Lemon Trifle Recipe

ByAiden Wells
Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Lemon trifle is a bright and refreshing dessert featuring layers of moist cake, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you crave a light, citrusy treat.

A clear glass filled with a dessert made of multiple layers: soft yellow cake cubes at the bottom, followed by a smooth white cream layer, then a thick yellow lemon curd, another layer of white cream, and more yellow cake cubes. The dessert is topped with a fluffy white whipped cream sprinkled with small bits of lemon zest. A vintage silver spoon is placed inside the glass, and the background is a white marbled texture. Another similar dessert glass is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 5 cups white, yellow, or lemon cake, cut into small cubes (lemon chiffon cake recommended)
  • 1 cup lemon curd, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place a layer of cake cubes at the bottom of 4 serving glasses.
  2. Step 2: Spoon about one tablespoon of lemon curd over the cake in each glass.
  3. Step 3: Add a heaping tablespoon of whipped cream on top of the lemon curd, spreading it to cover the surface.
  4. Step 4: Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
  5. Step 5: Optional: Sprinkle a little lemon zest on the final layer for a fresh, attractive finish.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, or chill the trifles for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld and the cake soak up the moisture.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra lemon flavor, use lemon chiffon cake and garnish with fresh lemon zest.
  • Substitute lemon curd with a tart lemon yogurt for a lighter variation.
  • Use store-bought whipped cream for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste.

Storage

Store the assembled trifles covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed within this time to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy. Reheat is not recommended as this dessert is best served chilled.

How to Serve

This image shows a clear glass filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer is a creamy yellow custard, topped with small cubes of light yellow sponge cake. Above the cake is a thick layer of white whipped cream, followed by another layer of custard and then more sponge cake cubes. The dessert is topped with a final layer of whipped cream sprinkled with tiny pieces of yellow zest. A silver spoon sticks out from the glass. In the background, another similar dessert is slightly out of focus. The dessert is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make lemon curd ahead of time?

Yes, lemon curd can be made up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What type of cake works best for this trifle?

Light and airy cakes like lemon chiffon, sponge, or yellow cake work best as they soak up the flavors while maintaining structure.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemon Trifle Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Aiden
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 4 individual servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing Lemon Trifle is a simple yet elegant layered dessert featuring cubes of lemon or chiffon cake, tangy lemon curd, and sweetened whipped cream. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, it combines bright citrus flavors with creamy texture in individual serving glasses, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 5 cups white, yellow, or lemon cake, cut into small cubes (preferably lemon chiffon cake)

Lemon Curd

  • 1 cup lemon curd, homemade or store-bought

Whipped Cream

  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Layer the Cake Cubes: Place a layer of small cake cubes at the bottom of each of the 4 serving glasses to create your base layer for the trifle.
  2. Add Lemon Curd: Spoon approximately one tablespoon of lemon curd over the cake layer in each glass, distributing it evenly to infuse the cake with a zesty flavor.
  3. Spread Whipped Cream: Add a heaping tablespoon of sweetened whipped cream over the lemon curd and gently spread it out to cover the surface completely.
  4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times with cake cubes, lemon curd, and whipped cream, finishing the last layer with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
  5. Garnish and Chill: Optionally sprinkle a little lemon zest on the top dollop of cream for a fresh, decorative touch. Chill the assembled trifles in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to soak up moisture from the curd and cream before serving.

Notes

  • You can use any type of light cake: white, yellow, lemon, or chiffon for best results.
  • Homemade lemon curd adds freshness, but store-bought works well for convenience.
  • Sweetened whipped cream balances the tartness of the lemon curd.
  • Chilling the trifle enhances flavor melding and texture, but you can serve immediately if short on time.
  • Lemon zest garnish adds both visual appeal and a boost of citrus aroma.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon trifle, layered dessert, lemon curd dessert, whipped cream dessert, easy lemon dessert, no bake dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Avatar photo

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