Easy Fruit and Cream | Patriotic Red White and Blue Dessert Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping summer dessert that’s as effortless as it is gorgeous? This Easy Fruit and Cream recipe is a sweet celebration of red, white, and blue! Bursting with juicy berries and layered with fluffy whipped cream, it’s the perfect treat for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or any time you want a refreshing no-bake dessert that screams summer. It’s light, creamy, and absolutely loaded with fresh flavor — and the best part? You can whip it up in under 15 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy: No baking, no fuss. You can put this together in minutes with just a few ingredients.
• Fresh & Flavorful: Packed with sweet, tangy berries and cool, airy whipped cream for a perfect summer bite.
• Patriotic & Pretty: The red, white, and blue colors make it perfect for holidays and summer gatherings.
• Customizable: Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving a fruity dessert, this one adapts beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this layered fruit and cream delight:

• Strawberries: For that juicy red pop and natural sweetness. Slice them for better layering.
• Blueberries: These add the blue in red, white, and blue. Plus, they’re bursting with antioxidants.
• Whipped Cream: Use homemade or store-bought — either works! This brings that luscious, creamy texture that holds everything together.
• Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake (optional): Adds a soft, sweet sponge if you want to turn this into a trifle-style dessert.
• Vanilla Extract (if making whipped cream): Just a splash enhances the flavor.
• Sugar or Sweetener (optional): If your fruit isn’t super sweet, toss it with a little sugar to bring out the juices.
• Mint Leaves (optional): For a refreshing, decorative finish.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on it? Go for it! Here are a few fun twists:

• Tropical Style: Swap the strawberries for diced mango and use coconut whipped cream.
• Berry Medley: Add raspberries and blackberries for more color and flavor depth.
• Low Carb Option: Use a sugar-free whipped topping and skip the cake layer entirely.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based whipped cream like coconut or almond whip.
• Frozen Treat: Freeze the layers in popsicle molds for a chilly version!

How to Make Easy Fruit and Cream

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Wash your strawberries and blueberries. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces. If you want extra sweetness, toss the fruit in a bowl with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to macerate.

Step 2: Whip the Cream (If Making from Scratch)

Whip chilled heavy cream with a splash of vanilla extract and a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. If using store-bought, just give it a gentle stir to fluff it up.

Step 3: Layer It Up

In a clear glass or trifle dish, start with a layer of whipped cream, then add a layer of strawberries, a sprinkle of blueberries, and repeat. If using cake, tuck in some small cubes between the layers for added texture.

Step 4: Top and Garnish

Finish with a dollop of cream and a few whole berries on top. Add a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately, or chill for a few hours.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry the Berries: After rinsing, pat the berries dry so they don’t water down the whipped cream.
• Use Cold Cream: If whipping your own, make sure your cream is very cold for the fluffiest texture.
• Layer in Clear Glasses: This dessert shines when you can see all the beautiful layers.
• Add Crunch: A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or granola adds a delightful crunch if you’re skipping the cake.

How to Serve

This dessert is best served chilled, in individual parfait glasses or one large trifle dish. It’s absolutely perfect on a warm summer evening, paired with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade. For parties, serve in mini mason jars or plastic dessert cups with little flags or skewers for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the berries may start to release more juice over time, slightly softening the layers.

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing, as whipped cream can separate and the fruit texture will change.

Reheating

No reheating needed — just grab a spoon and enjoy straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you use frozen, thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it a few hours in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve. For best results, don’t let it sit longer than 6–8 hours to keep the texture fresh.

What if I don’t have whipped cream?
You can make a quick substitute with Greek yogurt or vanilla pudding for a creamy layer. Or use whipped topping from the store in a pinch.

Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use a non-dairy whipped topping or make coconut cream by whipping the solid part from a chilled can of coconut milk. It’s delicious and adds a tropical twist.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fruit and Cream Patriotic Dessert is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all summer long. It’s light, refreshing, and wonderfully simple — perfect for sharing, snacking, or satisfying a sweet craving without turning on the oven. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for every backyard BBQ and holiday bash!

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