Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red, White and Blue Trifle is a festive, refreshing dessert perfect for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day. With layers of fluffy cake, sweetened whipped cream, and fresh berries, it delivers a beautiful presentation and a mix of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s easy to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and a great way to showcase seasonal berries.
ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
pound cake or angel food cakefresh strawberriesfresh blueberriesfresh raspberriesheavy whipping creamconfectioners’ sugarvanilla extract
directions
Cut the pound cake or angel food cake into bite-sized cubes.
Wash and dry all the berries. Slice the strawberries if they are large.
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
In a trifle dish or clear glass bowl, begin layering: start with a layer of cake cubes, followed by a layer of whipped cream, then a layer of mixed berries.
Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and a decorative arrangement of berries on top.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8-10 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesChilling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
Use vanilla pudding or cream cheese filling instead of whipped cream for a richer texture.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or berry syrup to the cake layers for extra flavor.
Layer in mini individual cups for easy serving at parties.
Top with crushed graham crackers or almonds for added crunch.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.This dessert is best enjoyed fresh; the cake may become soggy after extended storage.Do not freeze, as the whipped cream and fruit will not retain their texture.
FAQs
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are best for texture and presentation, but frozen berries can work in a pinch if well-drained.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be used as a shortcut.
What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
Any clear glass bowl or individual clear cups work well to show off the layers.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free whipped topping and ensure your cake is dairy-free as well.
How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?
Layer just before serving or use a firmer cake like pound cake to maintain structure.
Conclusion
Red, White and Blue Trifle is a vibrant and delicious dessert that brings together the colors of celebration with the freshness of summer berries. Its no-bake ease and eye-catching layers make it a perfect addition to your holiday table or any summer gathering.
PrintRed, White and Blue Trifle
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and colorful layered dessert made with fresh berries, whipped cream, and cake—perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the instant vanilla pudding by whisking it with the cold milk and vanilla extract in a bowl. Let it set for 5 minutes.
- In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the cubed cake at the bottom.
- Spread half of the prepared pudding over the cake layer.
- Add a layer of strawberries and raspberries, followed by a layer of blueberries.
- Spread half of the whipped cream over the fruit.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, pudding, berries, and whipped cream.
- Garnish the top with extra berries for decoration.
- Chill the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade whipped cream for store-bought topping.
- Try using different berries based on availability and preference.
- Prepare the trifle a day in advance to save time and enhance flavor.