This post may contain affiliate links.
Lemon Blueberry Trifle is the showstopping layered dessert that looks like you fussed for hours but comes together with a boxed cake mix and a few easy shortcuts, and it became my summer cookout signature the first time I carried one out and the whole table went quiet. Tender lemon cake, creamy vanilla pudding, lemon whipped cream, and juicy fresh blueberries stack into the prettiest dessert. If you love our lemon blueberry coffee cake, this trifle is its dreamy, spoonable cousin.
One look at those bright layers in the glass dish and you will want to make it for every potluck, baby shower, and barbecue all summer long.
Lemon Blueberry Trifle Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
- 🌡️ Cook Time: 30 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour
- 🍽️ Serving: 12 servings
- ⚡ Calories: 431kcal
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Bright lemon, sweet blueberry, and creamy vanilla layers
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy, no fancy skills, on par with our lemon blueberry coffee cake
Quick Answer
To make a lemon blueberry trifle, bake a lemon cake and cube it, whisk up instant vanilla pudding, and fold lemon curd into whipped topping. Layer the cake cubes, pudding, fresh blueberries, and lemon whipped cream in a glass trifle dish, then repeat the layers. Finish with whipped topping and garnish with blueberries and lemon, then chill before serving.
Jump to:
- Lemon Blueberry Trifle Quick Look
- Quick Answer
- Why This Recipe Works
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to Make Lemon Blueberry Trifle
- Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Serving Ideas and Suggestions
- Lemon Blueberry Trifle FAQs
- Other Recommended Lemon Dessert Recipes
- Layered Lemon Blueberry Trifle Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- A boxed cake mix is the shortcut. Starting with lemon cake mix gives you tender, flavorful cake with almost no effort.
- Lemon curd in the whipped topping. Folding lemon curd into whipped topping makes a bright, tangy layer that ties the whole dessert together.
- Layers make it look impressive. Stacking cake, pudding, lemon cream, and blueberries in a glass dish creates a stunning, bakery-worthy look.
- It is a make-ahead dream. Trifles actually taste better after chilling, so you can assemble it the day before your party.
- Fresh blueberries add pops of flavor. Juicy berries cut through the creamy layers and add gorgeous color throughout.
- It feeds a crowd. One big trifle serves a dozen, perfect for cookouts, showers, and holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It looks stunning but uses easy shortcuts like boxed cake mix and instant pudding.
- It is completely make-ahead, so it is perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Those bright lemon and blueberry layers taste like summer, just like our lemon blueberry poke cake.
Key Ingredients
A few smart shortcuts turn into this gorgeous layered dessert. Here is what each one brings.
- Lemon Cake Mix: The shortcut base. A boxed lemon cake gives you tender, flavorful cubes with no scratch baking required.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding and Milk: Whisked into a thick, creamy layer that adds richness between the cake and berries.
- Whipped Topping and Lemon Curd: Folded together into a bright, tangy lemon cream that is the star of the trifle.
- Fresh Blueberries: Juicy pops of berry flavor and beautiful color in every layer.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
This trifle is easy to make your own. Here are a few fun twists.
- Different berries: Swap in raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries.
- From scratch: Use a homemade lemon cake or pound cake in place of the boxed mix.
- Add lemon zest: Stir fresh lemon zest into the pudding for an extra citrus punch.
- Individual trifles: Layer the components in individual cups or mason jars for a party-ready presentation.
- Cheesecake layer: Fold a little softened cream cheese into the pudding for a cheesecake-style richness, like our mini cheesecakes.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Trifle
- Prepare and bake the lemon cake according to the box directions, then let it cool completely.
- Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick, then chill.
- Fold the lemon curd into one container of whipped topping until smooth, and chill.
- Cut the cooled cake into 1 to 2 inch cubes and layer 5 cups in the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Spoon half of the pudding evenly over the cake cubes.
- Scatter 1 cup of fresh blueberries over the pudding layer.
- Top with the lemon whipped topping, then repeat the cake, pudding, and blueberry layers.
- Finish with the remaining whipped topping and garnish with blueberries, lemon slices, and mint. Chill before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Cool the cake completely. Warm cake will melt the creamy layers, so let it cool fully before cubing.
- Use a glass trifle dish. A clear dish shows off all the beautiful layers, which is half the appeal.
- Chill before serving. A few hours in the fridge lets the layers set and the flavors meld for the best texture.
- Pat the blueberries dry. Dry berries keep the layers from getting watery.
- Layer evenly. Spread each layer to the edges of the dish so every serving has all the components.
- Make it ahead. Assemble the trifle up to a day in advance and add the final garnish just before serving.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
Scoop this lemon blueberry trifle into bowls, digging all the way down so everyone gets every layer. It is the perfect light, fruity finish to a summer cookout or holiday meal.
It is a guaranteed showstopper on any dessert table. Serve it alongside other bright treats like our lemon raspberry cake balls and lemon lime angel food cupcakes for a citrus-themed dessert spread.
Leftovers keep beautifully. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days, and the flavors only get better. It is just as lovely the next day with a cup of coffee, much like our lemon blueberry coffee cake.
Lemon Blueberry Trifle FAQs
Yes, and it is even better made ahead. Assemble the trifle up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the final garnish of blueberries and lemon just before serving for the freshest look.
Covered in the refrigerator, the trifle keeps for up to two to three days. The cake softens as it sits, so it stays moist and the flavors meld beautifully over time.
Fresh blueberries are best for their firm texture and color. If you use frozen, thaw and drain them well first, since they can bleed into the layers and make the trifle watery.
Absolutely. Swap the boxed cake mix for a homemade lemon cake or pound cake, and use homemade lemon curd and whipped cream. The boxed versions just make it faster and easier.
A standard trifle dish, which holds about 3 to 4 quarts, is perfect for this recipe. If you do not have one, any tall, clear glass bowl works to show off the layers.
Freezing is not recommended. The pudding and whipped topping can separate and become watery when thawed, and the fresh blueberries lose their texture. It is best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
Craving more bright lemon desserts? Try our lemon blueberry coffee cake next.
For a true showstopper, try our red velvet cheesecake cake topped with cream cheese frosting and crushed Oreos.
For another cool, fruity dessert, whip up our no churn frozen yogurt recipe.
Building a dessert table? Add our pretty wedding cake cupcakes.
For a bright layered dessert, try our rainbow jello cake.
Round out the dessert table with our dreamy red velvet ice cream.
Lemon lover? You will adore the bright filling in our easy lemon bars.
Pair a scoop of our no churn pistachio ice cream with this fruity trifle.
Blueberry lover? Bake a batch of our chewy oatmeal blueberry cookies.
Round out a citrus spread with our Lemon Cheesecake.
Pair this trifle with a light wine spritzer for a refreshing dessert spread.
For another easy crowd pleaser, try this gooey strawberry cheesecake dump cake.
Set out a jar of chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels next to this trifle.
For a fresh fruit dessert spread, set these next to our mini fruit tartlets.
For more easy crowd desserts, try our cream cheese caramel apple dip.
Layer this trifle with our easy pastry cream for an extra-special touch.
Round out a spring dessert table with our lemon bundt cake.
For another easy crowd dessert, make our butterscotch pie.
For another easy party dessert, bake our British fairy cakes.
Love lemon? Our lemon simple syrup brightens lemonade, iced tea, and desserts in seconds.
Craving something sweet and fruity? Our strawberry cookies are a crowd-pleasing spring favorite.
Add our Blueberry Cake to your berry dessert table.
For a richer dessert table, add our Snickers cheesecake with its glossy ganache drip.
Craving more blueberry treats? These air fryer blueberry hand pies are flaky and ready in minutes.
For a warm, cozy dessert, try our black forest puff pastry braid.
Craving something sweet and creamy? Our cookie butter dip is ready in 10 minutes.
Layer in a dollop of our brown sugar frosting for a caramel note in this trifle.
When peaches are in season, do not miss our glazed peach bread.
For another easy layered treat, try our chocolatey Swiss cake roll lush cake.
Planning a holiday spread? Add our warmly spiced sweet potato pie to the lineup.
More lemon goodness ahead, our lemon cupcakes are moist, bright, and party-ready.
Add to your lemon lineup with our lemon brownies, like a brownie crossed with a lemon bar.
Craving berries? Our berry tarts are flaky, creamy, and ready in 30 minutes.
For another stunning layered treat, try our easy mango dessert, a no-bake melon mango verrine with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Round out a spring dessert table with our easy carrot bundt cake.
In a berry mood? Our from-scratch berry cobbler is the perfect warm summer treat.
Add our sheet pan pancakes to your brunch spread for an easy, no-flip pancake everyone loves.
Our strawberry cream cheese frosting adds a fresh, fruity layer to any dessert.
