Step 1: Bake and Color the Cake

Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. For an extra moist cake, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or mayonnaise to the batter.

Once the batter is prepared, divide it evenly into five separate bowls.

Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl, creating pastel shades of pink, blue, green, yellow, and purple. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.

Pour each colored batter into a greased and floured 8-inch round cake pan. If you don’t have five cake pans, you can bake the cakes one at a time, allowing the pan to cool slightly between batches.

Bake according to the cake mix instructions.

Once the cakes are baked, let them cool completely in the pans before inverting them onto a wire rack. This prevents them from sticking and ensures they maintain their shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until smooth.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.

Refrigerate the pudding for at least 30 minutes, or until it has set to a thick consistency. This chilling process is essential for the pudding to hold its shape when layered in the trifle.

Step 3: Cut the Cake into Cubes

Once the cakes are completely cool, trim off any browned edges to create uniform layers.

Cut each cake layer into roughly 1-inch cubes. The size of the cubes doesn't have to be exact, but consistency will make layering easier.

Set the cake cubes aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

Choose a large, clear trifle bowl. The clear bowl allows you to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.

Start with a layer of cake cubes, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the bowl. Alternate colors to create a visually appealing base.

Spoon a layer of pudding over the cake cubes, ensuring that the pudding seeps into the crevices and moistens the cake.

Top with a layer of whipped topping, spreading it evenly over the pudding.

Repeat these layers – cake, pudding, whipped topping – until the trifle bowl is almost full. Leave some space at the top for the final decorations.

The key to a beautiful trifle is even layering. Try to maintain consistent thickness for each layer to create a visually balanced dessert.

Step 5: Decorate and Chill

Finish the trifle with a generous layer of whipped topping.

Decorate the top with mini chocolate eggs, sprinkles, and edible flowers (if using). Get creative with your decorations and create a festive Easter scene.

Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the trifle allows the cake to absorb the pudding and the flavors to deepen, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dessert.