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:
Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 582kcal
Ingredients
- 1 baked Lemon Lovers Pound Cake baked per the recipe and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Lemon Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Filling:
- 1 2.7 oz box Dream Whip
- 3 cup very cold whole milk divided
- 2 3.4 oz boxes instant lemon pudding mix
- 16 oz frozen whipped topping OR 4 cups fresh sweetened whipped cream
- 2 Tbsp grated white chocolate
- Lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint sprigs for garnishing
Instructions
- Cake: Bake the Lemon Lovers Pound Cake and cool, then cube.
- Lemon Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-high mix the granulated sugar and lemon juice together. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved then set aside to cool.
- Filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip together both packets of Dream Whip [The box contains 2 envelopes or packets, use both] with 2 cups of cold milk. Whip for 5 minutes or until soft peaks form.
- To the bowl add both packages of lemon pudding mix and the remaining 1 cup of milk. Whip for 2-3 minutes on medium high speed until thickened.
- Assemble: Divide the cubed cake in half. On the bottom of the bowl begin with a layer of cubed cake. Brush the cake with 1/2 of the lemon syrup.
- Add a layer of lemon pudding mixture and 1/2 of the whipped topping. Repeat with cubed cake, brush with lemon syrup, lemon pudding mixture ending with whipped topping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with grated white chocolate and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint, if desired. (You may also opt to add some fresh lemon zest to the top!)
- Chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours prior to serving.
Notes
- 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, strawberries or any of your favorite fresh berries.
- Lemon Curd: You could add a layer of homemade lemon curd, too.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 90g | Vitamin A: 980IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 1mg
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Tomorrow will be my 2nd time making this dessert at my family’s request. We all LOVE it. I use the pre-sliced lemon creme cake from Wal-Mart’s bakery. No offense, I just don’t have the patience to bake a cake THEN make the trifle. I’m sure your cake is delicious. Maybe one day.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. It’s a new favorite in my family!
I’m delighted you’re enjoying this dessert, thanks so much for letting me know.
Instead of buying a cake and lemon whip, can you make any of these? If so how would you suggest you could.make these?
Thanks
This recipe doesn’t call for buying a cake. I recommend you use my lemon lovers pound cake recipe found in the recipe archives. The dream whip is essential to the filling.
Hi, this looks divine and I desperately want to make it…but…I’m in the UK and have no idea what instant lemon pudding mix is…I’ve googled an alternative but I’m having no luck… could you describe what it is and possibly give me an alternative please… thankyou
Hi Annamarie, you could easily adapt using a lemon custard mixed with fresh whipped cream in place of the pudding and whipped topping mix.
So after making this I was trying it out and before I knew it I had eaten a little of two thirds of this yummy desert. Looks like I need to make another one now as it was for guests this evening. Does this desert make you fat? Really love anything with lemon!
Ha, that’s funny! It is rather addicting and probably wouldn’t be a good idea to eat this everyday. But, it is fun to splurge once in a while isn’t it?
So sorry, I get it now. Thank you for your patience!
Glad you got it, enjoy!
Hi there,
was wondering if this could be made a day in advance
Sure, no problem at all. If you decorate it as pictured it can be a challenge to cover though.
I’LL DECORATE IT TOMORROW, BUT ASSEMBLE TO TODAY. I’LL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT GOES.
Perfect this one is SO good hope your guests love it!
It was perfect, everyone loved it. It was refreshing.
So happy you loved this one, thanks so much for taking the time to let me know.
So before adding the lemon pudding mix I should save 1/2 the whip cream? I couldn’t find how you saved the whip cream
The whipped cream/topping is separate from the lemon filling. There’s one layer of whipped topping in the trifle and the remaining is on top.
I am wondering if this is really lemony or is there anywhere I could add lemon curd either by itself or in the lemon pudding mixture? Thank you.
You can add lemon curd as an additional layer, sure.
I was looking for a dessert to add a little limoncello to. Do you think poking holes in the cake and allowing 1/2 c of the liqeur to soak into it would take away from this dessert?
Sounds great to me for the limoncello fans in your life, sure.
2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant lemon pudding mix????
I just have no idea what this is, we dont sell it in our supermarkets, just googled all to check! I presume you not in UK, could you please advise what i could use as a substitute?
I am in the US. You could possibly adapt using lemon curd.
Can something else be used instead of Dream Whip like whipped cream mixed with a little cream cheese for stability.
If you’d like to adapt using those ingredients you could if you want, of course. I developed this recipe just as it’s written so, I can’t tell you if those adjustments will work.
Where can I buy lemon instant pudding….can’t find it here in Canada.
Amazon or any online retailer should have it. Otherwise, you might try adapting this using lemon curd.
For a dessert contest at work, I made my mother’s scrumptious sour cream lemon pound cake . Imagine my dismay when the cake got stuck in the bundt pan! Scrambling for a “Plan B”, I Googled for a lemon pound cake trifle recipe and discovered this gem.
I followed the recipe exactly, with only one change. I added one layer of coarsely crushed ginger snap cookies in the middle.
I was beyond thrilled when my trifle won the dessert contest! Move over chocolate!!
Thanks for helping me turn my cake disaster into a prize winner.
How exciting! The gingersnaps are an interesting addition. Thanks for letting me know.
At 62, I’ve never owned a trifle bowl, but I’m now motivated to get one. Since they vary greatly in size, from two quarts to four quarts, and everything in between, what size would you recommend? Thank you!
My rule of thumb is you can go too small but, not too big. Nothing less than a 4 quart for me.
retirees are downsizing and donating, I found my trifle bowl at a second hand store, as well as a beautiful cake plate on another visit.
What a fantastic find. Well done!
This is my new favorite recipe to make for dessert! I made it for Easter and everyone loved it, and I just made another today to take to a potluck. For today’s, I made it in a large container, instead of my trifle bowl, and it still looks great! Im sure it will be a hit today as well!
That makes me happy, thanks for letting me know!
This is one of the BEST desserts I have had in a very long time! my grandkids and I made it this past week and the whole family fell in love with it! Thank you so much for sharing!
That makes me happy, thanks for letting me know!
Just curious. I would like there to be a bit of crunch in it. What would you suggest?
Nuts perhaps? Almonds, macadamia nuts or candied lemon peel for texture.
The Trifle came out AWESOME!! The limoncello was an added bonus. I used 1/2 cup of limoncello and cooked it along with the fresh lemon juice and sugar. It definitely added flavor but it was very subtle and did not taste like you doused the cake in alcohol. I also used Duncan Hines Boxed Moist lemon cake mix. I used the directions for 13 X 9 pan. The cake came out the perfect height to cut 1 inch high cubes. I only needed half the cake for two layers in the trifle bowl. Also, I brushed the half of cake with the lemon juice/limoncello and sugar mixture before placing the cubes in the trifle dish. The mixture of flavors in this recipe were awesome! it didn’t take long for everyone to devour it. Thank you!
I love your ideas, freeze the leftover cake for the next one. So, glad you enjoyed!
Oh that sounds so good with the added Limoncello. I use Limoncello to make a bundt cake a very costly bundt cake considering Limoncello is not cheap. I’ll have try your idea for my b’day on the 14th of July.
Could you possibly add/soak Lemon Liquor into the cake for an adult dessert?
Absolutely, limoncello would be awesome!
Thank you! That’s what I was thinking. Making it this weekend. I will let you know the results.????
Please do, thanks!
I’m going to try this. I can’t wait to make it! #ILOVETOBAKE