Easter Trifle Dessert | Easy, Colorful Holiday Treat

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Easter always calls for a dessert that feels joyful, light, and irresistibly pretty. This Easter Trifle Dessert is that showstopper. Its layers of pastel cake, silky pudding, and fluffy whipped cream sparkle like spring sunshine in a glass bowl. It’s quick to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for your holiday table.

Why This Easter Trifle Dessert Is a Holiday Favorite

A Colorful, Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper

Every spoonful brings a burst of color and creamy sweetness. The pastel cake cubes shine through the glass dish, while whipped topping swirls like soft clouds. Kids love the fun colors, and adults can’t resist its nostalgic trifle charm.

Quick to Assemble with Simple Ingredients

This dessert looks fancy, yet it’s easy to make. With a boxed cake mix, instant pudding, and whipped topping, there’s no stress or long prep. You can even use store-bought cake to save time. Each ingredient works together for a smooth, creamy texture and a delightful finish.

Make-Ahead Friendly for Stress-Free Hosting

Hosting Easter dinner? This trifle is your best friend. You can prepare it the night before, chill it overnight, and let the flavors blend beautifully. The layers set perfectly, and you’ll have one less thing to do before guests arrive.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easter Trifle Dessert

Cake Base and Pastel Coloring

Start with one box of white or yellow cake mix. Divide the batter into four bowls, tinting each one a different pastel shade pink, blue, green, and yellow. Bake, cool, and cut into cubes. The colors bring that springtime joy to every layer.

Creamy Pudding Layer

Mix two boxes of instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding with four cups of cold milk. Stir until smooth, then chill it until thickened. The pudding forms the velvety heart of this trifle, tying the cake and whipped topping together perfectly.

Whipped Topping and Decorative Add-Ins

You’ll need 16 ounces of whipped topping (like Cool Whip). Finish with mini chocolate eggs, pastel sprinkles, or edible flowers. These decorations turn your trifle into an edible centerpiece.

How to Make Easter Trifle Dessert Step by Step

Bake and Color the Cake

Prepare the cake mix as the box directs. Divide, color, bake, cool, and cut into cubes. Each pastel shade adds fun and visual delight to the final dessert.

Prepare the Pudding Layer

Whisk the pudding and milk until thick, then chill it. The texture should be smooth and creamy—easy to layer without running.

Assemble the Trifle

In a clear glass dish, start layering: pastel cake cubes first, pudding next, then whipped topping. Repeat until you reach the top. The secret is to keep the layers even for a beautiful cross-section.

Decorate and Chill Before Serving

Spread whipped topping over the final layer. Add chocolate eggs, colorful sprinkles, and edible flowers. Then chill for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the pudding set.

A festive Easter trifle layered with pastel cake, creamy pudding, and candy eggs for a cheerful spring treat.

Expert Tips for the Best Easter Trifle Dessert

How to Achieve Bright, Clean Pastel Layers

Use gel food coloring for richer tones. Let the cake cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling. A clean, dry knife makes the neatest cuts.

Layering Techniques for the Prettiest Presentation

Use a clear trifle bowl or glass dish so everyone can see those gorgeous stripes. Press cake cubes gently to eliminate gaps, and smooth the pudding for even coverage.

Flavor and Texture Customizations

You can swap vanilla pudding for lemon or white chocolate pudding. Add fruit between layers—like sliced strawberries or blueberries for a tangy contrast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigerate for up to two days. The longer it chills, the more cohesive the flavors become. Cover tightly to keep the whipped topping light and fresh.

Serving Suggestions and Helpful Notes

How to Display the Trifle for Maximum Impact

A clear, tall trifle bowl makes the colors pop beautifully. Add a few mini eggs or edible flowers on top right before serving for that final festive touch.

Best Occasions to Serve This Dessert

It’s perfect for Easter brunch, spring baby showers, or garden parties. The pastel palette fits any cheerful celebration.

Notes on Variations, Substitutions, and Decorations

Try angel food cake for a lighter base or swap sprinkles for shaved white chocolate. You can theme it for other holidays by changing the colors and toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 ingredients in trifle?

Typically, a trifle includes cake, pudding or custard, whipped cream, and fruit or decorative toppings.

What goes in a trifle dessert?

Most trifles have layers of cake, creamy pudding, and whipped topping. You can add fruit, chocolate, or candy depending on the occasion.

What dessert goes well with Easter dinner?

Light, colorful desserts like this Easter Trifle, Easter Egg Cheesecake | Amazing No-Bake Spring Treat, or Easter Egg Oreo Balls – Easy & Beautiful No-Bake Treats pair wonderfully after a savory meal.

Is it better to make a trifle the night before?

Yes. Making it ahead allows the layers to set and flavors to blend beautifully. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

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Conclusion

This Easter Trifle Dessert turns simple ingredients into something bright, beautiful, and irresistibly sweet. Every pastel layer feels like spring in a spoon. Whether you serve it at brunch or after dinner, it will steal the spotlight on your holiday table. Share your version or get inspired by others on Pinterest and Facebook.

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Easter trifle dessert with pastel cake, whipped cream, and mini eggs in a glass bowl

Easter Trifle Dessert | Easy, Colorful Holiday Treat


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A colorful, creamy, and festive Easter Trifle Dessert made with pastel cake cubes, pudding, and whipped topping. Perfect as a springtime centerpiece and easy to make ahead for any holiday celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

1 box white or yellow cake mix plus required ingredients

Food coloring in pastel shades (pink, yellow, green, blue)

2 boxes vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix

4 cups milk

16 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Mini chocolate eggs, sprinkles, and edible flowers for decoration


Instructions

1. Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box.

2. Divide the batter into 4 bowls and tint each one a different pastel shade.

3. Bake, cool completely, and cut into cubes.

4. Mix pudding with cold milk until smooth and thick; refrigerate to set.

5. Layer cake cubes, pudding, and whipped topping in a trifle dish.

6. Repeat layers until full, finishing with whipped topping.

7. Decorate with chocolate eggs, sprinkles, and edible flowers.

8. Chill for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Use a clear glass dish to showcase colorful layers.

Allow trifle to chill for best texture and flavor.

Decorations can be customized by theme or season.

Can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Easter Desserts Recipes
  • Method: Layered, No-Bake Assembly
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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