Decadent Coffee & Doughnut Trifle (Easy No-Bake Recipe!)

The Best Morning Ritual, Reimagined as Dessert

There are few pairings in the culinary world as perfect and iconic as coffee and doughnuts. It’s a simple, soul-satisfying ritual. But what if you could take that beloved combination and transform it into an outrageously decadent, show-stopping dessert that requires absolutely no baking? That very question led to the creation of this incredible doughnut trifle. It’s a fun, surprisingly elegant dessert that layers soft, pillowy glazed doughnuts with a silky, tangy mocha cream. This is the ultimate tribute to a classic pairing, and it’s guaranteed to be the talk of any dinner party or special occasion.

The Simple Ingredients for a Showstopper Trifle

This no-bake masterpiece comes together with just a handful of ingredients. The magic is in the combination of the tangy, coffee-infused cream and the sweet, yeasted doughnuts.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing Breakdown

This is the ultimate make-ahead dessert. With zero baking and only a few minutes of active prep, you can have a stunning dessert chilling in the fridge.

• Active Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum), or overnight
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes+

Data Insight: This showstopper requires only 15 minutes of active preparation. According to dessert trend reports, no-bake trifles see a 40% surge in popularity during warmer months and for holidays due to their impressive presentation and completely oven-free method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Silky Mocha Cream

In a small bowl, stir together the vanilla extract and the instant espresso powder until the powder has completely dissolved. If you still see granules, microwave the mixture for just 5 seconds and stir again until it’s a smooth liquid. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and the vanilla/espresso mixture. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a handheld electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and combined, with no lumps of cream cheese.

With the mixer on low, slowly stream in the cold heavy cream. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then increase the speed to medium-high. Whip until stiff peaks form. Pro Tip: Stiff peaks mean that when you lift the whisk out of the cream, the peak that forms holds its shape and doesn’t flop over.

Step 2: Layer Your Trifle

Now for the fun part! Cut your glazed doughnuts into rough 1-inch pieces. In a large glass trifle bowl, create your first layer by placing one-third of the doughnut pieces in the bottom. Top this with a layer of one-third of the mocha whipped cream, spreading it gently to the edges. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a final, beautiful layer of the mocha cream.

Step 3: Chill to Perfection

Cover the trifle bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential! It allows the doughnut pieces to soften and soak up all the delicious mocha flavour from the cream, melding everything into a cohesive, cake-like dessert. Before serving, you can allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Nutritional Information

This is a wonderfully decadent and indulgent dessert. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming the trifle makes 10 servings.

• Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 5g

Disclaimer: Nutrition is estimated and will vary based on the brand of doughnuts and specific ingredients used.

Variations and Healthier Alternatives

While this trifle is designed for pure indulgence, you can make a few tweaks.

• Doughnut Swap: You can use plain, unfrosted cake doughnuts for a slightly less sweet version. Leftover chocolate or sour cream doughnuts would also be delicious.
• Lighter Cream: To reduce the fat and calories, you can use Neufchâtel cheese (often labeled as “lite cream cheese”) and substitute a stabilized whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for the heavy cream, though the flavour will be different.
• Flavour Twists: Use a different flavour of instant coffee, like a hazelnut or caramel variety. You could also add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the cream for an adults-only version.

Serving Suggestions

This trifle is a centerpiece dessert that is guaranteed to get a “wow” from your guests.

• The Presentation: A glass trifle bowl is perfect for showing off the beautiful layers.
• Garnish is Key: Just before serving, top the trifle with some additional sweetened whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a whole mini doughnut placed in the center.
• Individual Portions: For a more formal dinner party, you can assemble the trifle in individual glasses, parfaits, or mason jars. This makes for an elegant presentation and easy serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lumpy Mocha Cream: This is the most common pitfall and is almost always caused by using cream cheese that is too cold. It must be fully softened to room temperature to beat smoothly. If you end up with lumps, you can sometimes save it by gently warming the bowl over a pot of simmering water for a few seconds (don’t melt it!) and then beating again.
2. A Runny Cream Mixture: If your mocha cream doesn’t reach stiff peaks, it’s likely because your heavy cream wasn’t cold enough. Always start with very cold cream, and you can even chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment for 10 minutes in the freezer for extra insurance.
3. A Grainy Coffee Flavour: Make sure your instant espresso powder is completely dissolved in the vanilla extract before adding it to the cream cheese. The 5-second microwave trick in the instructions is a brilliant way to ensure a smooth, non-grainy coffee flavour.
4. Not Chilling it Long Enough: It is so tempting to dig in right away, but the trifle needs that chilling time. This step is what transforms the separate components into a single, harmonious dessert where the doughnuts become soft and cake-like.

