The Berry Trifle is the ultimate summer dessert that combines layers of light, fluffy angel food cake with a luscious cream cheese whipped topping and an assortment of colorful fresh fruits. This delightful treat is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. It’s visually stunning and bursting with flavor, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking required, this trifle can be assembled in just 25 minutes.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemony cake and creamy filling complements the fresh berries beautifully.
• Versatile Dessert: You can customize your berry trifle with seasonal fruits or add your favorite flavors.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a barbecue, birthday, or holiday gathering, this trifle impresses every time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect berry trifle, you will need a few essential tools that simplify the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Trifle dish
• Electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Trifle dish: This clear glass bowl showcases the beautiful layers of your dessert.
• Electric hand mixer: Saves time and effort when whipping cream and cream cheese for a smooth texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently without deflating your whipped cream.

Ingredients

The perfect summer treat! It’s layered with lemony angel food cake, a rich and billowy cream cheese whipped cream topping, and an abundance of vibrant fresh fruit. It’s a decadent and heavenly dessert!

For the Cake Layer

• 1 (13 to 16 oz) store-bought angel food cake
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 3 Tbsp honey

For the Cream Layer

• 1 3/4 cups heavy cream (well chilled)
• 12 oz. cream cheese (slightly softened)
• 1 1/4 cups (160g) powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Fruit Topping

• 16 oz. fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 18 oz. fresh blueberries
• 6 oz fresh raspberries (optional)
• Mint leaves (optional)

How to Make Berry Trifle

Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake

1. Slice the angel food cake into 3/4-inch thick slices.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey until well blended.
3. Brush this mixture over both sides of each angel food cake slice until fully absorbed.
4. Cut the slices into 3/4-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the heavy cream on medium speed until slightly thickened.
2. Increase the speed to high and continue whipping until very stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In another large mixing bowl (no need to clean beaters), whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on low speed until combined.
2. Increase speed to high and whip until light and fluffy for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

1. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Trifle

1. Layer half of the angel food cake pieces at the bottom of a trifle dish.
2. Reserve 3/4 cup blueberries; sprinkle half of the remaining blueberries over this layer.
3. Spread half of the whipped cream mixture evenly on top.
4. Add half of the sliced strawberries as another layer.
5. Repeat this layering process once more with remaining ingredients but leave space in the center for additional toppings.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Top off your trifle with remaining blueberries and raspberries in the center if desired.
2. Garnish with mint leaves just before serving if using.

This berry trifle is best enjoyed on the day it’s prepared but can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours if necessary. Enjoy this delightful dessert at your next gathering!

How to Serve Berry Trifle

Berry trifle is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Individual Servings

• Use small glasses or jars for individual portions, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Family-Style Serving

• Serve the trifle directly from the trifle dish for a communal experience. This allows everyone to dig in and enjoy together.

Garnish with Fresh Mint

• Add fresh mint leaves on top just before serving for an aromatic touch that complements the flavors beautifully.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve slices of berry trifle alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy texture and flavor contrast.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A light drizzle of chocolate sauce over each serving can add a rich element that pairs well with the fruity layers.

Accompany with Whipped Cream

• Offer extra whipped cream on the side for those who want an additional dollop of creaminess with their dessert.

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How to Perfect Berry Trifle

Creating the perfect berry trifle requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out flawless.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh berries and high-quality cream cheese to elevate the overall flavor of your trifle.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting your trifle sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Layer Carefully: Take your time when layering. Make sure each layer is even to create a visually appealing dessert.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining whipped cream and cream cheese, fold gently to maintain the lightness of the whipped cream.
• Add Citrus Zest: A little extra lemon zest sprinkled between layers can brighten up the flavors even more.
• Experiment with Berries: Feel free to mix different types of berries based on seasonality and personal preference for varied flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Berry Trifle

Serving side dishes with your berry trifle can add variety to your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dessert well:

1. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet provides a zesty contrast that cleanses the palate after each sweet bite.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can enhance the berry theme and add freshness.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, pairs nicely with the sweetness of berry trifle.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats offer a rich flavor that balances well with the lightness of the trifle.
5. Mini Tarts: Bite-sized fruit tarts can provide a crunchy texture, contrasting beautifully with the soft layers of your trifle.
6. Pecan Pie Bites: These sweet bites add a nutty element that complements both berries and creamy textures perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Berry Trifle can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not using fresh fruit: Fresh fruit elevates the flavor and texture of your trifle. Choose ripe, seasonal berries for the best taste.
• Overwhipping cream: Whipping the cream too much can turn it grainy. Stop whipping when you see stiff peaks to maintain a smooth texture.
• Skipping the lemon mixture: This adds vital flavor to the cake layers. Make sure to brush all sides of the angel food cake with the lemon juice mixture.
• Layering improperly: A good trifle has distinct layers. Be careful not to mix everything together; each layer should be visible.
• Preparing too far in advance: While a Berry Trifle is best eaten fresh, if you prepare it too early, it may become soggy. Aim to assemble it just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
• Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent drying out.

Freezing Berry Trifle

• Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the whipped cream and fresh fruit.
• If necessary, freeze individual layers separately and assemble once thawed.

Reheating Berry Trifle

• Oven: Not recommended; trifle is best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid microwaving, as it will ruin the texture.
• Stovetop: Not applicable; serve chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Berry Trifle.

Can I use frozen berries for my Berry Trifle?

Yes, you can use frozen berries, but make sure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before layering them in.

How long does Berry Trifle last in the fridge?

A prepared Berry Trifle lasts up to 24 hours in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I customize my Berry Trifle?

Absolutely! You can customize your trifle by adding different fruits, flavored creams, or even a layer of chocolate mousse.

Is Berry Trifle suitable for special occasions?

Yes! A Berry Trifle is visually appealing and perfect for celebrations like birthdays, barbecues, or holidays.

Final Thoughts

The Berry Trifle is a delightful dessert that combines flavors and textures effortlessly. It’s versatile enough for any occasion and allows for plenty of customization with different fruits or flavors. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family with its deliciousness!

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Berry Trifle

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing delight of a Berry Trifle, the ultimate summer dessert that showcases vibrant layers of fluffy angel food cake, rich cream cheese whipped topping, and an array of colorful fresh fruits. This visually stunning treat is not only bursting with flavor but is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. With its light and creamy texture combined with the sweetness of berries, this dessert will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 store-bought angel food cake (13 to 16 oz)
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz cream cheese
• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries

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Instructions

1. Slice the angel food cake and brush with a mixture of lemon juice, zest, and honey.
2. Cube the cake and set aside.
3. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. In another bowl, combine cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla; then fold in whipped cream.
5. Layer half of the cubed cake in a trifle dish, followed by layers of blueberries, whipped cream mixture, and sliced strawberries. Repeat layers.
6. Top with remaining berries and garnish with mint if desired.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No baking required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Chill your trifle for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavor blending. Customize with seasonal fruits or flavored extracts for variety.