For more blueberry goodness, these blueberry muffins are a must-bake.
For more caramel goodness, blend up a homemade Chick Fil A milkshake.
If you love no-bake layered desserts, do not miss these dirt cups.
In the mood for a grab-and-go treat? Our lemon blueberry muffins are bright and juicy.
Turn the same flavors into a stunner with our lemon cake, perfect for spring gatherings.
Love berry desserts? Our tender strawberry scones are a must-bake.
Love citrus desserts? Our cool, creamy no-bake lemon pie is a perfect pairing.
Love raspberry treats? Our white chocolate raspberry blondies are a must-bake.
Planning a summer party? Make our colorful luau cake the centerpiece.
Planning a dessert table? Add our Mississippi mud brownies.
For a baby shower or brunch, make our easy strawberry tea sandwiches.
Round out a dessert table with these caramel dulce de leche cheesecake bars.
Craving more? These thick and chewy double chocolate chip cookies are another easy, crowd-pleasing bake worth saving.
Need a fun frozen treat? This easy cookie monster ice cream is an easy no-churn crowd-pleaser.
Baking for a celebration? These these red velvet cupcakes are moist, tender, and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Want a showstopper dessert? This this caramel cake has tender layers and rich caramel frosting.
Filling the cookie jar? These cream cheese cookies are soft, tangy, and coated in powdered sugar.
Have extra apples? This crock pot applesauce is a cozy, hands-off way to use them up.
Filling the cookie jar? These pecan sandies are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Pair this trifle with squares of our bright 7Up cake for a citrus dessert spread.
Citrus dessert fans should also try our classic key lime pie.
Add our creamy no bake peanut butter pie to your dessert table.
Love fresh strawberries? Our strawberry shortcake recipe uses quick drop biscuits and homemade whipped cream.
You will also love our French toast, crisp at the edges and soft in the middle.
Pair dessert with a glass of our hibiscus tea, tart, floral, and refreshing.
For a stunning seasonal sweet, our pumpkin cheesecake marbles vanilla and pumpkin into one beautiful slice.
Round out your dessert table with our cute bird nests, a no-bake Easter classic kids adore.
no churn mint ice cream
Cool off with our creamy Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, an easy four-ingredient no churn dessert.
Love strawberries and cream cheese? Try our Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast for an easy 25-minute brunch.
Save room for cookies after this trifle, our Chocolate Dipped Pistachio Cookies are an elegant, easy slice-and-bake treat.
Warm up the morning with our Apple Pancakes, stacked tall and smothered in cinnamon apples.
Add our Lemon Poppy Seed Cake to your brunch table for a bright, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Craving more lemon? Our easy Lemon Bread needs no mixer or yeast and bakes up beautifully moist.
Love fresh fruit desserts? Try our tropical fruit salad alongside this lemon blueberry trifle.
Pair this lemon blueberry trifle with our warm, gooey monkey bread for a special brunch.
Love this lemon blueberry trifle? Our creamy lemonade tart is another bright citrus dessert.
Round out your dessert table with a slice of our decadent chocolate bundt cake.
For another no-bake crowd-pleaser, try our 4-ingredient cheesecake stuffed strawberries.
Love layered desserts? Our cream puff cake is another crowd-pleasing favorite.
For another easy crowd treat, serve our peanut butter dip with cookies and fruit.
Layer it into a parfait or serve it next to our white chocolate mousse.
For another crowd-pleasing treat, bake our flaky cinnamon rolls.
Need a crowd-pleasing treat? Bake our chocolate chip zucchini bread.
Layer in a swirl of our easy caramel sauce for a rich, gooey twist on this trifle.
Round out your dessert table with a slice of our chocolate chip bundt cake.
Balance the sweetness with a side of our air fryer turkey bacon.
Round out the dessert table with a plate of our deep fried Twinkies.
Round out the dessert table with a batch of our monster cookie bars.
In the mood to bake something fun? Our pop tart sugar cookies come together in 20 minutes.
Want more easy desserts? Try our golden apple turnovers next.
For a celebration spread, add a batch of our birthday cupcakes.
This croissant french toast is a blueberry lover’s brunch dream.
Our crack pie is a rich, gooey crowd pleaser.
This simple banana cake is just as easy as whisking up a bowl of batter.
Our creamy tiramisu pie is another make ahead slice and serve favorite.
Setting up a fall dessert table? Pair this dip with our layered lemon blueberry trifle.