Storing Your Showstopper Dessert

This trifle is a fantastic make-ahead dessert.

• Storage: Cover the trifle bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
• Duration: It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Be aware that the doughnut pieces will continue to soften over time, which many people find even more delicious on day two!

A Decadent Twist on a Classic Pairing

This Coffee and Doughnut Trifle is a fun, whimsical, and incredibly delicious dessert that proves you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create a true showstopper. The simple, no-bake process yields a magnificent trifle with luscious layers of soft, sweet doughnuts and a silky, coffee-kissed cream. It’s the perfect, crowd-pleasing dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to end a meal on a truly memorable and indulgent note.

We dare you to try this amazing dessert hack! Let us know how it goes by leaving a comment and a rating below. And for more easy, show-stopping dessert ideas, be sure to subscribe!

FAQs

Q1: What kind of doughnuts are best for this trifle?

The best doughnuts are light, airy, glazed yeast doughnuts. Krispy Kreme Original Glazed are the gold standard for this recipe because they are very soft and absorb the cream beautifully. You can also use glazed doughnuts from a local bakery or grocery store.

Q2: Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

It’s not recommended. Brewed coffee would add too much liquid to the cream and could cause it to be runny. Instant espresso powder provides a concentrated, deep coffee flavour without adding excess liquid, which is crucial for the texture of the mocha cream.

Q3: My mocha cream seems runny and won’t form stiff peaks. Can I fix it?

A runny cream is usually because the heavy cream was not cold enough. You can try placing the entire mixing bowl in the refrigerator or freezer for 15-20 minutes to get it very cold, then try whipping it again on high speed. If that doesn’t work, you may need to start over, ensuring your cream is straight from the fridge.

Q4: Can I make this trifle a day ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. In fact, it’s even better when made a day in advance, as it gives the flavours more time to meld and the doughnuts more time to soften into a perfectly cake-like texture.

Q5: Can I make this in individual dessert cups instead of a large trifle bowl?

Yes, and it makes for a beautiful presentation. Simply layer the doughnut pieces and mocha cream in individual glass cups, parfaits, or even mason jars. You will likely get 10-12 individual servings.

Decadent Coffee & Doughnut Trifle (Easy No-Bake Recipe!)

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 Servings 1x

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Description

Layers of glazed doughnut pieces soak up a silky mocha-infused whipped cream in this showstopping, no-bake trifle. Ready in just 15 minutes of active prep and a few hours’ chilling, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or warm-weather entertaining.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Mocha Whipped Cream

• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Instant espresso powder (Dissolved in a few drops of hot water)
• 8 oz 226 g Cream cheese, softened (Room temperature)
• 1/2 cup 100 g Granulated sugar
• 2 cups 476 ml Heavy cream (Cold)

For the Trifle

• 12 Krispy Kreme Original Glazed (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Additional whipped cream (For garnish optional)
• Additional doughnut pieces (For garnish optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Mocha Base:

1. In a small bowl, stir vanilla extract and instant espresso powder with a splash of hot water until fully dissolved.

Whip the Cream Cheese:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and the espresso-vanilla mixture.
2. Beat on medium speed until smooth and lump-free (about 3 minutes).

Whip the Cream:

1. With mixer on low, slowly stream in cold heavy cream.
2. Increase to medium-high speed and whip until stiff peaks form.

Layer the Trifle:

1. In a glass trifle bowl, layer one-third of doughnut pieces on the bottom.
2. Top with one-third of the mocha whipped cream, spreading gently to the edges.
3. Repeat twice more, ending with whipped cream on top.

Chill:

1. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: Prep and layer up to a day ahead; chill overnight for best texture.

• Presentation Tip: Garnish with extra whipped cream and a doughnut half or coffee beans.

• Flavor Variation: Stir 1 Tbsp cocoa powder into the whipped cream for a chocolate mocha twist.

• Serving: Let stand 10–15 minutes at room temperature for easier scooping.

• Storage: Keep refrigerated, covered, up to 2 days; the doughnuts will continue to soften.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American, No-Bake

Nutrition

• Calories: 450