12 Trifles That Steal the Dessert Table

These layered desserts bring together textures and flavors in one show-stopping dish. Trifles are made for easy assembly, whether you’re stacking fresh fruit, rich chocolate, or cookie crumbles with creamy fillings. From holiday-themed treats to mini servings perfect for parties, these recipes offer a mix of classic comfort and sweet creativity. They’re simple to put together but always leave a big impression.

Carrot Cake Trifle

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Spiced carrot cake cubes are layered with creamy frosting and crushed nuts in this cozy dessert. The cream cheese layer adds a rich tang that balances the sweetness of the cake. Chopped pecans or walnuts bring crunch to each bite. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover carrot cake or bake it just for this.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Trifle

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

A glass bowl filled with banana pudding, topped with whipped cream and crushed cookies, lined with round vanilla wafers. — Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This trifle uses layers of sliced bananas, vanilla pudding, and Nilla wafers for a nostalgic treat. The wafers soften as they sit, blending perfectly into the creamy layers. A topping of whipped cream brings it all together. It’s a no-bake favorite that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Gingerbread Trifle – Christmas Dessert

A large glass trifle bowl filled with layered chocolate cake, whipped cream, and custard, topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, displayed in front of Christmas decorations. — Gingerbread Trifle – Christmas Dessert. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Gingerbread cake, whipped cream, and spiced pudding create a holiday-ready trifle that’s full of festive flavor. Crushed gingersnaps add texture between the layers. The warm spices make it a standout on any winter dessert table. It’s a smart way to serve up gingerbread with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Trifle – Christmas Dessert

Mini Berry Trifles

These individual servings feature layers of mixed berries, pound cake, and whipped cream. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries give them a burst of color and brightness. They’re easy to serve and perfect for spring or summer. Light, sweet, and just the right size.
Get the Recipe: Mini Berry Trifles

Mini Chocolate Trifles

Layers of chocolate cake, mousse, and crushed cookies come together in these bite-sized desserts. They’re rich without being too much and ideal for parties. A little shaved chocolate on top adds an elegant touch. Each spoonful gives you smooth, soft, and crunchy all in one.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chocolate Trifles

Red White and Blue Trifle

A layered trifle dessert in a glass bowl, topped with whole strawberries and blueberries. The layers include cake, cream, and fruit. — Red White and Blue Trifle. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This patriotic dessert uses layers of strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, and white cake. It’s a favorite for Memorial Day or July 4th gatherings. The fresh fruit and fluffy cake keep things light. The color contrast makes it pop on any table.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Trifle

Strawberry Trifle

Soft cake, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream stack into this simple but irresistible dessert. The berries release their juices into the layers, adding sweetness throughout. It’s great for using up fresh strawberries. A clear bowl shows off the beautiful red and white stripes.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Trifle

Strawberry Trifle Recipe

A slightly different take includes pudding or custard between the strawberry and cake layers. It’s more decadent and holds together well even after chilling. Topped with extra whipped cream and fresh slices, it’s easy to make ahead. Works well with angel food or sponge cake.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Trifle Recipe

Tiramisu Cheesecake Mini Trifles

These mini trifles mix coffee-soaked cookies, cheesecake filling, and cocoa powder for a layered twist on tiramisu. Each one delivers the bold espresso flavor and creamy texture you’d expect. They’re great for individual servings at dinner parties. No baking needed and full of depth.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Cheesecake Mini Trifles

Oreo Brownie Trifle

Fudgy brownie pieces, crushed Oreos, and whipped cream combine in this chocolate-heavy dessert. The Oreo crumbles add crunch to the rich brownie layers. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a cookies-and-cream combo. Serve chilled for maximum texture contrast.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Brownie Trifle

Best Ever Strawberry Trifle

This version adds strawberry jam or sauce between the cake and cream for an extra layer of flavor. The result is juicy, sweet, and bursting with berry in every bite. It uses either fresh or frozen strawberries depending on the season. A classic taken up a notch.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Strawberry Trifle

Summer Berry Trifle Recipe

Light sponge cake and seasonal berries are layered with lemony whipped cream for a sunny twist. The brightness of the lemon pairs well with juicy fruit like blackberries and strawberries. It’s refreshing and not too heavy, even on a hot day. A go-to dessert for picnics and BBQs.
Get the Recipe: Summer Berry Trifle Recipe