A light, creamy, and festive red, white, and blue dessert, this Patriotic Berry Trifle is perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or any summer celebration. Made with layers of fluffy cake, sweet berries, and a luscious cream cheese filling, this dessert is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Beautiful – The red, white, and blue layers make it perfect for patriotic holidays.
- Light & Refreshing – A creamy, fruity dessert that isn’t too heavy.
- Quick & Easy – Just 15 minutes of prep time with no baking required.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Serves 8-10, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 prepared pound cake or angel food cake, cut into cubes
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Cream Layer – In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Trifle – In a large trifle dish or glass bowl, layer half of the cake cubes, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries, a layer of blueberries, and a layer of the cream mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Decorate – Arrange additional sliced strawberries and blueberries on top in a star pattern. Sprinkle with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles if desired.
- Chill & Serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Chocolate Twist – Use chocolate cake instead of pound cake for a richer version.
- Berry Medley – Add raspberries or blackberries for extra fruit variety.
- Healthier Option – Swap regular whipped cream for Greek yogurt or a light whipped topping.
- Lemon Zest – Add lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a citrusy kick.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do Not Freeze – Freezing will affect the texture of the whipped cream and fruit.
- Make-Ahead Tip – Prepare the trifle up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Fresh berries work best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them before adding to the trifle.
What can I use instead of pound cake?
Angel food cake, sponge cake, or even vanilla wafers can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this trifle dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free whipped topping and vegan cream cheese to make it dairy-free.
How can I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Layer the cream mixture lightly and refrigerate just before serving to keep the cake from absorbing too much moisture.
Can I make this trifle in individual cups?
Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in small glass cups or mason jars for personal servings.
What’s the best way to evenly layer the ingredients?
Use a spoon to gently spread the cream layer and evenly distribute the berries for a neat look.
Can I add a syrup or sauce?
Drizzling a bit of honey, caramel, or a berry compote over the layers adds extra sweetness.
What is the best way to serve this trifle?
Use a large spoon to scoop out portions, making sure to get every layer in each serving.
Can I use flavored whipped cream?
Yes! Try vanilla, almond, or coconut-flavored whipped cream for extra depth of flavor.
How do I keep the fruit fresh?
If making ahead, add the top fruit layer just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
Conclusion
This Patriotic Berry Trifle is a light, creamy, and beautifully festive dessert that is perfect for summer celebrations. With its layers of cake, fresh berries, and fluffy cream cheese mixture, it’s an effortless yet impressive treat. Whether for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or a backyard BBQ, this trifle is sure to be a crowd favorite!
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Patriotic Berry Trifle
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, creamy, and festive red, white, and blue dessert—perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations! Layers of fluffy cake, sweet berries, and a luscious cream filling make this an irresistible summer treat.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pound cake or angel food cake, cut into cubes
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cream Layer – In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream until fully combined.
2️⃣ Assemble the Trifle – In a large trifle dish or glass bowl, layer half of the cake cubes, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries, a layer of blueberries, and a layer of the cream mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
3️⃣ Decorate – Arrange additional strawberries and blueberries on top in a star pattern. Sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles if desired.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use pound cake for a richer dessert or angel food cake for a lighter option.
- Swap out strawberries for raspberries for a different berry twist.
- Can be made a day ahead—just add fresh fruit and sprinkles before serving.
- Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and holiday celebrations!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chill time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
