Lemon Raspberry Trifle | Gluten Free Fast Dessert

. This easy gluten free lemon raspberry trifle is a healthy and fast dessert, perfect for last minute entertaining or even a weeknight treat.

If you’re scrambling trying to figure out what to make as a quick holiday dessert, this easy gluten free lemon raspberry trifle will totally fit the bill. I’m totally not always super jazzed about baking, so I always appreciate an easy assembly dessert that doesn’t require any baking on my part. Bonus points if it still looks impressive. Trifle is my go-to for that reason because you literally can use up odds and ends from your fridge and pantry, assemble it into a beautiful layered dessert and blow your guests away.

what is trifle?

Traditionally, trifle is an English dessert made out of fruit, sponge cake soaked in liquor, custard and cream. In my world, however, it’s a mish mash of some store bought cake, something creamy, something crunchy and something fruity and sweet. This easy and lightened up gluten free lemon raspberry trifle is so easy it hurts and yet it looks crazy impressive on any holiday (or weeknight) spread.

what do i need to make this easy and healthy gluten free lemon raspberry trifle?

To whip up this easy trifle in a flash, you’ll need:

Frozen or fresh raspberries

Lemon juice

Maple syrup

Chia seeds

Lemon Loaf Cake (Gluten free, if desired)

Plain Greek yogurt

Pistachios (or your favourite nut)

Coconut

how do i make this easy gluten free lemon raspberry trifle?

Ready for the easiest dessert of life? You’re welcome.

I start by making a super quick chia jam where I cook down some frozen berries with lemon juice, maple and then I let it set with chia seeds in the fridge for at least an hour or two – ideally overnight. Make a big batch of that chia jam (it’s a super popular Abbey’s Kitchen recipe), and spread it on toast or swirl it into oatmeal or pudding.

Next, I literally cut up a store bought lemon loaf (gluten free, if needed), and layer it with some plain Greek yogurt, the raspberry chia jam, lots of fresh raspberries, pistachios and coconut. SO SO GOOD.

Where can i get gluten free lemon cake to make this easy trifle?

Here in Canada, there is a store-bought gluten free brand called Promise Gluten Free, but you can go to any allergy-friendly bakery and pick up a store-bought loaf cake that meets your dietary restrictions (vegan and/or gluten free). If you find a lemon cake or loaf cake you love, then buy a few and pop them in the freezer for making this dessert last minute!

can i use other fruit or cake flavours in this trifle instead of lemon raspberry?

You bet! Depending on what is in season, or even just what you have on hand, you can easily switch up the ingredients in this easy assembly gluten free trifle recipe. If you don’t want to do lemon raspberry, some other ideas are:

Banana + chocolate chip banana bread

Strawberry + angel food cake

Apple + gingerbread cake

Blueberry + ginger cake

They’re all super delicious as easy assembly trifles, but my current obsession is totally this lemon raspberry combo.

How far in advance can i make this gluten free trifle?

I recommend getting all of the elements ready ahead of time. Cut the fruit, (make the chia jam up to 5 days ahead) and then an hour before you want to serve you can assemble. I can assure you that this gluten free lemon raspberry trifle tastes so great the next day but doesn’t look as pretty as the colour starts to bleed.

do you have any other healthy easy dessert recipes for easy entertaining?

You bet! Here are some of my favourites!

Easy No Bake Matcha Cheesecake Parfaits

Vegan Coconut Rice with Mango & Kiwi 

Gluten Free Ginger Pear Crisp 

Caramel Apple Raw Cheesecake 

Apple Crisp Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Frozen Vegan Peanut Butter Pie 

Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian, an avid food writer and blogger, a cookbook author and the founder of Abbey’s Kitchen Inc.