Easy & Delicious Mixed Summer Berry Trifle: The Perfect No-Bake Dessert
Prepare to impress with this sensational **Mixed Summer Berry Trifle**! This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a vibrant, show-stopping centerpiece perfect for any summer gathering. Combining fluffy angel food cake with layers of luscious sweet cream cheese, smooth vanilla pudding, and an abundance of fresh, juicy mixed berries, every spoonful is a burst of summery flavor. Crowned with creamy whipped topping and a final scattering of berries, this trifle offers both elegance and irresistible taste.
One of the best features of this delightful dessert is its make-ahead convenience. You can assemble the main layers hours or even a day in advance, adding the final decorative touches just before serving. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for busy hosts who want to serve something truly special without last-minute stress. While it’s a tough choice, we often find ourselves torn between this vibrant berry masterpiece and our beloved Strawberry Shortcake Trifle!
Why This Mixed Berry Trifle is a Summer Must-Have
During the warmer months, fresh berries are in their prime, making them the quintessential ingredient for a vibrant, refreshing party dessert. This spectacular trifle isn’t just delicious; it’s also visually stunning, making it the perfect showstopper for events like a Memorial Day cookout or a festive 4th of July celebration. Its beautiful red, white, and blue layers naturally fit the patriotic theme, making it one of our absolute favorite summer recipes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the season’s bounty!
The Secret to an Effortless Trifle: Starting with the Cake
To keep this lovely dessert as easy and approachable as possible, we highly recommend using a store-bought angel food bundt cake. It saves a significant amount of time without compromising on flavor or texture. Of course, if you have extra time and enjoy baking from scratch, feel free to prepare your own homemade angel food cake. Both options yield fantastic results, but for maximum convenience, the grocery store version is a winner.
If angel food cake isn’t your preference, pound cake also makes an excellent and equally delicious alternative. Its dense, buttery texture holds up beautifully against the creamy layers and juicy berries, offering a slightly different but equally delightful experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Mixed Summer Berry Trifle
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable dessert. Here’s a detailed list:
- **Cake Base:** 1 (10 ounce) angel food cake, cut into 1.5-inch cubes. (Alternatively, use pound cake.)
- **Cream Cheese Layer:** 8 ounces (1 package) Neufchatel cheese, cream cheese, or Mascarpone cheese.
- **Sweetener:** 1/2 cup granulated white sugar.
- **Flavor Enhancers:** 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- **Fresh Berries:** 2 pounds strawberries, plus extra for garnish; 6 ounces blackberries; 6 ounces raspberries.
- **Pudding:** 1 (3.4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix.
- **Liquid:** 2 cups cold milk.
Garnish
- **Whipped Topping:** 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip or 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to medium-soft peaks for homemade whipped cream.
- **Extra Berries:** Remaining mixed berries from your original purchase, or an extra carton for a generous topping.
- **Freshness:** Fresh mint leaves (optional, but highly recommended for a pop of color and aroma).
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for a Perfect Trifle
Having the right tools on hand will make the assembly process smooth and enjoyable:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large for cream cheese and pudding).
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts.
- Baking spatula or Offset spatula (for spreading layers evenly).
- Cutting board and Chef’s knife for preparing the cake and berries.
- The star of the show: 1 (13-inches wide, about 5 quarts) clear/glass trifle dish to showcase your beautiful layers.
- Individual bowls or parfait glasses for serving (optional, but great for presentation).
Customize Your Trifle for Any Occasion
This mixed berry trifle is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are a few creative ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- **Add a Drizzle:** Enhance the flavor profile by drizzling some homemade or store-bought berry coulis, chocolate sauce, or even a lemon glaze over the top layer before serving.
- **Serve with Ice Cream:** For an extra indulgent treat, serve individual portions with a scoop of vanilla bean or a complementary berry-flavored ice cream.
- **Change Up the Fruit:** While mixed berries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fresh fruits. Sliced peaches, kiwi, mango, or even cherries can make a wonderful addition, or a complete substitution.
- **Alcoholic Kick:** For an adult version, lightly brush the angel food cake cubes with a liqueur such as Grand Marnier, Chambord, or a berry-flavored brandy. This adds a sophisticated touch.
PRO TIP: Don’t have a traditional trifle dish? No problem! This dessert can be just as stunning when made in a large glass bowl. Keep in mind that the shape is different, so you may need to adjust the layering slightly to fill the bowl evenly. The goal is always to create those beautiful, distinct layers.
