Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle Recipe
If you love all things bright and tangy, look no further than this Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle, a showstopper that’s every bit as luscious as it looks. Each spoonful delivers billowy whipped cream, zesty lemon curd, sweet berries, and tender cubes of pound cake—layered to perfection for the ultimate flavor experience. It’s the kind of dessert you whip up for a celebration, and everyone ends up begging for seconds. This trifle isn’t just gorgeous in the bowl; it’s outrageously simple and brings summer sunshine into every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Lemon Pound Cake:
- 1 prepared lemon pound cake, cubed
Lemon Curd:
- 2 cups lemon curd
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
How to Make Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer (or a sturdy whisk and a little muscle!), whip everything together until you see soft peaks form. You don’t want it to be stiff—keep it billowy and soft so it gently folds into the trifle. Trust me, homemade whipped cream is miles above store-bought and totally worth the five minutes it takes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pound Cake
Cut your prepared lemon pound cake into bite-sized cubes. If it’s fresh, it’ll be tender and fragrant; if it’s a day old, even better—it stands up beautifully to all that luscious cream and lemon curd. There’s no need to be perfect with your cubes; rustic means more nooks for goodness to hide!
Step 3: Start Layering
Grab your trifle dish or any large glass bowl (because you want to see those gorgeous layers!). Start with a layer of pound cake, using about one-third of the cubes. Top this with a generous slathering of lemon curd, spreading it right to the edges. Next goes a layer of the whipped cream, and then scatter a handful of berries on top for color and zing. Repeat these layers twice more, always ending with a layer of whipped cream and some berries crowning the top.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches
Once your trifle is piled high and dazzling, finish it with a good sprinkle of lemon zest, letting it rain down over the cream and berries. If you’re feeling extra, tuck in a couple of sprigs of fresh mint for fragrance and a pop of green. Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least an hour—this resting time lets the flavors meld and gives the cake a chance to soak up all that lemony goodness.
How to Serve Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle

Garnishes
A flourish of garnishes makes your Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle absolutely irresistible. Lemon zest adds sparkly flecks that sing with citrus aroma, while a few fresh berries on top add contrast and a burst of juiciness. Mint leaves are optional, but their vibrant color and refreshing scent take the whole presentation up a notch—seriously, don’t skip if you want full wow factor!
Side Dishes
This trifle is a scene-stealer all on its own, but if you’re planning a bigger spread, serve it with light accompaniments that won’t compete. Think delicate shortbread cookies, crisp biscotti, or a pitcher of berry lemonade. These extras bring more textures and fun flavors to your dessert table, while keeping the Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle as the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite spins is to divide the trifle into individual mini glasses or jars—perfect for parties or picnics, plus everyone gets their own special treat. Layer it into tall wine goblets for a dramatic dinner party finish, or use little mason jars for a rustic backyard vibe. No matter how you serve it, those layers are sure to dazzle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is at its best the day it’s made, but any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cake will soak up more lemony soak as time passes, making the texture even more melt-in-your-mouth. Just be aware that the whipped cream might start to deflate after a while, so dig in soon!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this trifle because the whipped cream and fresh berries lose their texture once thawed, and the cake gets too soggy. For the best flavor and beautiful layers, keep it in the fridge and enjoy within a couple of days.
Reheating
No reheating required—Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, cool and refreshing. Just scoop out a portion and savor each chilled, creamy, tangy bite!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd is a real time-saver and often tastes fantastic. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to use it for extra homemade flair, but there’s no shame in using a good-quality jar from the store.
What if I can’t find lemon pound cake?
No worries—you can use vanilla pound cake with an extra hit of lemon zest, or even a simple angel food cake for a lighter spin. The lemon curd brings plenty of citrus to still make this an Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle.
Can I make the trifle in advance?
Yes! This dessert can be assembled up to 8 hours ahead and stored in the fridge until serving time. The flavors deepen and the cake softens just enough, so don’t hesitate to prep it the morning of your party or holiday.
What’s a good substitute for berries?
If raspberries or strawberries aren’t in season, try blueberries, blackberries, or even diced mango or kiwi for a tropical twist. The main goal is to add a colorful, juicy burst between the creamy layers.
Is there a way to make this a little lighter?
Sure! Swap out half the whipped cream for Greek yogurt to lighten things up while keeping that lovely creamy texture. Try using angel food cake in place of pound cake for a lower-calorie base, too. It’s still an Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle—just a tad more guilt-free!
Final Thoughts
This Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is bound to be the hit of any gathering, bursting with sunshiney lemon, velvety cream, and juicy berries. It’s easy to assemble, a delight to serve, and downright irresistible with every bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that wows both in looks and in flavor, give this trifle a try—you’ll be dreaming about those layers long after the last spoonful is gone!
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Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of lemony freshness and creamy decadence with this Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle. Layers of lemon pound cake, luscious lemon curd, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy berries come together to create a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Lemon Pound Cake:
- 1 prepared lemon pound cake, cubed
Lemon Curd:
- 2 cups lemon curd
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble Trifle: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer one-third of the cubed pound cake, followed by a layer of lemon curd, a layer of whipped cream, and a layer of berries. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with whipped cream and a few berries on top.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle with lemon zest and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon pudding or lemon mousse for the curd if preferred.
- Store-bought pound cake works perfectly, but homemade adds a special touch.
- Best served the same day but can be made up to 8 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg