Low Calorie Trifle

Prep: 15 min

A light and fruity low-calorie dessert featuring strawberry jello, fresh banana, and angel food cake, perfect for a refreshing and guilt-free treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz NutraSweet strawberry jello
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 sliced banana
  • lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 cups cubed angel food cake
  • orange juice
  • 1 package pudding mix

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the NutraSweet strawberry jello in boiling water.
  2. Add cold water to the hot jello and ice cubes to make 1 1/2 cups, then pour into the jello and allow it to begin to gel.
  3. Slice the banana and roll the slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. Place cubed angel food cake in a bowl and drizzle orange juice over it.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free pudding mix and low-calorie jello. If you don't have angel food cake, you can substitute with a sponge cake or even a low-calorie pound cake for a similar texture. Adding a layer of fresh berries can enhance the flavor while keeping it healthy. To prevent the banana from browning, ensure the lemon juice coats it well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this low-calorie trifle in individual cups for a delightful presentation. It can be paired with a dollop of low-fat whipped cream or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture. This dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing Three Vegetable Salad for a light meal or as a sweet finish to a summer gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The jello may continue to set, so if you plan to serve it later, you might want to keep the components separate until ready to assemble. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change once thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Low Calorie Trifle contains roughly 397 calories, with 6g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

397 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 4.5g 6% DV
Carbs 89.8g 33% DV
Fiber 6.2g 22% DV
Sugar 36.6g 73% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 586.2mg 25% DV
Potassium 762mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 13.5mg 15% DV
Calcium 128.3mg 10% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jello and pudding mix the day before serving. However, assemble the trifle just a few hours before serving to keep the cake fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.

What can I substitute for the angel food cake?

If you don't have angel food cake, you can use a light sponge cake or even a low-calorie cake mix. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free cake that maintains a light texture.

Can I add other fruits to the trifle?

Absolutely! Feel free to add layers of other fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add color and nutrients to your trifle.

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).

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