A refreshingly light and creamy dessert, Lemon Blueberry Trifle is layered with luscious lemon pudding, fresh blueberries, fluffy whipped cream, and soft cake cubes. This vibrant, no-bake treat is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fruity—ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a bright and effortless dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Trifle is a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks elegant yet requires minimal effort. Its layered format allows you to enjoy a variety of textures in every spoonful—from moist cake and juicy blueberries to smooth lemon mousse and pillowy whipped cream. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to assemble, and doesn’t require baking if you use pre-made cake. The combination of citrus and berries keeps it light and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for warm-weather occasions.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

prepared pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
fresh blueberries
instant lemon pudding mix
cold milk
heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
lemon curd (optional, for extra zing)
lemon zest or lemon slices (for garnish)

directions

Prepare the lemon pudding by whisking the pudding mix with cold milk in a medium bowl. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes, or until set.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Fold half of the whipped cream into the chilled lemon pudding to create a light mousse.
In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, begin layering: place half of the cubed cake on the bottom.
Spoon half of the lemon mousse over the cake layer, then scatter half of the blueberries on top.
Add dollops or swirls of lemon curd if using, for an extra punch of citrus flavor.
Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, mousse, and blueberries.
Top the trifle with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with lemon zest or thin lemon slices and additional blueberries for decoration.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 340 kcal

Variations

Strawberry Lemon Trifle: Substitute blueberries with sliced strawberries for a sweet-tart variation.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pound cake or sponge cake to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Lemon-Raspberry Combo: Swap blueberries for raspberries for a more intense berry flavor.
Citrus Blend: Use a mix of orange and lemon zest in the pudding and garnish for a citrus medley.
Individual Servings: Assemble in parfait glasses or mason jars for personal-sized desserts at parties.

storage/reheating

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The cake may soften further over time as it absorbs moisture from the pudding and fruit. This dessert is meant to be served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance. The flavors actually improve as it chills, but avoid assembling too early to prevent soggy cake.

Can I use homemade lemon pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely. Homemade lemon pudding can elevate the flavor, but ensure it is fully chilled before assembling.

Is lemon curd necessary?

No, but it adds a tangy depth to the dessert. It’s a flavorful optional layer.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess liquid from watering down the trifle.

What cake works best for this recipe?

Angel food cake keeps it light, while pound cake adds a richer base. Either is suitable depending on your preference.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes, for convenience, you can substitute an equal amount of Cool Whip, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How do I keep the layers neat?

Use a spoon or piping bag to control placement of the mousse and whipped cream for clean, defined layers.

What other fruits pair well with lemon?

Blackberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend all complement lemon well.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness thanks to the tart lemon and fresh blueberries, but you can adjust sugar in the cream if needed.

Can I serve it in a bowl instead of a trifle dish?

Yes, any clear bowl works for presentation. Glass allows you to see the beautiful layers.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Trifle is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and full of bright, citrusy flavor. Whether you serve it at a summer picnic, spring brunch, or festive dinner, it’s a surefire way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. This delightful trifle proves that with simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a show-stopping sweet that everyone will remember.