Mango Trifle

Soft layers of angel food cake, diced mangoes, vanilla pudding, macadamia nuts, and whipped cream are layered together in this beautiful mango trifle recipe.

Why this recipe works

A decadent yet easy dessert that radiates sweet tropical vibes, this mango trifle stands tall and steals the show no matter the occasion! This trifle is light and airy piled with angel food cake, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, mango, and macadamia nuts for texture among silky soft layers. It’s suited for every kind of gathering, especially in the summertime.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

PUDDING – We suggest using instant pudding for this recipe as it’s quicker and easier to prepare. You can substitute with any flavor you would prefer, such as coconut or white chocolate instant pudding.

MANGO – Dicing the mangoes and tossing them with lemon juice helps prevent browning. Further, adding granulated sugar will work to macerate (pull out the juices). The macerated fruit will be juicy and helps to spread the mangoes further throughout the trifle. If you do not want any mango juices in the trifle, skip the granulated sugar, but toss with a bit of lemon juice to help the mangoes maintain their vibrant color.

CAKE – We used 8-ounce “mini angel food cakes” that we found at our local grocery store. This size worked well to fill out the trifle. If you use a full-size angel food cake, you may need less or you may wish to reduce your pudding and whipped cream amounts (or create only two layers). Store-bought or homemade angel food cake will both work. You can easily substitute with pound cake if desired.

How to Make Mango Trifle

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Slice angel food cake into cubes and set aside.
2. Whisk together instant pudding mix and milk. Set aside.
3. Peel and dice mangoes. Toss with granulated sugar and lemon juice and set aside.
4. Whip heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the trifle into the dish by layering 1⁄3 of the angel food cake pieces. Spoon 1⁄3 of the pudding over the angel food cake, followed by 1⁄3 of the whipped cream.
6. Spoon 1⁄3 of the mango pieces over the pudding and whipped cream and then sprinkle 1⁄3 of the macadamia nuts with the mangoes.
7. Repeat a second and third layer of the ingredients, placing the final whipped cream, mangoes, and macadamia nuts neatly for a nice presentation.
8. Top with some white chocolate curls or chips, as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, you can skip the process of dicing and macerating the mangoes with lemon juice and sugar and opt for canned mangoes instead if you prefer.

Cover the mango trifle with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Though this trifle is best served the day of making, you can certainly still make it a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Do note that the whipped cream, as it’s made fresh, may begin to break down as it sits in the fridge but it should be fine if you prepare it the night before or the morning of so long as you store the trifle in the refrigerator. To prevent it from breaking down, you can use a stabilized whipped cream such as Cool Whip or use our homemade stabilized whipped cream recipe. The mangoes may also begin to brown if prepared too far in advance.

Sure, though it wouldn’t be considered mango trifle anymore of course! You can definitely swap out the type of fruit you use. Peaches would be a great option!

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with white chocolate curls or chips. Other garnish ideas include extra macadamia nuts or shredded coconut.

This mango trifle can also be served in smaller individual dishes for bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties, and potlucks. Simply assemble them in individual glasses, mini mason jars, or plastic disposable dessert cups.

More Trifle Recipes

• Raspberry Trifle
• Lemon Lush Trifle
• Lemon Blueberry Trifle
• Chocolate Lasagna Trifle
• Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
• Banana Trifle

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