Name: Mango Trifle Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup white chocolate chips; 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream; 5 cups mango chunks (about 4 large mangoes); 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark), packed; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 2 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ounces macadamia nuts (about 1/2 cup), chopped; 12 ounces prepared angel food cake (about 8 cups torn pieces)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 64 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that is vibrant, luscious, and downright irresistible, this Mango Trifle Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy mango sweetness, creamy white chocolate whipped cream, and the delightful crunch of macadamia nuts layered with soft angel food cake, this dessert brings an explosion of textures and flavors in every spoonful. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something tropical and fresh, this Mango Trifle Recipe has a way of making every moment feel like a sunny day escape.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl in each frame on a white marbled surface, with different stages of a dessert preparation. The first image shows a pale yellow liquid being whisked with a metal whisk. The second image displays chunks of bright orange-yellow peaches inside the bowl, with a woman's hand stirring them using a spoon. The third image is different, showing chopped nuts spread on the white marbled surface next to a large knife. The fourth image shows thick white cream being whipped with a green electric hand mixer, with a small amount of pale yellow liquid added on top of the cream. The fifth image shows the cream mixed into a smooth, thick texture in the same bowl, with one mixer beater visible. The sixth image shows the final mix inside the bowl, where chunks of golden yellow peach and cubed white cake pieces are layer-packed, topped with a thick white cream being poured from a spoon, with a woman's hand holding the spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Mango Trifle Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of delight. From the sweetness of ripe mangoes to the rich, velvety notes of white chocolate whipped cream, every component adds its own magic.

White chocolate chips: Provide a smooth, creamy sweetness that blends beautifully into the whipped cream.
Heavy whipping cream: Essential for creating the luscious, airy texture characteristic of the whipped topping.
Mango chunks: Bring juicy, tropical freshness and vibrant color to the trifle.
Lime juice: Adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the mango and cream.
Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the mango with a hint of caramel depth.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and a fragrant aroma into the whipped cream.
Macadamia nuts: Offer a buttery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake and cream.
Angel food cake: Provides a light, spongy base that soaks up the mango juices beautifully without becoming soggy.

How to Make Mango Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate Mixture

Start by stirring together the white chocolate chips with 2/3 cup of heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat this mixture carefully in one-minute bursts, whisking after each interval, until you achieve a smooth and glossy texture. Then, let it cool in the fridge to a touchably cool temperature—this cooling step ensures your whipped cream will be perfectly fluffy later.

Step 2: Prepare the Macadamia Nuts

While the chocolate mixture cools, chop your macadamia nuts finely. Their buttery crunch will create a fantastic texture contrast in your Mango Trifle Recipe, so don’t skip this step. Set them aside for layering.

Step 3: Sweeten and Season the Mangoes

Peel and dice the mangoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them gently with brown sugar and lime juice to enhance their natural sweetness and add a refreshing tang. Stir gently until the sugar is just starting to dissolve, allowing the flavors to mingle and make the mangoes even more luscious.

Step 4: Whip the Cream and Fold in the White Chocolate

Whip the remaining heavy cream together with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Slowly drizzle in the cooled white chocolate mixture while continuing to beat the cream until stiff peaks hold their shape. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your whipped cream silky and perfect for layering.

Step 5: Assemble the Mango Trifle

Tear the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces and layer your trifle starting from the bottom: cake, mango with juices, whipped cream, and chopped macadamia nuts. Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of mango for that juicy pop of freshness on top. Reserve a bit of whipped cream and nuts to garnish — presentation matters and this finish will make your Mango Trifle Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.

How to Serve Mango Trifle Recipe

Two clear glasses filled with a layered dessert sit on a white marbled surface. Each glass has several layers starting with juicy, bright yellow mango chunks at the bottom, followed by soft white cream, and pieces of crumbly white cake. These layers repeat with more mango chunks and cream, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkled with light beige nuts. A light beige cloth is draped nearby, and a golden spoon lies on the surface next to one glass, with a small white bowl of nuts in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Mango Trifle Recipe visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle the reserved macadamia nuts and a dollop of the whipped cream on top. You might also add a few thin mango slices or a light dusting of lime zest for a fresh, colorful touch that beckons everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

Mango trifle is a stand-alone star, but if you want to pair it with other treats, consider light and refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or tropical fruit platter. These will complement the sweet richness of the trifle without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

This Mango Trifle Recipe is as striking served in a classic large glass trifle bowl as it is when presented in individual clear glasses or mason jars for a charming personal touch. Layered beautifully, the vibrant mango and creamy white chocolate layers create an eye-catching dessert that shines at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mango trifle keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors and to maintain the cream’s freshness and texture.

Freezing

Because this trifle contains whipped cream and delicate cake, freezing is not recommended as it can compromise the texture and cause the cream to separate once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so no reheating is necessary or advised. Simply scoop and enjoy cold for that refreshing and creamy mango goodness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mangoes for this Mango Trifle Recipe?

While fresh mangoes are preferred for their firmness and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen mangoes that have been properly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the trifle.

Is there a substitute for angel food cake?

If angel food cake isn’t available, sponge cake or chiffon cake work well substitutes because of their light texture, which absorbs the mango juices nicely without becoming too dense.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy whipping cream and use dairy-free white chocolate chips to make a delicious dairy-free version of this Mango Trifle Recipe.

How long does it take to prepare this Mango Trifle Recipe?

Preparation takes about 50 minutes, including chilling time for the white chocolate mixture. It’s a great recipe to make ahead and have ready for a special occasion.

What other nuts can I use instead of macadamia nuts?

To switch things up, toasted almonds or pecans provide a nice crunch and complement the flavors beautifully if macadamia nuts aren’t your favorite or if you have allergies.

Final Thoughts

This Mango Trifle Recipe is truly one of those desserts that brings a smile with every bite. Its refreshing mango flavor combined with creamy, dreamy white chocolate whipped cream and crunchy macadamia nuts wrapped in delicate angel food cake layers makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it out and watch it become a beloved favorite at your table just like it is at mine!