Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle

This Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is a dessert filled with creamy irresistible citrus deliciousness. It starts with our family recipe for Lemon Lovers Pound Cake that’s liberally brushed with a homemade lemon simple syrup. The pound cake is cubed and then layered with fluffy lemon cream and whipped cream then garnished with fresh lemon slices. It’s outrageously delicious!

Ingredients to Make Outrageous Lemon Trifle Recipe

I’m a huge fan of trifles, both sweet desserts and savory layered salads. They’re truly edible centerpieces in my kitchen, and I love serving them in a variety of flavors when entertaining. Over the years, I’ve shared several over-the-top trifle desserts on the site that have become reader favorites, and this lemon trifle recipe is no exception.

This lemon lovers trifle is a show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to earn oohs and aaahs at the table. Bright, creamy, and beautifully layered, it’s the perfect lemon dessert to delight guests and family alike at any gathering.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

• Lemon Pound Cake – One recipe of my Lemon Lovers Pound Cake cut into 1-inch cubes forms the lemon cake layer.
• Lemon Syrup – Fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar adds moisture and a pop of lemon flavor.
• Whipped Topping Mix – Dream Whip (dried whipped topping mix) adds a fluffiness to the lemon filling.
• Lemon Pudding – Instant lemon pudding mix gives the filling its signature lemon flavor.
• Liquid – Whole milk or half and half to prepare the lemon layers.
• Whipped Cream – Cool Whip or fresh sweetened whipped cream for frosting and decorating the top of the lemon trifle. Cool Whip or any private label store brand that you enjoy, is more stable than fresh whipped cream and will store beautifully.
• Garnishes – Grated white chocolate, fresh lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint for garnishing.

How to Make the Best Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle

When spring blooms so does this Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle in my Southern kitchen. It’s a fresh flavor combination that’s spectacular for any occasion such as a bridal or baby shower, girls night with friends, Easter dinner, Mother’s Day, a casual backyard picnic, a church potluck, Christmas, Thanksgiving and beyond.

• Make the Lemon Syrup – In a small saucepan over medium-high heat the granulated sugar and lemon juice together. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved then set aside to cool.
• Make the Filling – Whip both packets of Dream Whip with two cups of cold whole milk. Whip until soft peaks form.
• Add Lemon Pudding Mix – Add both packages of lemon pudding and the remaining cup of whole milk. Whip for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
• Assemble the Lemon Trifle – Divide the cubed cake in half. Begin with a layer of cubed cake on the bottom of the trifle bowl. Brush with lemon syrup. Add a layer of lemon pudding and whipped topping.
• Repeat the Layers Using all of the Ingredients – Repeat with cake, lemon syrup, lemon pudding mixture ending with whipped topping.
• Garnish the Top – Sprinkle the top with grated white chocolate and garnish with lemon slices, lemon zest and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
• Refrigerate – Chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours prior to serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Lemon Lovers Trifle Recipe

• Large trifle bowl. Let’s talk trifle bowls. I am a trifle lover and have a variety of bowls in different sizes. This is a big lemon trifle and you’ll need a 5 quart or larger bowl to make it. You can also use any large glass bowl to display the layers or in a pinch, assemble it in a 13×9-inch dish. If you plan on purchasing a trifle dish now or in the future, my rule of thumb is go bigger, not smaller.
• Use a Stand Mixer or a Hand Mixer – You can make this trifle using a stand mixer or a hand mixer using the whisk attachment A stand mixer makes light work of the extended amount of time it takes to fully whip the lemon filling. That said, either will work, of course.
• Large bowl.
• Knife and cutting board to cube the cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• What is Dream Whip? Dream Whip is a dry whipped topping mix that’s readily available on the baking aisle of most grocery stores including stores like Walmart and Target. It’s an important ingredient to make the layers for this lemon trifle adding a creamy texture, volume and flavor.
• Lemon Cake – You can make this trifle using my recipe for lemon lovers pound cake  or my lemon butter bundt cake.  If you’re pressed for time with no time to bake, you could use a store-bought pound cake (lemon or vanilla) or an angel food cake from your local bakery, in a pinch.
• Lemon Syrup Substitution – If you want to make an adults only trifle, you may opt to add a bit of limoncello or liqueur to the simple lemon syrup.
• Fresh Berries – You could also add a layer of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or any of your favorite fresh berries.
• Whipped Topping – You can use heavy whipping cream to make your own whipped cream for the top. I don’t recommend replacing the Dream whip for the layers.
• Lemon Curd – You could add a layer of homemade lemon curd, too.
• Individual Servings – You could also assemble this trifle in mason jars like a parfait for individual servings.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – This lemon trifle can be made one day in advance, then covered and chilled in the refrigerator. When doing so, wait and decorate and garnish the top until just before serving.
• Leftovers – You can store Lemon Trifle covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. It won’t be as pretty, but will still be quite delicious. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy!

More Lemon Desserts and Trifle Recipes to Make

This stunning outrageous lemon trifle should be made and assembled in advance and thoroughly chilled to allow the flavors to become even more robust. It’s a happy dessert for a happy occasion. More lemon desserts you may like to try:

• My easy Lemon Ice Box Pie is a dreamy warm weather dessert.
• Yummy Lemon Burst Poke Cake is topped with a decadent lemon infused cream cheese frosting.
• Scrumptious Lemon Curd Tart made in a graham cracker crust.
• Light and tasty Lemon Chiffon Cheese Bars are a riff on gooey butter cake.
• Special Lemon Layer Cake from Well Plated.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is always a winner.
• Raspberry-Lemon Cheesecake Trifle filled with plump fresh raspberries and lemon cake.
• For the chocolate peanut butter fans my Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie trifle never disappoints.
• Red Velvet White Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is ideal for any special occasion.

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Helpful  Kitchen Items:

• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Trifle Bowl