Mixed Berry Trifle Recipe
If there’s one show-stopping dessert that never fails to delight at any gathering, it’s the Mixed Berry Trifle. This classic layered treat boasts vibrant colors, juicy fresh berries, soft cake, and luscious clouds of whipped cream and pudding — all nestled together to create a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether served at a summer picnic, a chic brunch, or a family celebration, Mixed Berry Trifle is the kind of dessert that inspires “oohs” and “aahs” as soon as it graces the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Berries:
- 4 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cake:
- 1 prepared pound cake or angel food cake cut into 1-inch cubes
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pudding/Custard:
- 2 cups vanilla pudding or custard
How to Make Mixed Berry Trifle
Step 1: Macerate the Berries
Start by giving your berries a little spa treatment! In a large bowl, gently toss your chosen mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Let them rest for about 10 minutes. This draws out their juices, creating a naturally sweet syrup that keeps the trifle perfectly moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream, then add powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This means it should be billowy and hold its shape but still look smooth — perfect for layering!
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Cubes
Take your prepared pound cake or angel food cake and cut it into neat 1-inch cubes. For an extra flavor punch, you can brush the cubes with berry liqueur or a splash of fruit juice. These soft cake cubes are the backbone of the trifle, soaking up all the other lovely ingredients.
Step 4: Layer the Trifle
Grab your biggest, prettiest trifle dish or a large glass bowl. Start by creating the first layer: half of your cake cubes in the bottom. Spoon over half of the juicy berries (including those delicious juices!), followed by half of the creamy vanilla pudding or custard, and then half of the fluffy whipped cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients for a glorious stack of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Finish and Chill
Top your masterpiece with a generous handful of fresh berries for an eye-catching finish. Cover the trifle and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This downtime allows all the flavors to mingle and makes each spoonful even more irresistible.
How to Serve Mixed Berry Trifle
Garnishes
The finishing touch makes all the difference! For a simple garnish, just heap extra fresh berries and maybe a few mint leaves on top. If you want to get extra fancy, sprinkle over some powdered sugar or add a few curls of white chocolate for sweetness and elegance.
Side Dishes
Although this Mixed Berry Trifle is practically a meal of its own, it pairs beautifully with light beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp glass of sparkling wine. On a brunch table, serve it alongside fresh fruit salads or delicate tea sandwiches for a lovely balance.
Creative Ways to Present
While a classic trifle dish gives the Mixed Berry Trifle that dramatic, layered look, you can also make individual servings in mason jars or pretty glasses for picnics and parties. Mini trifles are not only adorable but also guarantee that everyone gets their own perfect serving with every delicious layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the trifle with plastic wrap and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though the cake will continue to soften as it soaks up the creamy layers and berry juices.
Freezing
While Mixed Berry Trifle tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Scoop individual portions into airtight containers. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight — just know the texture might be a bit softer, but still tasty!
Reheating
This is a strictly no-bake, no-reheat dessert! If your trifle has been chilling for a while, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so the flavors shine through even more.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen berries! Thaw them first, drain any excess liquid, and then proceed with the recipe. The syrupy juices from thawed berries actually work nicely for soaking the cake, though the fruit might be a bit softer than fresh.
What’s the best type Dessert
Pound cake and angel food cake both work wonderfully, depending on your preference. Pound cake gives a richer, denser bite, while angel food keeps things light and airy. You could even use a store-bought cake in a pinch!
Can I make Mixed Berry Trifle in advance?
Absolutely — that’s one of its best perks! Assembling the trifle a few hours ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t assemble it more than a day in advance, though, to keep the cake cubes from breaking down too much.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can swap the cream for coconut whipped cream and use a plant-based pudding to make this trifle dairy-free. There are also plenty of tasty non-dairy cake options if needed!
How do I transport Mixed Berry Trifle without a mess?
Traveling with trifle is easy if you assemble it in a snug container with a tight lid. For picnics and potlucks, individual layered jars are a cute solution and help prevent any mishaps during the journey.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a joyful, crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, you simply can’t go wrong with Mixed Berry Trifle. Give it a try and watch it disappear in record time — you might just find it becomes your new go-to recipe for every sweet occasion!
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Mixed Berry Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mixed Berry Trifle is a delightful layered dessert perfect for summer. Juicy mixed berries, tender cake cubes, creamy pudding, and whipped cream come together to create a visually stunning and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Berries:
- 4 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cake:
- 1 prepared pound cake or angel food cake cut into 1-inch cubes
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pudding/Custard:
- 2 cups vanilla pudding or custard
Instructions
- Prepare Berries: In a bowl, combine mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble Trifle: Layer cake cubes, berries, pudding, and whipped cream in a trifle dish. Repeat layers and finish with fresh berries on top. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, brush cake cubes with a berry liqueur or fruit juice.
- This trifle can be made in individual cups for single servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook, Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
