If you have a sweet tooth but want a dessert that’s both impressive and effortless, you’re going to love this Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe. It captures all the classic flavors of the beloved Italian tiramisu but in a playful, layered trifle form that’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Creamy mascarpone, rich coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a light dusting of cocoa powder come together in minutes to create a show-stopping dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe lies in its simplicity yet the depth each ingredient brings to the table. From the velvety mascarpone to the fragrant coffee and delicate ladyfingers, every component plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Forms the creamy base with a gentle sweetness that balances the coffee and mascarpone.
- Milk: Needed to prepare the pudding and create that smooth consistency.
- Mascarpone cheese: Adds richness and authenticity to this Italian-inspired dessert.
- Strong coffee: Infuses the layers with the signature tiramisu flavor and subtle bitterness.
- Rum (optional): Provides a warm, boozy kick that elevates the dessert without overpowering it.
- Ladyfingers or angel food cake: The cake element that soaks up coffee and provides a soft, tender texture.
- Whipped topping: Adds light, airy sweetness to finish the trifle beautifully.
- Cocoa powder or bittersweet chocolate curls: The final touch that makes every bite unforgettable and pretty.
How to Make Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Trifle Dishes
Start by choosing your serving vessels. Whether you prefer individual trifle cups or charming half pint mason jars, this recipe easily adapts. For a large crowd, a full-size trifle bowl works great if you double the ingredients. Having your dishes ready makes assembling a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Coffee-Flavored Pudding
In a bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with milk until there are no lumps. Pour in a few tablespoons of cold, strong coffee and mix well. This step infuses the pudding with that essential coffee flavor. Chill it for about 10 minutes until it soft sets, so it holds its shape without being too firm.
Step 3: Blend in Mascarpone Cheese
Once your pudding has slightly thickened, add the mascarpone cheese at room temperature. Use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and wonderfully fluffy. This is where the luxurious texture of tiramisu begins to shine, making the dessert irresistibly rich yet light.
Step 4: Prepare the Cake Layer
Break your ladyfingers into smaller pieces or cut angel food cake into half-inch squares. These will soak up the coffee mixture and add that soft cake texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers.
Step 5: Add the Coffee and Rum Mixture
If using rum, stir it into the remaining coffee to give your trifle that classic boozy depth. This optional step lets you customize the dessert based on your taste preferences or audience.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Start your trifle by laying a thin layer of cake pieces at the bottom of your dish. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the coffee (or coffee-rum) mixture over the cake—just enough to moisten without drowning it. Follow with a generous layer of the creamy mascarpone pudding. Repeat these layers once more to fill your dish.
Step 7: Finish with Whipped Topping and Garnish
Top your trifle with a dollop of whipped topping and a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder or scatter bittersweet chocolate curls on top. These touches not only add visual appeal but also introduce that bittersweet balance that tiramisu lovers crave.
How to Serve Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond cocoa powder and chocolate curls, try adding fresh mint leaves, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few espresso beans on top for added aroma and flair. These small additions transform your dessert from everyday delicious to party-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve your tiramisu trifle alongside a light, crisp fruit salad or a refreshing lemon sorbet. The citrus contrasts beautifully with the creamy coffee flavors, cleansing the palate and keeping the dessert from feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of traditional glassware, try layering your tiramisu in clear mason jars or even mini trifle glasses for an elegant, individual touch. You can also create a larger version in a glass bowl for family-style sharing, making it perfect for gatherings big or small.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it an excellent option for preparing in advance. The flavors actually deepen and improve with a little extra resting time.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for best texture, you can freeze the trifle in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving; however, expect the whipped topping to be less fluffy once thawed.
Reheating
Tiramisu trifle is best enjoyed cold or chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Its creamy layers and coffee-soaked cake are meant to refresh your palate and delight your senses without warming.
FAQs
Can I use espresso instead of regular coffee?
Absolutely! Using espresso will intensify the coffee flavor, giving your tiramisu trifle a bolder profile. Just be sure it’s cooled completely before adding to keep the creamy layers stable.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply skip the rum or substitute with coffee-flavored extract or a splash of vanilla. The dessert will still be deliciously rich without any alcohol.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap out ladyfingers or angel food cake for a gluten-free sponge cake or gluten-free ladyfingers. The key is to ensure the cake is light enough to soak up the coffee flavors effectively.
How long does it take to prepare this trifle?
This Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe takes around 20 minutes to assemble, plus chilling time. It’s a quick but impressive dessert option when you’re short on time but still want to impress.
What’s the best way to serve individual portions?
Serving in individual trifle cups or mason jars not only looks charming but helps with portion control. It’s perfect for parties or gifts and makes it easy to serve without messy scooping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dessert that feels homemade yet tastes like a decadent treat from a fancy deli. This Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether it’s a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or just because, give it a try—you’ll find it’s fast, forgiving, and endlessly satisfying.
Print
Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy Tiramisu Trifle is a delightful no-bake dessert that layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers or angel food cake with a creamy mascarpone and vanilla pudding mixture, topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. Perfect for a quick and elegant treat that captures the classic flavors of tiramisu without the fuss.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 package ladyfingers (about 7 ounces) or 1/2 angel food cake
Cream Mixture
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
Soaking Liquid
- 1 cup cold coffee, divided
- 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or bittersweet chocolate curls, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Serving Dishes: Get your trifle cups or jars ready. This recipe makes enough for 2 individual trifle cups or 4 half pint mason jars. For a full size trifle bowl, double the recipe.
- Make the Pudding Base: In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and combined.
- Add Coffee to Pudding: Stir 4 tablespoons of cold, strong coffee into the pudding mixture. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes until the pudding is soft set.
- Incorporate Mascarpone: Add the room temperature mascarpone cheese to the chilled pudding mixture and use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Ladyfingers or Cake: Break each ladyfinger into 3 or 4 pieces or cut angel food cake into small 1/2-inch squares.
- Mix Rum with Coffee: If using, add the rum to the remaining coffee and stir to combine.
- Layer Cake Pieces: Place a single layer of ladyfinger pieces or cake squares at the bottom of your chosen serving dish.
- Drizzle Coffee Mixture: Lightly drizzle a few tablespoons of the coffee (with rum if using) over the cake pieces, ensuring they are moist but not soaked.
- Add Cream Layer: Spread a layer of the mascarpone-pudding mixture evenly over the coffee-soaked cake layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the cake and coffee drizzle layer, followed by the mascarpone mixture, filling the dish.
- Top the Trifle: Finish with a generous layer of whipped topping and garnish with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder or bittersweet chocolate curls.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the trifles until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
Notes
- Use strong brewed coffee for the best flavor in soaking the ladyfingers or cake.
- Rum is optional but adds a classic depth to the tiramisu flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and use additional coffee.
- You can prepare the trifle a few hours ahead or even overnight for enhanced flavor.
- If fresh whipped cream is preferred over whipped topping, feel free to substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
