Hostess At Heart

Sharing life one recipe at a time

  • Home
  • About
    • About Hostess At Heart
    • Work With Me
    • Disclaimers and Privacy Policy
    • ACCESSIBILITY
  • Recipes
  • Resources and Reviews
    • Resources
    • Product/Company Reviews
    • Restaurant Reviews
  • Contact me

Home » Recipes » Paradise Fruit Trifle Dessert with Pudding

Paradise Fruit Trifle Dessert with Pudding

June 14, 2019 Updated: February 8, 2021 By Julie Menghini 31 Comments

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

JUMP TO RECIPE
Collage of two pictures showing a trifle bowl filled with cookie crumbs, pudding, whipped topping with more cookie crumbs on the top.

Paradise Fruit Trifle with Pudding is a quick make-ahead dessert filled with creamy pudding, fruit-filled whipped topping, and Nilla wafer cookie crumbs.

Two dessert dishes filled with a mound of fruit-filled whipped topping, cookie crumbs, and vanilla pudding sitting on a white tray. The trifle bowl filled with the dessert sits in the background over a turquoise napkin. The title \"Paradise Fruit Trifle Dessert with Pudding\" appears in the upper left corner of the photo.

Paradise Fruit Trifle can pass as a Fruit Cocktail Salad or an Easy Trifle Dessert. It’s the perfect make-ahead Fruit Trifle recipe because you can make it with the flavors and ingredients that you like and have on hand.

Anything served in a trifle bowl just says you’re special and I’m glad you’re here. This easy fruit cocktail dessert or my very popular Chocolate Pudding Trifle Dessert just look a little fancier in my trifle bowl don’t you think?

I had some cream in the refrigerator that I wanted to use up and went diving into my pantry for inspiration.

A can of fruit cocktail and a box of vanilla pudding jumped out at me. We always have a box Nilla wafers on hand for the Grandbaby when she visits, so I was set to make this easy fruit trifle recipe.

Is it a fruit cocktail dessert or is it a salad? It’s whatever you to want it to be! I’ve served this fruit trifle recipe with dinner and I’ve served it after dinner. No one has complained that they’re served fruit cocktail salad for dessert or fruit cocktail dessert as a salad.

I’m a rule breaker! Just say make it and eat it! Honestly, we ate this fruit trifle pudding recipe for a week! Covered in the refrigerator it was just as delicious the first day as it was the fifth and it makes enough to serve a crowd.

Side view of a trifle bowl filled with layers of ground cookies, pudding, and fruit-filled whipped topping on a turquoise napkin.

How many layers are in a trifle dessert?

A trifle usually has 3 to 4 layers. Alternatively, make this fruit cocktail dessert in a 9×13 cake pan. Just use one layer of the pudding and the fruit-filled whipped topping. You can also just use one layer of the cookie crumbs on the bottom of the dish, but why would you? Pour more over the top! I mean more cookies for everyone right! It would make serving it a little easier at a potluck or picnic too.

Where did the trifle originate?

Trifle, in English cuisine, is a dessert made with fruit, a thin layer of sponge fingers soaked in sherry or another fortified wine, and custard. It can be topped with whipped cream.

From what I read Trifle Desserts could have originated in a lot of places depending on what you call it and where you are from such as “Fool”, “syllabub”, “Zuppa Ingles”, or “Bizcocho Borracho.” What ever you want to call it, call it quick, easy, and delicious!

Fruit Trifle Dessert variations

  • change out the fruit cocktail for crushed pineapple
  • use fresh fruit or pie filling instead of canned fruit
  • add a layer of angel food cake
  • try another variety of pudding such as lemon or pistachio
  • use instant pudding instead of the cook and serve variety
  • replace Nilla wafer cookies with Graham crackers
  • purchase ready whipped topping instead of whipping your own. It doesn’t save much time but it’s one less bowl to wash up.

Note: I don’t recommend using bananas in any fruit trifle dessert or salad that you’re going to be making ahead of time or kept for any duration.

You may need:

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For more information, please see our disclosure.

  • Trifle Bowl – I love my trifle bowl. I’ve used it as a punch bowl or just a serving bowl for fruits and salads.
  • Silicone Spatulas – This pretty set has a flat side and a curved side to take on your toughest job. I love that they are all one piece and can withstand 500°F! Throw out those old chipped ones and treat yourself!

If you like this recipe, here are a few more I think you’re going to LOVE!

  • Creamy Tropical Fruit Cocktail Salad
  • Homemade Banana Pudding
  • Chocolate Pudding Frosting
  • Salted Caramel Butterscotch Pudding Budino
  • Lemon Pudding Poke Cake
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Salad
  • Pistachio Pudding Trifle Dessert
Top-down view of a dessert dish filled with creamy fruit-filled whipped topping, pudding, and Nilla cookie crumbs all topped with a Nilla cookie.
Two dessert dishes filled with a mound of fruit filled whipped topping, cookie crumbs and vanilla pudding sitting on a white tray.
Print
5 from 15 votes

Paradise Fruit Trifle with Pudding

Paradise Fruit Trifle with Pudding is a creamy smooth recipe that doubles as a dessert or a salad. It's the perfect fruit cocktail dessert for a potluck or a picnic and can feed a crowd!
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Chill 8 hrs
Total Time 8 hrs 36 mins
Servings 14
Author Julie Menghini
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric
  • 4.6 oz Vanilla Pudding Cook and Serve or Instant
  • 15.25 fruit cocktail drained
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped
  • 1 cup whipping cream whipped
  • 8 oz Nilla wafer cookies *

Instructions

  • Cook pudding according to package directions. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
  • Crush Nilla wafer cookies until finely ground.
  • Fold the drained fruit cocktail and pecans into the whipped cream.