PRO TIP: When preparing your berries, set aside the most visually appealing ones for garnishing the top. Their vibrant colors will truly make your trifle pop! Or, for extra peace of mind, grab an extra carton of your favorite berries specifically for that final flourish.
This recipe was lovingly inspired by our popular No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Trifle in Mason Jars. If you love trifles, you’ll also adore our refreshing Lemon Blueberry Trifle, these adorable mini shortcake cups, and any of my other delightful trifle or parfait dessert recipes.
Mixed Summer Berry Trifle
This mixed summer berry trifle is a delightful, show-stopping dessert. Featuring two generous layers of angel food cake, a sweet vanilla-lemon cream cheese filling, creamy vanilla pudding, and an abundance of fresh mixed berries, all beautifully crowned with whipped topping. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.
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IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces angel food cake cut into 1-1 1/2 inch cubes
- 8 ounces Neufchatel or cream cheese or Mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 pounds strawberries plus more for garnish
- 6 ounces blackberries plus more for garnish
- 6 ounces raspberries plus more for garnish
- 3.4 ounce Vanilla flavored Instant Jello pudding
- 2 cups cold milk
- 8 ounce Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream
- fresh mint leaves optional
Before You Begin
- **Dry Berries are Key:** It’s crucial to ensure your berries are completely dry before you begin assembling the trifle. Any excess moisture can make the layers soggy. I recommend gently patting them dry with paper towels or clean kitchen towels.
- **Make-Ahead Magic:** This dessert is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble all the layers the night before you plan to serve it. Just hold off on adding the final Cool Whip (or whipped cream), remaining berries, and mint garnish until right before serving to maintain their fresh appearance and texture.
- **Garnish Selection:** Here’s a special hint for a beautiful presentation: as you’re preparing your berries, set aside the prettiest, most perfect ones for the final topping. Alternatively, grab an extra carton of your favorite berries specifically for garnishing to ensure you have a generous and attractive display.
Instructions
Prepare pudding:
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In a medium mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of cold milk. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to allow the pudding to set completely.
Prepare cream cheese layer:
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In a separate medium-large mixing bowl, combine the softened Neufchatel (or cream cheese/Mascarpone), ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Using a hand-held electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Set this aside.
Assemble:
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Begin by arranging about half of the angel food cake cubes evenly across the bottom of your clear trifle container. Ensure they cover the base completely.
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Next, distribute a little less than one-third of your prepared mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries) over the cake layer in a single, even layer. If you’re using a clear glass trifle container, consider arranging the blackberries and red berries in an alternating or decorative pattern for a visually appealing effect.
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Carefully spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the berry layer. Use an offset spatula or a baking spatula to gently spread it out evenly, reaching the edges of the trifle dish.
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Now, add half of the vanilla pudding mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it out smoothly and evenly.
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Repeat these layering steps: add the remaining half of the angel food cake cubes, followed by another third of the mixed berries, the remaining cream cheese layer, and finally the remaining vanilla pudding. This should create two distinct layers of cake, cream cheese, and pudding, with three layers of vibrant mixed berries.
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To finish, top the final berry layer with the Cool Whip (or fresh whipped cream) in the center. Use an offset or baking spatula to gently form a fluffy “pillow” of whipped topping. Garnish generously with the reserved berries and, if desired, a few fresh mint sprigs for an elegant touch.
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For an elevated presentation, serve individual portions in elegant parfait glasses, allowing each guest to admire the beautiful layers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mixed Berry Trifle
Here are some common questions about making and serving this delicious mixed berry trifle:
- **Can I use frozen berries?** While fresh berries are ideal for their texture and vibrant appearance, you can use frozen mixed berries if fresh ones are out of season. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- **How far in advance can I make this trifle?** You can assemble the full trifle (excluding the final whipped topping and garnish) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the whipped topping, fresh berries, and mint just before serving.
- **What if I don’t have a trifle dish?** A large, clear glass bowl will work perfectly! The layering will still be visible and beautiful. Adjust the quantity of each layer slightly if your bowl has a different shape than a traditional trifle dish.
- **Can I make my own whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?** Absolutely! For a richer flavor, whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until medium-soft peaks form. This makes an excellent, homemade alternative.
- **How should I store leftover trifle?** Cover any leftover trifle tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The cake may become a bit softer over time, but it will still be delicious.
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared on this blog on Jun 3, 2018. It has been updated and expanded for clarity and improved reader experience.