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Home » Recipes » Christmas

Pineapple Trifle

Published: May 30, 2023 · Modified: Apr 23, 2026 by Libby Hakim · 2 Comments

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Bring a little tropical fun to the dessert table no matter what the weather is like outside with this Pineapple Trifle.

Jump to:
  • The ingredients
  • How to make Pineapple Trifle
  • Serving and storage
  • Want more trifle dessert ideas?
  • Pineapple Trifle Recipe

The ingredients

Ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Tangy pineapple juice, smooth custard, sweet pineapple jelly, an Ambrosia Salad-inspired layer and the lightness of sponge cake combine to make each spoonful of this dessert a tropical paradise on your palate.

All of the ingredients that go into this bright and festive layered dessert are available from the supermarket year-round:

  • pineapple jelly crystals
  • mini sponge rolls
  • crushed pineapple in juice
  • sherry (or more pineapple juice for an alcohol-free version)
  • mini white marshmallows
  • sour cream
  • pouring custard
  • shredded coconut
  • raspberries and fresh mint sprigs (to garnish, or any berries and green garnish that is in season).
making pineapple trifle.

How to make Pineapple Trifle

You can make this trifle in a large trifle bowl or six individual glasses – you can buy small trifle glasses or just use wine glasses.

TIP: Plan to make it the day before you are serving it for best results.

  1. The first lovely layer is jelly.

Make up the pineapple jelly according to packet instructions and pour into your trifle bowl or evenly into six trifle glasses and place into fridge to set.

2. The second layer is the sponge.

Cut sponge rolls into 1cm thick circles and place into trifle bowl or glasses once the jelly has set.

3. Pour juice/sherry and half the custard over the sponge.

Drain the crushed pineapple and combine the juice with additional juice or sherry. Pour over the sponge layer.

Pour half of the custard over the sponge layer.

4. The next layer is Ambrosia Salad.

Set aside a tablespoon of crushed pineapple and then combine crushed pineapple, sour cream and marshmallows in a mixing bowl.

Spread over the top of the trifle/s.

5. Place into fridge, ideally overnight.

Serving and storage

The next day, add the finishing touches before serving.

When ready to serve, drizzle remaining custard over the top of trifle/s, sprinkle with coconut and garnish with a little crushed pineapple, piece of raspberry and mint sprig.

Store, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Want more trifle dessert ideas?

Of course you do!

  • chocolate trifle
    Chocolate Trifle
  • Mini Trifles.
    Mini Trifles
  • platinum jubilee trifle
    The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Trifle
  • watermelon and rosewater trifles
    Watermelon and Rosewater Trifle

Made this recipe and love it? Please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It’s such a help to others who want to try the recipe. (And it really makes my day to hear how Nana Ling's recipes are being made, shared and loved all around the world! - Libby x)

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Pineapple Trifle.

Pineapple Trifle Recipe

Libby Hakim
Enjoy lovely layers of pineapple flavours in this easy-to-prepare trifle
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Setting time 12 hours hrs
Total Time 12 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Australian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 437 kcal

Equipment

  • trifle bowl or 6 trifle glasses

Ingredients
  

  • 85 grams pineapple jelly crystals
  • 250 gram mini sponge rolls
  • 430 grams crushed pineapple in juice
  • ½ cup sherry or pineapple juice
  • 100 grams mini white marshmallows
  • 250 grams sour cream
  • 250 ml store bought pouring custard
  • 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
  • few raspberries and fresh mint sprigs (to garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Make up jelly according to packet instructions and pour into trifle bowl or evenly into 6 trifle glasses and place into fridge to set.
  • Cut sponge rolls into 1cm thick circles and place into trifle bowl or glasses once the jelly has set.
  • Drain the crushed pineapple and combine the juice with additional juice or sherry. Pour over the sponge layer.
  • Pour half of the custard over the sponge layer.
  • Set aside a tablespoon of crushed pineapple and then combine crushed pineapple, sour cream and marshmallows in a mixing bowl. Spread over top of trifle/s.
  • Place into fridge, ideally overnight, and when ready to serve, drizzle remaining custard over top of trifle/s, sprinkle with coconut and garnish with a little crushed pineapple, piece of raspberry and mint sprig.

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 401mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 1gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 451IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 156mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?If you love it, let me know!

More Classic Christmas Recipes

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    Christmas Biscotti
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    Pea and Ham Soup
  • Christmas Jelly Slice on plate.
    Christmas Jelly Slice
  • Baileys Truffles
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Comments

  1. Rene Homan says

    June 02, 2023 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    Yummy

    Reply
    • Libby Hakim says

      June 02, 2023 at 7:11 pm

      Thanks for the rating and comment 🙂

      Reply
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Hi, I'm Libby, a recipe collector and writer. I love everything about home cooking and share modern classics and recipes that have been passed down for generations – I hope you find a few that bring back treasured memories.

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