Easy Spring Trifle Recipe – Colorful, Creamy, and Delicious

There’s something magical about a dessert that looks like a burst of springtime happiness. This Easy Spring Trifle is exactly that—a colorful, creamy, and downright delightful treat that’s perfect for Easter celebrations, springtime brunches, or just about any occasion when you want to impress without the stress. With its vibrant pastel hues, fluffy layers of cake, pudding, and whipped cream, and playful decorations, this trifle is pure joy in dessert form.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need to be a master baker to pull off this impressive-looking dessert. This recipe uses store-bought cake mix, instant pudding, and whipped cream (or Cool Whip, if you’re going for ultimate convenience), so all you have to do is assemble, layer, and chill. Whether you’re whipping this up with the kids or preparing it as a show-stopping finale for your next get-together, this trifle is bound to be a hit.

I remember the first time I made this trifle for a spring gathering. The colorful layers immediately caught everyone’s attention, and when they took a bite? Pure bliss. It was creamy, soft, and sweet with just the right amount of texture from the decorations. And the compliments? They kept coming all day. I knew right then this dessert was going to be a regular feature in my spring dessert repertoire.

In this detailed guide, I’m going to walk you through every single step to make this spring trifle a total success. I’ll also share tips and tricks to make sure your trifle turns out beautifully every time. Get ready to wow your guests (and yourself) with this easy and delicious spring trifle recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Easy Spring Trifle. From its simplicity to its festive appearance, it checks all the boxes of a crowd-pleasing dessert. Here’s why you’ll love it:

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. The recipe relies on basic, store-bought ingredients like cake mix, instant pudding, and whipped cream. That means no complicated baking techniques or lengthy prep times. You can literally put this dessert together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you’re short on time but still want something impressive.

Secondly, this dessert is highly customizable. The base recipe gives you the flexibility to choose your favorite cake mix flavors, pudding types, and even the colors you want to incorporate. Want a pink, yellow, and white trifle to match your Easter table? Done. Prefer something with more of a green, lemony look for spring? No problem. You can switch things up every time you make it.

Thirdly, it’s an absolute show-stopper. The layered look of cake, pudding, and whipped cream, all topped with festive decorations, makes it a visually stunning dessert. It’s the kind of dish that gets people talking even before they take their first bite. And once they do, they’ll be hooked.

Finally, it’s fun to make! This is one of those recipes you can easily involve the kids with. Let them help mix the pudding, add food coloring to the whipped cream, or sprinkle on the decorations. The result is a dessert that feels special, homemade, and incredibly charming.

If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-impact dessert that everyone will rave about, this Easy Spring Trifle is it. And did I mention how delicious it is? Let’s not waste any more time.

Health Benefits

Let’s be honest, trifle is a dessert, so it’s not going to be your go-to health food. However, it’s important to note that this sweet treat does have a few positive points, especially if you make a few adjustments.

For starters, if you choose to make your own whipped cream from heavy cream instead of using store-bought Cool Whip, you’ll be consuming fewer artificial ingredients. Homemade whipped cream is simply heavy cream whipped until it’s light and fluffy, which means fewer preservatives and a cleaner taste. Additionally, heavy cream contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are beneficial for the body.

You can also make this dessert slightly more nutritious by using sugar-free pudding mix if you’re looking to cut down on added sugars. Instant pudding is available in sugar-free versions, and it’s a great way to enjoy the same creamy texture without all the extra calories.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making this trifle with a homemade cake mix using whole-grain flour or a gluten-free option if you’re catering to dietary restrictions. And, believe it or not, by incorporating fruits like strawberries or bananas into the layers, you can add some natural vitamins and minerals to the dessert.

Ultimately, while this dessert is meant to be an indulgent treat, you can certainly tweak the ingredients to make it a bit healthier without compromising on flavor or visual appeal. Moderation is key, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a sweet and festive dessert like this one every once in a while.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

One of the best things about this Easy Spring Trifle is how little time it takes to prepare and serve. It’s perfect for when you need something quick but impressive. Let’s break down the details:

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes (for baking the cake)
Cooling Time: 30 minutes (for the cake to cool completely)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves about 10 to 12 people, depending on portion size.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this show-stopping dessert:

Cake Layer:

• 1 box cake mix (white, lemon, or strawberry)
• Ingredients required for cake mix preparation (usually eggs, oil, and water as indicated on the box)
• Food coloring (optional, for colorful cake layers)

Pudding Layer:

• 2 boxes instant pudding mix (pistachio, banana, or vanilla)
• 4 cups cold milk (for preparing the pudding)

Whipped Cream Layer:

• 2 cups heavy cream (or 1 container of Cool Whip if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (if using heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using heavy cream)
• Food coloring (optional, for a pastel touch)

Decorations (Optional):

• Wilton Spring Sprinkles
• Spring M&Ms
• Peeps (marshmallow candies)
• Colored coconut (optional – instructions for coloring included below)

That’s it for the ingredients. The best part is, you can easily find all of these at your local grocery store. And if you want to go all-out with the decorations, feel free to get creative.

