Name: Peach Trifle
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) pound cake or angel food cake, cubed; 4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (or 1 can peach slices, drained); 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish); Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling between layers)

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A light and luscious summer dessert layered with juicy peaches, fluffy cake, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. This Peach Trifle is sweet, creamy, and irresistibly refreshing—perfect for barbecues, picnics, or warm-weather entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for summer: With fresh peaches and light, airy layers, this dessert is a refreshing way to end any summer meal.
Quick and easy: This trifle comes together in just 15 minutes, with minimal preparation needed.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add your favorite fruits, or even drizzle some caramel for extra flavor.
Impressive presentation: Layered in a clear dish, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Make-ahead: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (16 oz) pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (or 1 can peach slices, drained)
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling between layers)

directions

Make the vanilla pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk and vanilla extract until thickened. Chill for 5–10 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Layer the trifle: In a trifle dish, layer half of the cubed cake at the bottom.
Add the pudding and peaches: Add a layer of the vanilla pudding over the cake, followed by a layer of peach slices. Drizzle with a little caramel sauce if desired for extra sweetness.
Repeat the layers: Add the remaining cake cubes, pudding, and peaches.
Top with whipped cream: Finish with a generous layer of whipped cream, and garnish with chopped pecans for a bit of crunch.
Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving

Variations

Add a crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola between layers for added texture.
Berry twist: Add strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries to the layers for a mixed berry trifle.
Make it boozy: Drizzle a little peach liqueur or rum between the layers for an adult version of this dessert.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free whipped topping and almond milk to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
Caramelized peaches: Sauté the peach slices in butter and brown sugar for a more caramelized, deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This dessert is best served chilled, and it holds up well when made in advance. Avoid freezing as the whipped cream and pudding layers may change in texture once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, canned peaches work perfectly well if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to drain them well before using.

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this trifle a few hours or even a day ahead. Just be sure to refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld together.

How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

Make sure the pudding isn’t too runny before assembling, and try to layer the cake in a way that allows the fruit and pudding to absorb some of the moisture without getting too soggy.

Can I use angel food cake instead of pound cake?

Yes, angel food cake works great for a lighter version of this dessert. It will also make the trifle feel a bit airier.

How long does the trifle need to chill?

For the best flavor and texture, chill the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the pudding and whipped cream to set.

How can I make this dessert sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter trifle, drizzle more caramel sauce between the layers or add a bit of honey to the whipped cream or pudding mixture.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute homemade vanilla pudding if you prefer a richer, from-scratch version.

Can I add other fruits to this trifle?

Yes, you can add other fruits like berries, pineapple, or kiwi to the layers for extra color and flavor.

How do I make whipped cream from scratch?

To make whipped cream, simply beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Can I use a different nut for garnish?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you like, such as almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts, for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Peach Trifle is the ideal summer dessert, offering a delightful combination of juicy peaches, soft cake, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect treat for barbecues, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it the perfect choice for entertaining or family celebrations.

Peach Trifle

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A light and luscious summer dessert with layers of juicy peaches, fluffy cake, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. This Peach Trifle is sweet, creamy, and refreshingly irresistible, perfect for barbecues or warm-weather entertaining.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 (16 oz) pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced (or 1 can peach slices, drained)
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling between layers)

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix with cold milk and vanilla extract until thickened. Chill for 5–10 minutes.
In a trifle dish, layer half of the cake cubes at the bottom.
Add a layer of vanilla pudding, followed by a layer of peach slices.
Drizzle with a little caramel sauce if desired.
Repeat layers with remaining cake, pudding, and peaches.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with chopped pecans.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.