topping. For an extra special touch, you can make Homemade Whipped Cream by whipping heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Alternatively, for a lighter, tangier profile, 2 cups of vanilla yogurt can be used instead of some or all of the whipped topping.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! You’ll need about 4 cups of fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced. Their vibrant color and sweet, slightly tart flavor are indispensable to this trifle. Choose ripe, firm berries for the best taste and texture.
• Grated Lemon Zest: This ingredient is vital for amplifying the lemon flavor and adding a bright, aromatic punch to the pudding. Don’t underestimate its impact; it truly elevates the dessert without adding excess liquid. Divide it as instructed for both the pudding and the final garnish.

For the complete list of precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

Creative Variations and Additions

While the classic Lemon Strawberry Trifle is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations and additions to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Cake Alternatives: Instead of angel food cake, consider other types of cake. A sturdy pound cake (like Sara Lee’s classic), a rich butter cake, or even a vanilla sponge cake would work beautifully. For a chocolate twist, a chocolate pound cake could pair surprisingly well with strawberries!
• Boost the Lemon Flavor with Lemon Curd: For an intense lemon experience, gently fold some store-bought or homemade lemon curd into the whipped cream or directly into the pudding mixture. This adds a rich, tangy depth that lemon lovers will adore.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice added to the sweetened condensed milk mixture can brighten the lemon flavor even further, providing an extra zesty kick.
• Strawberry Jam or Compote: If fresh strawberries are out of season or you want a different texture, strawberry jam can be used as a layer. For a more gourmet touch, quickly make a strawberry sauce or compote.
• Homemade Strawberry Sauce: To create a quick strawberry sauce, blend some fresh or frozen strawberries with a tablespoon of white grape juice or a touch of sugar. Alternatively, gently cook sliced strawberries in a small saucepan with a little sugar until they soften and release their juices, then cool before layering. This adds a lovely, rich fruit component.
• Mixed Berries: Don’t limit yourself to just strawberries! Substitute raspberries entirely, or combine them with strawberries for a delightful “Lemon Mixed Berry Trifle.” Blueberries or blackberries would also be fantastic additions, offering varied colors and tastes.
• A Touch of Liqueur: For an adult version, lightly brush the cake layers with a complementary liqueur like limoncello, Grand Marnier, or even a strawberry liqueur. This adds a sophisticated depth of flavor.
• Crunchy Elements: Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds, crushed shortbread cookies, or even white chocolate chips between layers for an extra textural dimension and subtle flavor boost.
• Different Puddings: While lemon is classic, vanilla, white chocolate, or even a cheesecake-flavored instant pudding could be used for a different twist, especially if you emphasize the strawberry component.

These simple adjustments allow you to personalize your trifle, ensuring it’s always a fresh and exciting dessert experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assemble Your Trifle

Assembling this Lemon Strawberry Trifle is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these steps for perfectly layered and delicious results:

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant lemon pudding mixes, cold milk, 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest, and the sweetened condensed milk. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and thickened. For best results and a super creamy texture, I recommend using a hand mixer to ensure there are no lumps.

Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping into the prepared pudding mixture. Use a spatula and fold until just combined, ensuring no white streaks of whipped topping remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the topping. Remember to save the other half of the whipped topping for the final garnish!

Step 3: Ensure Smoothness. Continue folding until the pudding mixture is entirely smooth and light, creating a homogenous, creamy consistency. This ensures every layer tastes fantastic.

Step 4: Begin Layering with Cake. To begin assembling your trifle, arrange an even layer of the cubed angel food cake at the bottom of your trifle dish. Aim for bite-sized pieces to ensure easy serving and eating. Distribute them as evenly as possible to create a solid base.

Step 5: Add Pudding and Strawberries. Drizzle or spread a layer of the prepared lemon pudding mixture over the cake. Then, evenly distribute one-third of your sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pudding. Repeat this layering process with cake, pudding, and strawberries to create two full layers of each component.

