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

Scale

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