Assembly

  • Line the bottom of a trifle bowl with half of the ground Nilla wafer cookies. Spoon the cooled pudding over the Nilla wafter cookie layer followed with the whipped cream mixture. Top the trifle with the remaining ground Nilla wafer cookies.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight or for 8 hours.

Notes

I actually ground an 11oz box of Nilla cookies and used 8oz in this recipe.  If you use a 9×13 pan instead of a trifle bowl you may use most of the ground cookies or less in a trifle bowl.  You can freeze any leftovers for future trifles.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.1mg
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Tried this recipe? That’s awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!

What is your favorite quick and easy, make and take salad or dessert? Please share with a comment below. You are my inspiration!

Dessert· Recipes· Salads· Sides

« 4 Ingredient Simple Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
Peach Crisp Recipe – Fresh Peach Dessert »

Comments

  1. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

    June 27, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    This sounds absolutely divine! I bet my kids would absolutely adore this dessert!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      July 5, 2019 at 9:28 am

      Thank you Bintu! I think I gained 10 pounds trying to finish the whole bowl off myself!

      Reply
  2. Cathy says

    June 27, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    This dessert looks so tasty and yummy and I love that you can use whatever ingredients you may already have available! Thanks for this yummy treat!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      July 5, 2019 at 9:28 am

      Thank you, Cathy!

      Reply
  3. Kelly Anthony says

    June 27, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    I also love how a trifle bowl can make any dessert look fancy. I can’t wait to impress my friends at our next potluck with this fruit trifle dessert.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      July 5, 2019 at 9:29 am

      Thank you, Kelly! I agree that the dish can just fancy up a recipe too.

      Reply
  4. Patty at Spoonabilities says

    June 27, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    I love make-ahead desserts! This looks so perfect for a summer’s dessert. Yum!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      July 5, 2019 at 9:29 am

      Thank you, Patty! I do too!

      Reply
  5. Pam Greer says

    June 27, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    Perfect timing! I was cleaning out my china cabinet and noticed my trifle dish!! It’s been so long since I’ve used it, this recipe is so delicious and perfect!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      July 5, 2019 at 9:30 am

      What a great find Pam! Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says

    June 25, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Love how easy this is to put together! What a great trifle for summer gatherings.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 25, 2019 at 12:34 pm

      Thank you Marlynn!

      Reply
  7. Beth Pierce says

    June 25, 2019 at 11:08 am

    What a light and fluffy treat for dessert! Looking forward to enjoying this after dinner tonight!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 25, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      Thank you, Beth!

      Reply
  8. Dannii says

    June 25, 2019 at 10:52 am

    Loving all the flavours here. This would be great for serving up at a dinner party.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 25, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      Thank you, Dannii! It’s perfect since it’s so easy too.

      Reply
  9. MARISA says

    June 25, 2019 at 10:17 am

    Love how easy this is. Trifles are just perfect for the summer!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 25, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      Thank you Marisa! I agree! Easy is best.

      Reply
  10. Luci says

    June 25, 2019 at 10:00 am

    This looks really delicious and perfect for the summer so I don’t have to heat up my kitchen.

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 25, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      Thank you, Luci! We love this one!

      Reply
  11. Michaela Kenkel says

    June 18, 2019 at 8:41 am

    I took this to my in-laws yesterday for a family cookout. I swear the bowl was wiped clean! So good!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 18, 2019 at 10:06 pm

      It’s perfect for cookouts! Thanks, Michaela!

      Reply
  12. Sandra Shaffer says

    June 17, 2019 at 10:55 pm

    My sister in law would make a similar trifle passed down by her Canadian in-laws. That’s the only time I’ve enjoyed a trifle and now I can make this one for her! The layers are so pretty and this is easy to make!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 18, 2019 at 10:05 pm

      Thank you, Sandra! I love family recipes!

      Reply
  13. Madi says

    June 17, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    What a delicious dessert! I love making trifles and this one sounds incredible!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 18, 2019 at 10:03 pm

      Thanks, Madi!

      Reply
  14. Deb Clark says

    June 17, 2019 at 3:23 pm

    Seriously this looks ridiculously good, love that is can be made ahead – perfect for a dinner party!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 18, 2019 at 10:03 pm

      Thank you, Deb!

      Reply
  15. m,ichele says

    June 15, 2019 at 6:30 pm

    This was so easy and so delicious! I served it for Sunday Brunch and was so happy how it came out! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. debi at Life Currents says

    June 15, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Oh my, so easy and so delicious! This is perfect for the summer family gatherings!

    Reply
    • Julie Menghini says

      June 17, 2019 at 8:14 am

      Thank you, Debi!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




ABOUT HOSTESS AT HEART

A photo of Hostess At Heart.

Thank you for visiting! I'm Julie and I believe cooking doesn't have to be hard it just has to taste good. Let me show you how to keep it simple and make it fun. Read More....

Looking for something?

Search by Category

Let’s keep in touch!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Popular Posts

Two crescent nut rolls sitting on a white plate over a red napkin. Another plate of rolls sits in the background.
Close top view of pear pie filling
Close up of a Swedish Apple Pie slice on red plate
Muffin sitting in a muffin paper on a wooden butter paddle
This is a beautifully slice sourdough loaf that shows the tender crumb and crusty exterior.
Benefits of Combining Honey and Yogurt: Things You Need to Know | HostessAtHeart.com

Let’s stay in touch!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

LEGAL – PRIVACY POLICY

ACCESSIBILITY 

CONTACT

COPYRIGHT © 2014 - 2021 HOSTESSATHEART.COM

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy