This berry trifle is a colorful treat made with layers of fresh fruit, creamy pudding, and sponge cake. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings!
If you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this dessert is your best friend. It’s as tasty as it is pretty, and who doesn’t love a dessert that’s also a party? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for that sweet and juicy layer in the trifle. You can use frozen strawberries, but fresh gives a better texture. If strawberries aren’t available, try using blackberries instead for a delicious twist.
Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake: Both types are great for this dessert! I prefer angel food cake for its light and airy texture, but if you want more flavor, go with pound cake. Store-bought options save time, but homemade adds a personal touch.
Heavy Cream: This is essential for the whipped topping. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping or even Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor a bit.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely flavor. If you’re out of it, almond extract or a little vanilla bean paste works too! A tiny bit goes a long way.
How Do I Whip Heavy Cream to the Perfect Consistency?
Whipping heavy cream can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it right every time. The goal is to achieve soft peaks that hold their shape without becoming buttery.
- Start with cold heavy cream; place it in the fridge before whipping.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Stop when soft peaks form — it should look fluffy but still fall over gently when you lift the beaters.
Remember, over-whipping can turn it into butter, so keep an eye on it!
How to Make a Delicious Berry Trifle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Trifle:
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pint raspberries
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pound pound cake or angel food cake, cut into cubes
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Additional berries (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This berry trifle takes about 20 minutes to prepare and needs at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge. So, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dessert in just a little over 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
Start by pouring the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream should hold soft shapes, but not be too stiff. Once done, set the whipped cream aside.
2. Layer the Cake:
Grab a trifle dish or a large glass bowl and begin layering. Start with half of the cake cubes and spread them evenly at the bottom of the dish. This will be your first layer.
3. Add the Berries:
Now it’s time for the berries! Take half of the sliced strawberries and layer them over the cake cubes. Next, sprinkle on half of the blueberries and half of the raspberries. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just spread them out nicely!
4. Spoon on the Whipped Cream:
Take half of the whipped cream you prepared earlier and spoon it over the layer of berries. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so every bite will have a taste of that delicious cream.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process! Add another layer of the remaining cake cubes, followed by the leftover strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. This way, you’ll have a colorful mix of layers!
6. Top it Off:
Finish your trifle by spreading the remaining whipped cream on top. This will create a beautiful white layer that complements the colorful berries underneath.
7. Garnish and Chill:
For a lovely final touch, you can decorate the top with some additional berries and a few mint leaves. This makes it look extra special! Cover the trifle and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time will help the flavors mix beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the berry trifle to your friends and family. Scoop it out with a spoon and enjoy the layers of deliciousness! Perfect for a sunny day or any occasion!
Can I Use Other Berries for This Trifle?
Absolutely! You can substitute or mix in other berries like blackberries, cherries, or even peaches. Just make sure to keep the total fruit quantity roughly the same so that the layers stay balanced.
Can I Prepare This Trifle in Advance?
Yes, you can! This trifle is great when made a day ahead. Just follow the recipe, cover it, and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. However, for the best texture, you might want to add fresh mint leaves just before serving.
How to Store Leftover Trifle?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the layers may become slightly soggy as they sit, but the trifle will still taste delicious!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake?
Yes, you can use cake alternatives like sponge cake, ladyfingers, or even gluten-free cake if needed! Just ensure the replacement cake has a similar texture to hold up in the layers.