Step 6: Final Layers and Garnish. For the final layer, add the remaining cake, then the rest of the pudding mixture. Top the entire trifle generously with the remaining half of the whipped topping. Arrange additional sliced strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation, and sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon zest over everything for a final burst of aroma and color.

• Step 7: Chill and Serve. Once assembled, cover the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake to soften as it absorbs some of the creamy pudding, making every bite even more delicious. This dessert tastes best when well-chilled.

Storing Your Lemon Strawberry Trifle

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Lemon Strawberry Trifle at its best. Here are some guidelines:

• Best Served Fresh: This trifle is truly at its peak when served the day it is assembled, or within 1-2 days. The fresh components like cake and strawberries are most vibrant during this period.
• Refrigeration is Essential: Always keep the trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing other odors from the fridge.
• Texture Changes Over Time: As the trifle sits, the cake will continue to absorb moisture from the pudding and the strawberry juices. This results in an even softer, more tender cake layer, which many people find delightful. However, if you prefer a firmer cake texture, enjoy it sooner. The strawberries will also soften over time.
• Freezing is Not Recommended: Due to the delicate nature of the fresh strawberries and the pudding, freezing this trifle is generally not recommended. The texture will suffer significantly upon thawing, becoming watery and mushy.
• Make-Ahead Tips: While it’s best within 1-2 days, you can prepare the pudding mixture a day in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the trifle just a few hours before serving for optimal freshness and presentation.

Pro Tips for Trifle Perfection

Achieving a picture-perfect and exceptionally delicious Lemon Strawberry Trifle is easy with these expert tips:

• Cake Slices Strategy: When cutting your cake into cubes, don’t worry about perfection for the inner layers. Use any less-than-perfect or end slices to fill the middle layers, saving your most uniform and aesthetically pleasing cake cubes for the outermost layer against the glass. This ensures a beautiful presentation when viewed through the trifle dish.
• Generous Topping: Don’t be shy with the final layer of whipped topping and fresh strawberries. A generous crown of these ingredients not only looks appealing but also provides a delightful finish to each serving.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk is Non-Negotiable: Seriously, do not skip the sweetened condensed milk! It’s the secret ingredient that transforms the simple instant pudding into a rich, velvety, and irresistibly decadent cream. It makes a significant difference in both the taste and luxurious texture of the entire dessert.
• Uniform Cake Cubes for Even Layers: While not strictly necessary for taste, aiming to cut your angel food cake (or pound cake) into roughly equal-sized cubes will contribute to more uniform and visually appealing layers. This also ensures that each spoonful gets a balanced amount of cake.
• Invest in a Trifle Dish: While you can assemble this dessert in any large glass bowl, a dedicated clear trifle dish truly makes it shine. The transparent sides beautifully showcase the vibrant, alternating layers of cake, pudding, and fruit, turning your dessert into a stunning centerpiece.
• Serve with the Right Utensil: A sturdy, long-handled serving spoon or scoop is essential for trifles. This allows you to easily reach the bottom of the dish and scoop out all the delicious layers in one go, ensuring everyone gets a taste of each component.
• Chill Thoroughly: Patience is a virtue here! While 2 hours is the minimum, allowing the trifle to chill for 4-6 hours, or even overnight, will yield the best results. This extended chilling time allows the flavors to fully meld, and the cake to perfectly absorb the pudding’s moisture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dessert.
• Zest Wisely: When zesting your lemon, only grate the bright yellow outer skin. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can be bitter. The zest provides pure lemon aroma and flavor without adding extra liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Strawberry Trifle

What kind of cake is best for trifle?

Angel food cake is traditionally recommended due to its light texture and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. However, pound cake, vanilla sponge cake, or even ladyfingers are excellent alternatives that provide a richer or denser texture. Choose a cake that complements the other flavors and stands up well to moisture.