Throwing a summer party? Pair this with our layered lemon blueberry trifle for a fruity dessert table.
For a layered showstopper, our lemon blueberry trifle is another easy crowd pleaser.
For a lighter layered dessert, our lemon blueberry trifle is a crowd pleaser.
Serve a swirl of this honey butter with any warm bread, like the rolls beside our favorite comfort dinners.
Set it out with toasted bread for an easy starter at your next get together.
Love lemon desserts? Our layered lemon blueberry trifle is another bright, easy crowd pleaser.
Love lemon desserts? Our layered lemon blueberry trifle is another bright, easy crowd pleaser.
Add them to a dessert table next to our lemon blueberry trifle for a pretty spread.
If you love a layered spring dessert, our Easter Cookie Bars pair beautifully with a layered lemon blueberry trifle.
Love lemon and blueberry? Our layered lemon blueberry trifle is a stunning dessert.
Love this berry combo? Our layered lemon blueberry trifle is a no-bake showstopper.
Our lemon blueberry trifle is a no-bake lemon dream.
Our lemon blueberry trifle is a no-bake lemon dream.
Our layered lemon blueberry trifle is a showstopping no-bake treat.
Our layered lemon blueberry trifle is a berry-packed showstopper.
For another no bake layered showstopper, my dirt cake stacks pudding and crushed Oreos the same easy way this trifle does.
Love a layered, make ahead dessert, my Christmas jello salad is right at home beside this pretty lemon blueberry trifle.
Love a make ahead lemon treat, my lemon poppyseed bars travel even better than this pretty lemon blueberry trifle.
Building a dessert spread, my warm caramel apple donuts are lovely beside this pretty lemon blueberry trifle.
If blueberries are your thing, my plum crumble pairs beautifully with this pretty lemon blueberry trifle.
Start the party with my toasted marshmallow dip and crackers.
My glazed lemon lime cake brings that same sunny flavor in sliceable form.
My swirled lemon sweet rolls serve the same sunny flavor warm from the oven.
For individual servings of the same vibe, try our raspberry dessert cups in phyllo shells.
For single serving glasses with a torched top, try our mini trifles.
Layered Lemon Blueberry Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 3.4 ounce boxes instant French vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups cold whole milk
- 2 8 ounce containers whipped topping
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 3 cups fresh blueberries
- Lemon slices and mint for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with baking spray, set aside.
- Place the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil in a large bowl. Mix with an electric hand mixer on slow speed for 30 seconds. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.1 box lemon cake mix, 1 cup water, 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Pour into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the baking dish.
- While the cake is cooling, place the pudding mix and milk in a large bowl.2 3.4 ounce boxes instant French vanilla pudding mix, 4 cups cold whole milk
- Whisk by hand for 2 minutes. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to assemble the trifle.
- Place 1 container of the whipped topping in a medium-sized bowl along with the lemon curd.2 8 ounce containers whipped topping, 1/2 cup lemon curd
- Fold the curd into the whipped topping until it is fully combined. Place in the fridge covered until ready to assemble the trifle.
- Once the cake is cooled, cut it into 1-2 inch cubes.
- Place 5 cups of the cake cubes into the bottom of a standard-sized trifle dish.
- Add half of the pudding on top.
- Add 1 cup of the blueberries.3 cups fresh blueberries
- Top with the whipped topping mixed with lemon curd.
- Repeat with another 5 cups of cake cubes.
- Add the remaining pudding.
- Then add 1 cup of blueberries.
- Top everything with the remaining 1 container of whipped topping.
- Garnish with the remaining blueberries, lemon slices, and mint if using. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.Lemon slices and mint for garnish
Notes
- Cool the Cake Completely: If the cake is even a little warm, it can melt your pudding or whipped topping.
- Don’t Over-Mix: When you fold in the whipped topping or fresh cream, do it gently to keep that airy texture.
- Taste the Lemon Curd: If your lemon curd is super tart, you might want to add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the whipped topping or a bit of extra sugar.
- Go Light on the Layers: Don’t make them too thick. Multiple thin layers look more impressive in a large bowl or big trifle dish.
- Level the Layers: When you add the pudding mixture, spread it evenly. You can use the back of a spoon or a spatula—just keep the lines neat for that “wow” effect.
- Plan for the Next Day: If you’re bringing this to a party, prepare it the night before and let it chill.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
Follow @ThisSillyGirlsKitchen on Instagram and @danadevolk on Pinterest for more!