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this gorgeous trifle.

 

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

This Easy Spring Trifle recipe is broken down into clear, manageable steps to ensure you get the best results every single time. Follow along, and you’ll have a stunning, delicious dessert ready to impress your guests.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Bake the Cake

• Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions (usually 350°F or 175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix as instructed on the package. This usually involves combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water.
• For a colorful touch, add a few drops of food coloring to the batter if desired. Pink, pastel yellow, or soft blue are all lovely spring shades. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package directions (usually 25-30 minutes). To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—it should come out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes.

2. Cut the Cake into Cubes

• After the cake has completely cooled, cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. Aim for roughly 1-inch pieces.
• If you’ve baked your cake in two round pans, you can cut the layers into slices and then into cubes. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

1. Mix the Pudding

• In a medium-sized bowl, add the instant pudding mix and cold milk.
• Whisk thoroughly for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens.
• Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to set completely. You’ll have a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for layering.
• You can choose pistachio pudding for a pale green layer, banana pudding for a creamy yellow layer, or vanilla pudding for a classic white layer.

2. Chill the Pudding

• Place the prepared pudding in the refrigerator while you continue with the other steps.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream (If Not Using Cool Whip)

1. Whip the Heavy Cream

• In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy cream. Add the sugar and vanilla extract.
• Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks. This should take about 5 minutes.
• You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted.

2. Color the Whipped Cream (Optional)

• If you want to add a touch of pastel color to your whipped cream, divide the whipped cream into two bowls.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to one of the bowls and gently fold it in until you achieve the desired color. Soft pink, lavender, and light blue are beautiful choices.

3. Refrigerate the Whipped Cream

• Keep the whipped cream in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the trifle.

Step 4: Prepare the Colored Coconut (Optional)

1. Color the Coconut

• If you want to add a grassy, spring-like look to your trifle, this step is for you.
• Place about 1 cup of shredded coconut in a resealable plastic bag.
• Add 1 teaspoon of water and a few drops of green food coloring.
• Seal the bag and shake it vigorously until the coconut is evenly colored.
• Set aside for decoration later.

Step 5: Assemble the Trifle

Now comes the fun part—assembling the trifle!

1. Layer the Cake Pieces

• In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, place a layer of cake cubes at the bottom. Try to cover the entire base evenly.

2. Add the Pudding Layer

• Spoon a generous layer of pudding over the cake pieces. Spread it out evenly to cover all the cake.

3. Add the Whipped Cream Layer

• Dollop or pipe whipped cream over the pudding layer, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.
• If you colored some of the whipped cream, feel free to alternate layers for a colorful effect.

4. Repeat the Layers

• Continue layering the cake pieces, pudding, and whipped cream until your trifle dish is filled. Typically, two to three complete layers work best.
• Finish with a smooth, thick layer of whipped cream on top.

Step 6: Decorate the Trifle

Now for the creative part!

1. Add Toppings

• Sprinkle Wilton Spring Sprinkles and Spring M&Ms over the top.
• Arrange Peeps (those adorable marshmallow candies) on top for a fun, festive touch.
• Sprinkle the colored coconut over the whipped cream to create a grassy effect.

2. Chill the Trifle

• Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time helps the layers settle and enhances the overall texture.

How to Serve

Serving this beautiful trifle is a joy in itself. Here are some ideas to make sure your presentation is perfect:

• Serve the trifle straight from the trifle dish using a large spoon to scoop out generous portions.
• If you prefer individual servings, layer the trifle components in small glass jars or dessert glasses for a charming, personalized presentation.
• For a bit of added freshness, you can serve the trifle with fresh fruit on the side, like sliced strawberries or raspberries.
• Garnish with extra sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you’re feeling fancy.

This trifle pairs wonderfully with a light cup of tea, fresh lemonade, or even a fruity mocktail if you’re going for a full spring-themed spread.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with fruit salad for a fresh contrast.
• Pair with lemon bars or strawberry shortcake for a dessert table.
• Try it with a cold, refreshing drink like strawberry lemonade or iced green tea.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftover trifle in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While freezing isn’t recommended due to the whipped cream and pudding layers, you can freeze the cake cubes if you want to prepare them ahead of time.
• Reheating: Reheating isn’t necessary for this dessert. Serve it chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Warm Cake: Always make sure the cake is completely cooled before assembling. Warm cake will melt the pudding and whipped cream, resulting in a runny mess.
• Overwhipping Cream: If making homemade whipped cream, be careful not to overwhip. You want it fluffy, not curdled.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Allowing the trifle to chill properly is crucial for firming up the layers and enhancing flavor.
• Overloading on Decorations: While fun, too many decorations can weigh down the whipped cream layer. Add them sparingly.
• Using Too Much Food Coloring: A little goes a long way. Start with a few drops and build up gradually to avoid overly intense colors.

