Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Tiramisu Trifle brings all the classic flavors of tiramisu in a quick, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone pudding, and a dusting of cocoa, it’s a delightfully simple treat to assemble and enjoy.

Ingredients
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 ¾ cup milk
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup coffee (cold, divided)
- 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
- 1 package ladyfingers (about 7 ounces or ½ angel food cake)
- 1 cup whipped topping
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate curls (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your trifle dishes. This recipe serves either 2 individual trifle cups or 4 half-pint mason jars. For a full-size trifle bowl, double the recipe.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the milk until it begins to thicken. Let it sit a few minutes to fully set.
- Step 3: Beat the room-temperature mascarpone cheese into the pudding until smooth. Then gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
- Step 4: Stir a splash of the coffee and rum (if using) into the pudding mixture, keeping the remaining coffee separate.
- Step 5: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the remaining coffee, about one to two seconds per side, so they soak but don’t get soggy.
- Step 6: Layer the dipped ladyfingers in your trifle dish, breaking them if needed to fit. Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with pudding on top.
- Step 7: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top layer of pudding. Dust generously with cocoa powder or garnish with chocolate curls.
- Step 8: Chill the trifle briefly if desired, or serve immediately for a fresher texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use strong brewed coffee for a richer coffee flavor, and adjust the rum amount to taste or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- For added texture, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts between layers.
- Try swapping the ladyfingers with sponge cake cubes if you prefer a different base.
- Make the dessert a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften nicely.
Storage
Store the tiramisu trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, consume within the first day. When ready to serve, you can chill it again or bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid freezing, as the cream and pudding may separate when thawed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tiramisu trifle a few hours or even a day in advance to let the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, you can substitute with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream or use ricotta cheese whipped until smooth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
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Easy Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Tiramisu Trifle is a delightful, no-bake dessert that layers creamy mascarpone-infused vanilla pudding with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and whipped topping. Perfect for a quick, elegant treat, it combines classic tiramisu flavors in an effortless trifle format, garnished with cocoa powder or chocolate curls to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Pudding Layer
- 1 box instant Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ¾ cup milk
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup whipped topping (divided)
- 1 cup coffee, cold (divided)
- 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
For the Ladyfinger Layer
- 1 package ladyfingers (about 7 ounces) or 1/2 angel food cake
For Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate curls
Instructions
- Prepare the serving dishes: Select your trifle serving containers—this recipe yields enough for 2 individual trifle cups or 4 half-pint mason jars. If using a full-size trifle bowl, you will need to double the recipe quantities.
- Make the pudding base: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 ¾ cups of milk until the mixture begins to thicken. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to fully set and achieve the proper consistency.
- Incorporate mascarpone and whipped topping: Beat the room-temperature mascarpone cheese into the set pudding until completely smooth. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the mixture.
- Flavor the pudding mixture: Stir in a splash of the cold coffee and the optional rum into the pudding mixture, evenly distributing the flavors. Reserve the remaining coffee separately for soaking the ladyfingers.
- Prepare the ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the remaining cold coffee, immersing each side for 1 to 2 seconds to absorb flavor without becoming soggy.
- Assemble the trifle layers: Arrange a layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish, breaking them as necessary to fit. Spoon a layer of the mascarpone-pudding mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Add topping and garnish: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the final pudding layer. Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder or decorate with chocolate curls for a classic tiramisu finish.
- Chill and serve: You may chill the assembled trifle briefly to meld flavors and firm up the layers, or serve immediately for a fresher texture.
Notes
- Use cold coffee to prevent soggy ladyfingers and to maintain the trifle’s texture.
- Rum is optional; for a non-alcoholic version, simply omit it.
- If ladyfingers are unavailable, angel food cake works as a substitute but will create a lighter texture.
- Chilling enhances flavor melding but is not required—serve immediately if preferred.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular coffee.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tiramisu, Trifle, No-Bake Dessert, Mascarpone, Coffee, Ladyfingers, Easy Dessert

