7 Trifle Recipes That Prove Dessert Is Better in Layers

Wine-Poached Pear Trifle

This trifle recipe may have a lot of separate layers, but that's what makes it such an impressive dessert. Instead of cutting your cake into cubes, use whole vanilla cake layers between wine-poached pears and hazelnut cream.

Berry Trifle

Depending on how much time you have, you can swap in store-bought pound cake for homemade to accomplish this trifle recipe a little quicker. You'll never know the difference once it's layered with creamy pudding and juicy summer berries.

Banana Rum Trifle

This banana trifle recipe comes from the Barefoot Contessa herself. That's right; this trifle comes from Ina Garten's latest cookbook. Rum and vanilla bean provide a sophisticated flavor to every bite of the banana dessert.

Buy It: Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten ($19, Target)

Affogato Trifles

What do you get when you combine trifles with your favorite coffee shop treats? A mouthwatering dessert with layers of crushed biscotti, vanilla ice cream, and espresso, yum!

Vanilla Cream-Fruitcake Trifle

Dress up your fruitcake for the holidays by serving it in trifle form. Vanilla cream, rum-soaked fruit, and molasses-cinnamon cream make this a holiday trifle recipe you'll crave.

Pumpkin Bread Trifle

Change up your fall menu by serving this delightful pumpkin trifle for dessert. Two large loaves of homemade pumpkin bread are cubed and sandwiched between layers of candied pecans and fluffy whipped cream. Add a couple of tablespoons of bourbon to your cream to turn it into an adults-only sweet treat.

Red Velvet Mini Trifles

Forget the giant trifle bowl and opt for this adorable mini trifle recipe. Buttermilk adds a nice tang to the rich red velvet cake. The mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese, if you prefer) in the frosting also helps balance out the sweetness.

Test Kitchen Tip: If you made a homemade cake that sunk in the middle or is a bit too crumbly, this is a great way to transform it into a memorable dessert.