This berry trifle is a fun and colorful dessert layered with sweet berries, fluffy whipped cream, and soft sponge cake. It’s like a party in a glass!
Every bite is a burst of flavor that makes it hard to stop at just one serving. Trust me, you’ll be sneaking extra spoonfuls when no one’s looking! 😄
I enjoy making this trifle because it’s super easy to throw together and looks impressive. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those berries before they go bad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are great for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen strawberries can work too, just thaw and drain them well. I love using local strawberries when they’re in season for their taste!
Blueberries: These add a pop of color and antioxidant benefits. If you prefer, you can swap them with blackberries or even sliced kiwi for a fun twist.
Raspberries: Raspberries bring tartness to balance the sweetness. If you’d like to keep it simple, you can skip them, or use more of the other berries instead.
Angel Food Cake: Store-bought is super convenient, but you can also try pound cake for a denser texture. A homemade sponge cake is a lovely touch if you have the time!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use whipped topping or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just remember, it won’t be as rich!
How Do I Whip Cream to the Right Consistency?
Whipping cream might seem tricky, but it’s all about patience and timing! Start with cold heavy cream; this whips better. You want to watch for soft peaks first, which means it should hold a slight shape but still be soft.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for better control.
- When you see soft peaks, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then increase to high speed.
- Keep whipping until stiff peaks form, where the cream holds firm and won’t collapse.
Don’t overwhip, or you’ll end up with butter! If that happens, just fold in a bit of fresh cream to lighten it up again.
Delicious Berry Trifle Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit and Cake Layers:
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 pound store-bought angel food cake or pound cake, cut into cubes
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This berry trifle takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. So, total it’s about 2 hours and 20 minutes before you can dig in. Just mix, layer, and chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whipping the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream. Beat it on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the mixer, the cream will hold a little shape but still falls back down. It’s super light and fluffy at this stage!
2. Sweetening the Cream:
Once you have soft peaks, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Continue mixing until you see stiff peaks. This means the cream holds its shape much better. Set this wonderful creamy mixture aside—you’re going to love it!
3. Layering the Trifle:
Grab a trifle dish or a large glass bowl. Start with a layer of cake cubes at the bottom. Spread them evenly. These will soak up all the delicious flavors as it sits!
4. Adding the Fruits:
On top of the cake, place a layer of sliced strawberries first, followed by a layer of blueberries. Get colorful with your layering—you want it to look pretty!
5. Creamy Layer:
Spoon a layer of your whipped cream over the fruit. Spread it gently but evenly. Repeat this process: add more cake cubes, then strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream. Keep going until you’ve used everything, finishing with a lovely layer of whipped cream on top.
6. Garnishing:
To make it extra special, decorate the top with any remaining berries and sprinkle fresh mint leaves. It adds a nice touch of color and freshness!
7. Chilling Time:
Now, cover your trifle with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This allows all those yummy flavors to blend together and the cake to soak up the moisture.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, simply scoop into bowls and enjoy your refreshing berry trifle! Perfect for a summer dessert or a sweet treat anytime!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for your favorite fruits. Peaches, kiwis, or even bananas work beautifully too. Just make sure to use fruits that pair well together for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with whipped topping or a combination of half-and-half with a bit of butter to mimic the richness of whipped cream. However, the texture might be slightly different, so keep that in mind!
Can I Make This Trifle in Advance?
You can prep the layers in advance, but it’s best to assemble the trifle no more than 24 hours before serving. This helps to keep the cake from getting too soggy. If stored properly in the fridge, it can be assembled up to 2 hours ahead of time for the freshest flavors!
How Should I Store Leftover Trifle?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the cake may continue to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for optimal freshness!
