Ambrosia Trifle
A creamy, fruity layered trifle featuring vanilla pudding, tropical pineapple, mandarin oranges, and whipped topping, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (5.1 oz.) pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix ⓘ
- 3 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28.2 oz.) pkg. frozen golden pineapple coconut cake, partially thawed
- 1 (15 oz.) can Mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1 1/2 c. frozen whipped topping, thawed ⓘ
- shredded coconut ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine vanilla pudding mix, milk, sour cream, frozen orange juice concentrate, and pepper in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer at low speed for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Spoon one-third of the pudding mixture into a 3-quart trifle bowl.
- Cut the frozen golden pineapple coconut cake in half lengthwise.
- Cut each cake half crosswise into 1/2-inch slices.
- Arrange one-third of the cake slices in a single layer over the pudding.
- Spread one-third of the drained Mandarin orange segments over the cake.
- Arrange half of the remaining cake slices over the orange segments.
- Cover the cake with half of the remaining pudding.
- Add the remaining cake slices and half of the remaining orange segments.
- Top with the remaining pudding and orange segments.
- Mound the thawed whipped topping over the trifle.
- Garnish with shredded coconut and stemmed maraschino cherries.
- Cover and chill the trifle for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute low-fat sour cream and use sugar-free pudding mix. If you don't have frozen orange juice concentrate, fresh orange juice can work in a pinch. To add a twist, consider incorporating some chopped nuts or berries for added texture and flavor. This trifle also pairs beautifully with desserts like Heavenly Hash Bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ambrosia trifle as a delightful dessert at gatherings or holiday celebrations. It pairs wonderfully with light, fruity dishes, and can be complemented by a side of fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider offering it alongside American recipes like Easy Hamburger Cheese Bake for a casual potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The layers may become a bit soggy, but the flavors will meld beautifully. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping may separate when thawed. For best results, serve within a day or two for optimal freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Trifle contains roughly 206 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this trifle a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the trifle a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it properly to prevent it from absorbing other odors from the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
What can I use instead of the golden pineapple coconut cake?
If you can't find frozen golden pineapple coconut cake, you can use any store-bought or homemade vanilla cake. Adding a bit of coconut extract to the batter will help mimic the original flavor. Alternatively, angel food cake works well for a lighter texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this ambrosia trifle gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix or recipe for the cake layer. Ensure that your pudding mix and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dessert without the gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).