Can I make this trifle with homemade cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade vanilla or confetti cake works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it's completely cooled before cutting into cubes. Homemade cake may be more delicate, so handle the cubes gently when assembling.

What if I can't find edible candy grass?

No worries! You have several alternatives. You can use green-tinted coconut flakes, green-colored white chocolate shavings, or even thin strips of green fruit roll-ups. Another option is to pipe green-tinted frosting to create nest shapes.

How far in advance can I make this trifle?

For best results, you can assemble the basic trifle (through Step 5) up to 24 hours in advance. Add the decorative nests and eggs just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their vibrant colors.

Can I make individual servings instead of one large trifle?

Definitely! Individual trifles make charming personalized desserts. Use clear glasses or mason jars and follow the same layering technique. Each serving can be topped with a small candy grass nest and a single egg candy.

The Best Easter Trifle Recipe

This Easter Trifle is a showstopper dessert that combines fluffy rainbow chip cake, colorful pudding layers, and light whipped topping, all crowned with adorable candy grass nests filled with chocolate eggs. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration that looks impressive but comes together with surprising ease!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eye-catching presentation: This trifle creates a stunning visual impact with its pastel-colored layers and adorable Easter nest decorations – everyone will want to take pictures before digging in!
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare this dessert a day before your gathering and let it chill overnight, giving you more time to focus on other Easter preparations.
Customizable: Change up the colors, cake flavors, or toppings to match your Easter décor or personal preferences.
Kid-friendly: Little ones will be delighted by both the colorful layers and the fun candy decorations – this dessert is pure springtime joy in every spoonful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Party Rainbow Chip cake mix: The foundation of our trifle that adds festive color and texture. Funfetti works beautifully as an alternative if you can’t find Rainbow Chip.
Vanilla instant pudding mix: Creates our creamy, luscious middle layers that we’ll transform with food coloring for that Easter pastel effect.
Milk: Used to prepare the pudding mixture to the perfect consistency.
Blue & pink food coloring: Transforms ordinary vanilla pudding into Easter-perfect pastel layers. Start with just a few drops to achieve delicate spring colors.
Whipped topping: Adds lightness and creaminess between layers and on top. The stabilized nature of store-bought whipped topping helps maintain the structure better than regular whipped cream.
Edible candy grass: The secret weapon for creating realistic-looking Easter nests. Look for this seasonal item in the Easter candy section of your store.
Easter egg candies: The crowning touch that makes the trifle unmistakably Easter-themed. Whoppers Robin Eggs work perfectly with their speckled coating and chocolate center.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this Easter trifle? Try these creative twists:

Chocolate lover’s version: Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding with pastel-tinted whipped topping layers.
Lemon fresh: Substitute lemon cake mix and lemon pudding for a citrusy spring flavor profile.
Berry beautiful: Add layers of fresh spring berries like strawberries or blueberries between the cake and pudding.
Coconut nest: Use toasted coconut to create the nests instead of candy grass for a more natural look and tropical flavor.

How to Make The Best Easter Trifle

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Bake the Rainbow Chip cake according to package directions in a parchment-lined pan. After removing from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, use a serrated knife to cut the cake into one-inch cubes.

Step 2: Mix the Colored Puddings

Prepare both packages of vanilla pudding according to package directions in separate bowls. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to one bowl and pink food coloring to the other, stirring well until you achieve pretty pastel shades. Remember that the color will look more intense in the bowl than when layered in the trifle.

Step 3: Assemble the Base Layers

In a clear trifle dish or large glass bowl, arrange a tight layer of cake cubes across the bottom, fitting them snugly to avoid gaps. Pour one color of pudding over the cake layer, spreading it evenly. Gently spoon 2 cups of whipped topping over the pudding, creating a smooth, even layer.

Step 4: Create the Second Layers

Add another layer of cake cubes, followed by the second color of pudding. Top with the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping, creating a smooth, finished surface.

Step 5: Chill the Trifle

Refrigerate the assembled trifle (without decorations) for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cake to soften slightly from the pudding.

Step 6: Create Decorative Nests

Just before serving, make six bird nests (two of each color) using the edible candy grass. Take a half-inch thick bunch of grass and wrap it around itself, starting at one end and spinning it into a circle to form a nest shape.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Arrange the candy grass nests on top of the chilled trifle in a pleasing pattern. Place three candy eggs in each nest. Serve immediately or return to the refrigerator until ready to present.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

For cleaner edges: Freeze the cake for 30 minutes before cutting it into cubes to get cleaner, more defined pieces.
Color control: Start with just a drop or two of food coloring and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade. Gel food coloring offers more vibrant results than liquid.
Perfect pudding: Make sure the pudding is fully set before layering to avoid it bleeding into the whipped topping.
Clear dish advantage: Use a clear glass trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layers – presentation is half the appeal of this dessert!
Stabilize homemade whipped cream: If you prefer using homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping, add 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water (cooled slightly) to 2 cups of heavy cream before whipping to help it hold its shape.

How to Serve

This Easter trifle deserves to be the centerpiece of your dessert table! Here are some serving suggestions:

Accompaniments

Serve with additional fresh berries on the side for those who might want to add some fruit to their portion.

Beverage Pairings

A cup of coffee, tea, or a small glass of milk complements this sweet dessert perfectly.

Serving Technique

Use a large serving spoon to dish out portions, making sure each serving includes all the colorful layers and, if possible, one of the decorated nests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cake will continue to soften over time as it absorbs moisture from the pudding layers.

Freezing

This trifle doesn’t freeze well due to the whipped topping and pudding textures that would break down upon thawing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the trifle up to 24 hours in advance of serving. Wait to add the decorative nests and candy eggs until just before serving to maintain their appearance.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle with homemade cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade vanilla or confetti cake works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before cutting into cubes. Homemade cake may be more delicate, so handle the cubes gently when assembling.
What if I can’t find edible candy grass?

No worries! You have several alternatives. You can use green-tinted coconut flakes, green-colored white chocolate shavings, or even thin strips of green fruit roll-ups. Another option is to pipe green-tinted frosting to create nest shapes.
How far in advance can I make this trifle?

For best results, you can assemble the basic trifle (through Step 5) up to 24 hours in advance. Add the decorative nests and eggs just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their vibrant colors.
Can I make individual servings instead of one large trifle?

Definitely! Individual trifles make charming personalized desserts. Use clear glasses or mason jars and follow the same layering technique. Each serving can be topped with a small candy grass nest and a single egg candy.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Trifle is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of spring in edible form! The combination of fluffy cake, creamy pudding, and whipped topping creates a perfect backdrop for the adorable nest decorations. Whether you’re hosting a large Easter gathering or just wanting to bring some springtime joy to your family table, this showstopper dessert delivers both impressive looks and delicious flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try this Easter – I promise those colorful layers and cute candy nests will bring smiles all around!