There’s just something undeniably festive about a trifle dessert. With its tall, layered presentation and mix of textures and flavors, a trifle isn’t just a treat—it’s a showstopper. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday dinner, summer BBQ, or just need an easy dessert that feeds a crowd, these 13 trifle bowl recipes deliver comfort, beauty, and flavor all in one dish.
From classic strawberry shortcake to indulgent chocolate-peanut butter combos, these trifles are easy to make, don’t require perfect baking skills, and use simple ingredients you probably already have.
1. 🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Image: cupcakesandkale.com
This light and lovely dessert layers angel food cake with juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. It’s the perfect spring or summer trifle—sweet, refreshing, and never too heavy.
Pro Tip: Toss the sliced strawberries in sugar and let them sit for 15 minutes. This creates a juicy syrup that adds extra flavor and keeps the cake moist.
Get the Strawberry Shortcake Trifle recipe
2. 🍫 Chocolate Brownie Trifle
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If you’re a chocolate lover, this is your dream dessert. Fudgy brownie chunks, creamy chocolate pudding, and soft whipped topping make each bite rich and irresistible.
Pro Tip: Add mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of crushed chocolate cookies between layers for extra texture and crunch.
Get the Chocolate Brownie Trifle recipe
3. 🍌 Banana Pudding Trifle
Image: chelsweets.com
This Southern classic gets the trifle treatment with layers of banana slices, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers. It’s smooth, nostalgic, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
Pro Tip: Lightly coat banana slices in lemon juice to keep them from browning too quickly.
Get the Banana Pudding Trifle recipe
4. ❤️ Red Velvet Trifle
Image: thebakingchocolatess.com
Deep red velvet cake pieces layered with cream cheese frosting and clouds of whipped cream—this trifle is as pretty as it is delicious. It’s especially perfect for holidays or Valentine’s Day.
Pro Tip: Chill each layer before adding the next to keep the vibrant red color from bleeding into the white frosting.
Get the Red Velvet Trifle recipe
5. 🍋 Lemon Blueberry Trifle
Image: tatyanaseverydayfood.com
A bright, citrusy treat made with lemon cake or pound cake, lemon curd, whipped cream, and plump blueberries. This trifle is light, zesty, and perfect for brunch or a sunny afternoon.
Pro Tip: Use a piping bag to layer lemon curd neatly between the cake and cream—it gives a clean, professional finish.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Trifle recipe
6. 🥜 Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle
Image: thekellyskitchen.com
Think of this as a giant Reese’s cup in a bowl—layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, and crushed Reese’s candies. It’s decadent, fun, and sure to be a hit.
Pro Tip: Let the trifle chill for at least 4 hours to let the mousse firm up—it makes slicing and scooping much easier.
Get the Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle recipe
7. 🍓 Mixed Berry Trifle
Image: cookingclassy.com
This trifle bursts with flavor from strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries layered between fluffy vanilla cake and whipped cream. It’s perfect for summer and makes a beautiful centerpiece.
Pro Tip: Press the berries gently into the cream layer to keep them in place and help maintain clean, defined layers.
Get the Mixed Berry Trifle recipe
8. 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Trifle
Image: inquiringchef.com
Your fall favorite, in trifle form! Spiced pumpkin cake, vanilla pudding or cream cheese filling, and whipped cream make this a cozy, flavorful dessert that’s ideal for Thanksgiving or chilly nights.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies between layers for a warm crunch and deeper spiced flavor.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Trifle recipe
9. ☕ Chocolate Mocha Trifle
Image: cindyroy.com
Rich chocolate cake soaked with espresso, layered with mocha pudding and whipped cream—this trifle gives off tiramisu vibes with a more decadent twist.
Pro Tip: Dust the top with cocoa powder or shaved dark chocolate for an elegant finish.
Get the Chocolate Mocha Trifle recipe
10. 🥥 Coconut Cream Trifle
Image: deliciousonadime.com
Light and tropical, this trifle blends white cake with coconut pudding, whipped cream, and plenty of shredded coconut. It’s smooth, creamy, and feels like a mini vacation in every bite.
Pro Tip: Toast the coconut before adding it on top to enhance the flavor with a light crunch and golden color.
Get the Coconut Cream Trifle recipe
11. 🍎 Apple Pie Trifle
Image: tatyanaseverydayfood.com
A warm twist on a classic, this trifle layers spiced cake with gooey apple pie filling and cinnamon whipped cream. It’s cozy, comforting, and comes together faster than a traditional pie.
Pro Tip: Warm the apple filling slightly before layering—it blends more easily and gives the dessert a fresh-baked feel.
Get the Apple Pie Trifle recipe
12. 🍪 Cookies and Cream Trifle
Image: johleneortontravelseurope.com
A kid-approved favorite made with crushed Oreos, soft chocolate cake or brownies, vanilla pudding, and a heap of whipped cream. This is the ultimate no-bake dessert for parties and potlucks.
Pro Tip: Top with a layer of mini Oreos or crushed cookies for a fun and crunchy topping.
Get the Cookies and Cream Trifle recipe
13. 🍒 Cherry Cheesecake Trifle
Image: thefitcookie.com
This creamy, dreamy trifle layers pound cake cubes, sweet cheesecake filling, and cherry pie filling for a dessert that’s both easy and indulgent. It tastes like a classic cherry cheesecake—but no oven needed.
Pro Tip: Chill the cheesecake filling before layering to help it hold its shape and scoop cleanly.
Get the Cherry Cheesecake Trifle recipe
🎉 Why Trifles Make the Perfect Dessert
- ✅ No baking skills required – great for beginners
- ✅ Feeds a crowd – perfect for holidays, birthdays, or BBQs
- ✅ Endless flavor combos – mix and match fruits, cakes, and fillings
- ✅ Looks stunning – shows off every delicious layer in a trifle bowl
Whether you’re whipping one up for the weekend or planning ahead for a celebration, these trifle bowl recipes are guaranteed to please.
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