50 Homemade Trifle Recipes to Wow Your Dinner Guests
It's layer upon layer of flavor!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you're making a cake for an event or party, you're going to have a lot of different options to choose from. You have sheet cakes, layered cakes, mug cakes, and even no-bake cakes, to name a few. But there's a cake cousin that rises above the rest if you want something equally impressive to look at as it is to taste: the trifle! These chilled desserts are typically made with fluffy pieces of cake, creamy custard, and fruit, then served in a clear glass dish so you can see all the layers of flavorful goodness.
Here, you'll find stunning trifle recipes, many of which can be served family-style. We've also included quite a few in individual cups, too! Not sure where to begin? Consider starting with something seasonal, like a gingerbread cheesecake trifle that would make a perfect addition on your Christmas desserts or the red, white, and blue trifle for your Fourth of July menu. Of course, you could always make a trifle that works for all seasons and occasions like a traditional English version.
You pick from one of the many chocolate dessert recipes on this list or choose from your favorite flavor combinations: lemon and blueberry, chocolate and mint, or coffee and caramel. And while some of these trifle recipes provide directions for homemade cake, you could also use store-bought cake if you're in a pinch. In fact, a trifle is a great way to elevate cake mix or use a defrosted pound cake—but don't worry, no one has to know! 😉
Chocolate Trifle
If layers of chocolate pudding and crumbled brownies aren't enough to draw you in with this trifle, the crushed Oreo layers should be! Oh, and there's whipped cream cheese and chocolate shavings, too.
Get the Chocolate Trifle recipe.
Pumpkin Trifle
It's actually quite easy to craft these layers of spiced cake topped with crunchy gingersnap cookies, whipped pumpkin and cream cheese filling, and whipped cream. The secret hack? Boxed cake mix!
Get the Pumpkin Trifle recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Trifle
Serve this festive trifle for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day. Guests will peak into the glass bowl and admire the colorful, flag-inspired layers. Plus, the flavors are perfect for warmer weather!
Get the Red, White, and Blue Trifle recipe.
Carrot Cake Trifle
Lovers of carrot cake, rejoice! When you layer cake with decadent pudding, a whipped cream cheese topping, and crushed Speculoos cookies, it's downright irresistible.
Get the Carrot Cake Trifle recipe.
Individual Lemon Blueberry Trifles
Cake, whipped cream, fresh blueberries, and tangy lemon curd: This is the stuff of dessert dreams! Make the lemon curd from scratch or use store-bought for faster results.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Trifles recipe.
English Trifle
Since the trifle was invented across the pond, it feels right to include a traditional English version on this list. Sherry-soaked cake is layered with custard, fruit, jam, and whipped cream.
Banana Pudding
This classic Southern dessert may not have the word "trifle" in it. But with its luscious layers of pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafer cookies piled high, it certainly can be considered one.
Salted Caramel Brownie Trifles
These mini trifles are the perfect potluck dessert. Drizzle homemade salted caramel over the whipped cream topping for a delightful mixture of salty and sweet. Brownies from scratch make them extra special.
Get the Salted Caramel Brownie Trifles recipe at The Little Kitchen.
Sweet Potato Pie Trifle
Don't let your leftover holiday pies go to waste! This trifle recipe uses whole slices along with butter pecan ice cream and caramel sauce for the ultimate holiday dessert.
Lemon Berry Meringue Trifle
This trifle is so deliciously colorful! It’s like a cousin of strawberry shortcake and lemon meringue pie, with layers of sliced strawberries and raspberries, cubed pound cake, fluffy lemon curd, and torched meringue.
Get the Lemon Berry Meringue Trifle recipe at A Cozy Kitchen.
Angel Berry Trifle
It's made from angel food cake, but this recipe is devilishly delicious. It uses both cream cheese and sour cream for added tang that balance so well with the sweet berries.
Banana Split Trifle
This boxed cake-based trifle is totally customizable. Not a fan of bananas? Swap them out for another fruit. Prefer something a little more indulgent? Add a drizzle of chocolate. The options are endless!
Nutella Mousse Trifle
The light, airy, and creamy mousse in these mini trifles is made from everyone's favorite spread: Nutella! It's perfect when layered with chocolate cake. Want another layer? Try whipped cream for color contrast!
Irish Cream Brownie Trifle
A small batch of brownies is the base for this St. Paddy's dessert. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours, then add a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings right before serving.
Get the Irish Cream Brownie Trifle recipe at Dessert for Two.
Key Lime Cheesecake Trifle
Anyone who's a fan of classic key lime pie will go crazy for this pretty trifle variation. It has layer of key lime cheesecake filling, pound cake, and graham cracker crumbs. Lime slice decorations are optional!
Get the Key Lime Cheesecake Trifle recipe at Belle of the Kitchen.
Triple Layer Coffee Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cakes
List out decadent flavors you like to eat. If you said coffee, caramel, and chocolate, this one is for you and all your sweet-toothed guests!
Get the Coffee Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cakes recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Greek Yogurt Berry Trifle
Trifles don't have to be ultra-rich. This one's lightened up with Greek yogurt, has only four ingredients, and can be made in less than ten minutes.
Butterscotch Trifle
A boxed mix cake serves as the base for this trifle, but it's finished with homemade whipped cream.
Oreo Brownie Trifle
We've never turned down an Oreo-based dessert, and we certainly won't be starting now. How can we say no to layers of brownie pieces, rich chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed Oreos?
Strawberry Tiramisu Trifle
Strawberries, chocolate shavings, and a fabulous mascarpone cream give this coffee-flavored trifle a stunning presentation. You use lady fingers instead of cake like the traditional Italian dessert.
Caramel Desserts Full of Sticky-Sweet Goodness
Make Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting in 10 Minutes
Easy Fall Desserts You Can Bake in an Hour or Less
How To Make Ree's Dr Pepper Sheet Cake