Pro Tips

Making this Easy Spring Trifle is already pretty straightforward, but these pro tips will ensure it turns out absolutely perfect every time.

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

• If you’re making homemade whipped cream, make sure your heavy cream is cold straight from the fridge. Cold cream whips much faster and holds its shape better.
• Freshly baked cake works best, but if you want to save time, you can use a store-bought cake or even leftover cake from a previous bake.

2. Adjusting Sweetness

• If you prefer a less sweet trifle, consider using unsweetened whipped cream. The pudding and cake provide plenty of sweetness, so unsweetened whipped cream can balance it out nicely.

3. Use a Clear Glass Dish

• Presentation is everything with this trifle. Using a clear glass trifle dish or dessert glasses allows you to showcase the colorful layers beautifully.

4. Color Coordination

• For the best visual appeal, plan your colors in advance. For example, use a pink cake layer, yellow pudding, and white whipped cream, or green pudding with pastel-colored whipped cream.

5. Make Ahead of Time

• This trifle is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before and let it chill overnight for the best results. This makes it ideal for holidays and special occasions when you have other dishes to prepare.

6. Stabilize Your Whipped Cream (Optional)

• If you want your homemade whipped cream to hold up longer without deflating, add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar or instant pudding mix per cup of heavy cream before whipping. This will create a thicker, more stable cream that holds its shape beautifully.

7. Incorporate Fruit for Extra Freshness

• While this recipe is perfectly delicious as-is, you can easily add sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries between the layers for a fresh and fruity twist.

8. Be Gentle When Layering

• When spreading pudding and whipped cream, use a spoon or spatula and gently smooth it over the previous layer to avoid mixing the layers together. This will give you the cleanest, most beautiful presentation.

9. Try Different Puddings

• Experiment with different pudding flavors for unique taste combinations. Chocolate pudding can be a fun addition if you’re feeling adventurous.

10. Serve with a Decorative Spoon

• If you’re serving this trifle at a party, using a decorative serving spoon adds a special touch to the presentation.

Following these tips will help you create the most beautiful and delicious Easy Spring Trifle that everyone will rave about.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Trifle in Advance?
   Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead and letting it chill in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just add your decorations right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
2. Can I Use Homemade Cake Instead of Cake Mix?
   Yes, definitely! If you prefer making your own cake from scratch, go for it. A simple vanilla, lemon, or strawberry sponge cake would work wonderfully. Just make sure the cake is completely cooled before assembling the trifle.

3. How Long Will the Trifle Last in the Refrigerator?
   This trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours when the whipped cream is still fluffy, and the cake hasn’t absorbed too much moisture.

4. Can I Make This Trifle Gluten-Free?
   Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free pudding mix. Ensure all decorations are gluten-free as well.
5. Can I Freeze This Trifle?
   Freezing the fully assembled trifle is not recommended because the whipped cream and pudding will not hold up well once thawed. However, you can freeze the cake cubes in advance if you want to prepare components ahead of time.
6. What Type of Food Coloring Should I Use?
   Gel food coloring works best for achieving vibrant pastel shades without altering the texture of the cake or whipped cream. Liquid food coloring can also work but may require more drops to achieve the desired color.

7. Can I Use Cool Whip Instead of Homemade Whipped Cream?
   Yes! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of Cool Whip, feel free to use it. It’s already sweetened and stabilized, so it works perfectly for this recipe.

8. What Can I Use Instead of Peeps for Decoration?
   If you’re not a fan of Peeps or can’t find them, you can use other colorful candies like jelly beans or chocolate eggs. Fresh fruit also makes a beautiful and delicious topping.
9. Can I Add Fruit Between the Layers?
   Yes! Adding fruit like sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries between the layers adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor of the trifle.
10. What’s the Best Way to Serve This Trifle?
    A large, clear trifle dish is ideal for serving a crowd. However, you can also make individual servings by assembling the trifle in small glass jars or dessert glasses for a charming, personalized touch.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Easy Spring Trifle is everything you could want in a dessert—beautiful, creamy, colorful, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for Easter, a spring birthday party, or just a sweet weekend treat, it’s bound to be a hit. The best part? You can make it your own with different cake and pudding flavors, fun decorations, and even fruit additions if you want to switch things up.

Every time I’ve served this trifle, it’s been met with pure delight. It’s the kind of dessert that not only tastes amazing but also brings a little bit of joy to everyone who sees it. And the compliments? They’ll keep rolling in, I promise.

Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, get creative with your colors and decorations, and whip up this gorgeous dessert. I can’t wait for you to try it. And when you do, be sure to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Better yet, snap a photo and share it on social media—tag me so I can see your beautiful creation.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this delicious trifle adventure and prepare to be amazed by how something so easy can be so stunning. Happy trifle-making!

Print