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!
Easy Outrageous Lemon Trifle Recipe
I am a huge fan of trifles both sweet and savory. They fall into the category of edible centerpieces in my kitchen and I gravitate to them in various flavors when entertaining. I have several over-the-top trifle desserts on the website that remain fan favorites:
- 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.
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 happy 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 and beyond.
- Ingredients you'll need to make Lemon Lovers Trifle recipe: Lemon pound cake and ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup lemon juice to make the simple syrup to brush on the cake layers. Whole milk or half and half plus 2 boxes of instant lemon pudding mix, Dream Whip mix, whipped cream or Cool Whip to frost the top and grated white chocolate and lemon slices to arrange on top.
- Let's talk trifle bowls. I am a trifle lover and have a variety 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 make it in a 13 x 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.
- You can make this trifle using a stand mixer or a hand mixer. 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.
- 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.
- 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 lemon or vanilla cake from your local bakery in a pinch.
- This 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.
- You can store leftovers chilled in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
More Lemon Lovers Desserts 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.
Thanks for visiting come back soon!
Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Helpful Kitchen Items:
Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle
Ingredients
- 1 Lemon Lovers Pound Cake cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 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 tablespoon grated white chocolate
- Lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint for garnishing
Instructions
- 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.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer whip together the Dream Whip [The box contains 2 envelopes use both] and 2 cups of cold whole milk. Whip for 5 minutes or until soft peaks form.
- Add both packages of lemon pudding and the remaining 1 cup of whole milk. Whip for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- To assemble, Divide the cubed cake in half. Begin with a layer of cubed cake on the bottom of the trifle bowl. Brush with ½ of the lemon syrup. Add a layer of lemon cream and ½ of the whipped topping. Repeat with cake, brush with lemon syrup, lemon cream ending with whipped topping.
- Sprinkle the top with grated white chocolate and garnish with lemon slice and fresh mint if desired.
- Chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours prior to serving.
Notes
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
>
Pat
where is the recipe for the lemon syrup?
Melissa
First step in the recipe.
Charlotte Xanders
I've been looking for a lemon trifle recipe, so thank you! I prefer not to use processed foods. Will it work if I make my own lemon pudding and combine it with real whipped cream?
Melissa
You can adapt this, yes.
Jessie
Hi there! Just wondering... I have a big bottle of Limoncello waiting to be opened. Do you think I could use that to soak the pound cake instead of making the lemon syrup. Have you ever tried it? Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes!
Melissa
You sure could, yes. That's a fabulous adult version of this trifle, enjoy!
Lisa
What is limoncello?
Jessie
It’s a Italian liqueur (you can actually make it with lemons and vodka but I just bought it at the liquor store). It worked really well. (Gave it a little kick!)
Joyce B
Hello there...I've made this recipe before and everyone raved about it. I am now making it for a friend's Mother's 100th birthday celebration tomorrow. I was planning on doubling the recipe to fit a larger bowl. When making the filling, would it be okay to make it all at once, or should I make two separate batches? Thanks.
Melissa
HI Joyce, how nice of you! In this instance, I think it's fine to double the filling. It doesn't always work that way but, for this one, it should work fine. Just keep in mind, double the ingredients may take longer to whip and adjust accordingly.
Joy Theriault
can cool whip be used in place of the dream whip ?
Melissa
In this recipe, it can't be. It's important for the stability of the filling.
Miss TT
Hi your recipe looks divinely delicious! I was just wondering how you keep the lemons as garnish from making the topping wet or bitter tasting.
Melissa
Thank you. I usually decorate the top just before serving and that has never been an issue.
Wanda
Do you use the glaze on the pound cake before cutting it up for use in trifle??
Melissa
You don't have to glaze the cake unless you want to. It's really not needed for this trifle.
Gilda Osmond
OMG...I love this recipe...thank you.
Melissa
It's my pleasure!
Jennifer Daigle
I see that you responded that this could be made a day in advance. What about 2 days in advance? Would the cake get soggy? I'm making for Father's Day. Thanks!
Melissa
I have definitely made this one day in advance and been able to keep leftovers after serving it for a couple of days. So,it probably would do fine.
Ksren
I have made this several times and get compliments each time. Always an empty bowl. Such a perfect blend of sweet but light taste and the perfect amount of lemon.Thanks for sharing.
Melissa Woods
I mistakenly bought cook & serve—not instant Lemon pudding-can this be used? If so how would I modify?
Melissa
I haven't tested cook and serve in this recipe. You may be able to adapt it making the pudding mix per the package directions and cool. Then, fully whip the Dream Whip per the package directions for whipped cream, separately. Fold the cooled lemon pudding into the whipped Dream Whip and layer in the trifle. If you try it let us know how it goes.
Lisa
Where do you get Lemon Lovers Pound cake?
Melissa
You can get any recipe by searching the Recipe Index. It's also highlighted and linked in the post.
Margie
I don't have a trifle bowl. Any suggestions on what else I could use?
Melissa
Any large bowl will work.
Margaret
I'm making for Mothers day. Question?? Seems like the 2pks. Of pudding will be too thick with that amount of milk??? Am I reading the instructions correctly?? Thank you, love your sight.
Melissa
Please follow the recipe, it works.
Melanie
Can I use angel food cake instead of pound cake?
Melissa
If you prefer, sure.
Corrine
Did you use the dream whip topping for the top and pipe on? Just wondering if it will hold up if I do 4 hrs in advance of serving. Looking forward to serving this dessert!
Melissa
Dream Whip is in the filling, whipped topping on the top.
Kim
Do I put the creamy lemon glaze on the pound cake if I am going to use it in the trifle? I am looking forward to trying this recipe and want it to be perfect! 😊
Melissa
Hi KIm, you don't have to, no. There's plenty of sweetness without it.
Brigette
Making this for Easter dinner tomorrow. Looks delicious! I’m wondering if there might be an error for the milk. Shouldn’t 1 cup be used for the Dream Whip (.5 for each pack) and 2 cups be used for each box of pudding? That’s the amounts according to their packages, anyway...but maybe it’s modified intentionally? Would love to know for sure before tomorrow morning, if possible. Thank you so much!!
Melissa
It is modified yes, please follow the recipe and not the packages.
Brigette
Perfect! Thank you so much for the quick reply!
Tammy Brandl
Why is it so hard to follow directions or to read recipes? Not meant for the lady above specifically but some of these questions are easily answered by reading and following directions. Girl you have lots of patience. Love your Blog & recipes!
Melissa
Hi Tammy, thanks so much for taking the time to visit!
Jody
How do you make lemon syrup
Melissa
Follow the instructions in the recipe and you'll be good to go.
Pauline Brady
Where is the recipe for the lemon syrup?
Melissa
Step 1 in the recipe instructions "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."
Ellen Begley
preparing this for church potluck, what size trifle bowl did you use?
Melissa
You need at least a 150 oz or larger, if you plan on taking this in the car to another location.
Christy
Can this be made the day before? Or should it be same day?
Melissa
It can be made a day in advance, sure.
Tony
This Lemon Lovers Trifle look so good, I want to try to make it!
The Raspberry Lemon Trifle also!
Melissa
Thanks so much! I love trifles so, I have several you might like to try.
Shanna R Wray
My entire family loved this. Those people don't like anything.
Melissa
Haha, love it!
Chrissy D
LMAO!! ...that’s too funny. 🤣