Lemon Strawberry Trifle: The Perfect No-Bake Dessert for Beginners

When it comes to making an impressive dessert for spring or summer gatherings, few treats are as satisfying and easy as a Lemon Strawberry Trifle. This dessert combines layers of light and fluffy angel food cake, sweet and tangy lemon pudding, fresh strawberries, and creamy lemon curd. Best of all, it requires no baking, making it a go-to option for beginner cooks who want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Print

I first came across this dessert during a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s the kind of dish that looks elegant but doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a family reunion, or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, this lemon strawberry trifle is sure to be the highlight of the event.

This recipe is not only beginner-friendly but also versatile, offering flexibility in terms of ingredients and serving sizes. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who’s new to cooking, especially if you’re looking to impress with minimal effort. Let’s dive into how you can make this simple yet stunning dessert.

Ingredients and Preparation

The beauty of this Lemon Strawberry Trifle lies in its simplicity and the fact that the ingredients are easy to find. The following ingredients will help you create a dessert that serves up to 12 people. You’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 6.8 ounces instant lemon pudding mix
• 2½ cups milk (you can substitute with unsweetened almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free option)
• 16 ounces whipped topping, thawed (divided into two portions)
• 2 pounds strawberries, sliced (fresh is best, but frozen can be used in a pinch)
• ⅔ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• 14 ounces angel food cake, cut into bite-sized pieces (you can also use pound cake or sponge cake if you prefer)

Preparation:

Before you begin assembling the trifle, take some time to prep your ingredients. Make sure the whipped topping is thawed, as this will make it easier to mix and fold into the pudding. Similarly, slice the strawberries into thin, even pieces so they’ll layer beautifully. The angel food cake should be cut into small cubes, making it easier to layer in the trifle dish. If you’re using store-bought lemon curd, ensure that it’s stirred to make it smooth and ready for folding into the whipped topping.

Once everything is prepped and ready, you can proceed with the assembly process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this Lemon Strawberry Trifle is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. Let’s break it down:

1. Make the Lemon Pudding Mixture:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and milk. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens. It should have a smooth and creamy texture. Once the pudding is ready, fold in 8 ounces of the thawed whipped topping. This will make the pudding lighter and fluffier. Place the pudding mixture in the refrigerator to chill for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the other components.

2. Prepare the Angel Food Cake:

While the pudding chills, cut the angel food cake into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Set these aside in a separate bowl. If you can’t find angel food cake, you can use any light, airy cake like a pound cake or sponge cake.

3. Prepare the Lemon Curd Mixture:

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping with the lemon curd. Use a spatula to fold the two together until they are fully combined and smooth. This mixture will add a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the lightness of the cake.

4. Assemble the Trifle:

Now comes the fun part—assembling the trifle. Start by layering half of the angel food cake pieces at the bottom of a large trifle dish or a large bowl. Make sure the cake pieces are spread evenly across the bottom.

Next, add half of the lemon pudding mixture over the cake. Spread it out gently with a spatula to ensure it covers the cake completely.

Add half of the sliced strawberries on top of the pudding. Try to distribute them evenly so every bite has a good balance of fruit.

Now, add half of the lemon curd mixture over the strawberries. Again, spread it evenly for a smooth layer.

Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients: angel food cake, lemon pudding, strawberries, and lemon curd mixture. The final layer should be the lemon curd mixture.

5. Chill and Serve:

Once the trifle is fully assembled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is even better if you have the time. This allows all the flavors to meld together, and the dessert becomes even more delicious as it sits.

Before serving, garnish with extra fresh strawberries or lemon slices for a beautiful touch.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If you’re new to cooking or just want to make sure your trifle turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Be Patient with the Pudding: The key to the perfect lemon pudding is making sure it thickens properly. Don’t rush the whisking process. Take the full 2 minutes to make sure the pudding sets well.
• Don’t Over-Mix the Whipped Topping: When folding whipped topping into the pudding or lemon curd, do so gently. Over-mixing can cause the whipped topping to deflate, resulting in a less fluffy texture.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they add sweetness and color. If you must use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture.
• Layering is Key: The beauty of a trifle lies in its layers. Be sure to evenly distribute each component to ensure that every spoonful has a mix of cake, pudding, strawberries, and lemon curd.
• Texture Considerations: If you like your angel food cake a little softer, you can lightly drizzle it with some fruit juice (like orange juice) before layering it. This will prevent it from being too dry once the pudding and whipped topping are added.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Strawberry Trifle is a showstopper on its own, but there are a few ways to elevate the experience:

• Pair with a Light Drink: Since this trifle is light and refreshing, serve it alongside a chilled glass of lemonade, iced tea, or even sparkling water. The bright citrus flavors will complement the dessert perfectly.
• Serve with a Simple Side: If you want to make this a more substantial dessert experience, consider serving it with a light side salad or a small bowl of fresh fruit. This will provide a balanced end to the meal.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: To give the trifle a more elegant look, garnish the top with extra fresh strawberries, lemon zest, or a few mint leaves. These garnishes will enhance the visual appeal and add an extra burst of freshness.
• Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, simply cover the trifle and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the trifle will stay just as delicious.

Engagement Features

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably eager to try this Lemon Strawberry Trifle for yourself. The simplicity of this recipe makes it ideal for beginners, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to experiment with different fruits or cake bases to make it your own.

I’d love to hear how your trifle turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts and any creative variations you tried. If you’re looking for more beginner-friendly dessert ideas, be sure to check out my other recipes, and feel free to share this one with your friends and family.

Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Happy cooking!