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Lemon Strawberry Trifle is an ideal make-ahead dessert. It needs at least 2 hours to chill, but preparing it 4-6 hours in advance or even the night before allows the flavors to meld and the cake to soften perfectly. Just ensure it’s covered tightly and refrigerated.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?

If you prefer not to use store-bought whipped topping, you can easily make homemade whipped cream using heavy whipping cream, a little sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form. For a lighter, tangier option, plain or vanilla Greek yogurt can be used, though it will alter the texture slightly.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes, absolutely! While strawberries are classic, this trifle is incredibly versatile. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries would all be delicious. You could even consider peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist, though they might pair better with vanilla pudding.

How long does Lemon Strawberry Trifle last?

When properly covered and refrigerated, your trifle will last for 1-2 days. After that, the cake can become quite soft, and the fruit might start to break down, though it will still be edible. It’s best enjoyed within the first 48 hours.

Do I need a special trifle dish?

While a clear glass trifle dish (which typically holds 3-4 quarts) is perfect for showcasing the beautiful layers, it’s not strictly necessary. You can use any large glass bowl or even individual serving glasses for a charming presentation. The key is using clear glass so the layers are visible.

Serving Suggestions for Your Trifle

Once your Lemon Strawberry Trifle is perfectly chilled and ready, it’s time to enjoy! Here are a few suggestions to make serving even more delightful:

• Presentation: If using a large trifle bowl, present it whole at the table for a dramatic reveal before scooping individual portions. For smaller gatherings, consider assembling mini trifles in individual glasses or mason jars for a personalized touch.
• Accompaniments: This trifle is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own. However, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving can add an extra touch of elegance. A sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of lemon can also enhance its visual appeal.
• Beverage Pairings: For a refreshing combination, serve with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water infused with lemon and mint. For an adult pairing, a light Moscato or a sparkling rosé would complement the sweet and fruity notes beautifully.
• Seasonal Feasts: This Lemon Strawberry Trifle is a star at spring brunches, summer BBQs, Easter celebrations, Mother’s Day gatherings, and Fourth of July picnics. Its bright flavors and refreshing nature make it a perfect fit for warmer weather festivities.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this trifle promises to be a memorable and much-loved addition to your dessert table.

Lemon Strawberry Trifle Recipe

Lemon Strawberry Trifle

A luscious dessert with gorgeous layers of lemon pudding, pound cake and fresh strawberries. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for entertaining.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Chill Time: 2 hrs

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 9

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Calories: 509 kcal

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 1 angel food cake, cut into cubes (approximately 12 ounces)
• 2 (3.4 ounces) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
• 16 ounces whipped topping, thawed and divided
• 2 pints strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced (about 4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, divided

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mixes, cold milk, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and sweetened condensed milk until combined and smooth.
2. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a spatula until smooth and no white streaks remain. Reserve the other half of the whipped topping for later.
3. To assemble the trifle, layer one-third of the angel food cake cubes evenly at the bottom of a clear trifle dish.
4. Spread one-third of the pudding mixture over the cake layer.
5. Arrange one-third of the sliced strawberries over the pudding layer.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 two more times to create three distinct layers of cake, pudding, and strawberries.
7. Top the entire trifle with the remaining whipped topping, extra sliced strawberries for garnish, and sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
8. Cover the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally 4-6 hours, before serving.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

The cake and strawberries will become very soft as the trifle sits and chills, absorbing the delicious flavors of the pudding. This trifle is best served the day it is assembled or within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 509 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 92g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 23mg
• Sodium: 435mg
• Potassium: 509mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 55g
• Vitamin A: 255IU
• Vitamin C: 63mg
• Calcium: 278mg
• Iron: 1mg

We hope you love this easy Lemon Strawberry Trifle recipe as much as we do! It truly is the best dessert for any occasion, offering both beauty and incredible taste with minimal effort. If you try it, please consider coming back to leave a 5-star review – it makes our day to hear about your culinary successes!