This Berry Trifle is a showstopping dessert that combines layers of creamy indulgence with bursts of fresh, juicy berries. In just 25 minutes, you can create a treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. The velvety custard and fluffy whipped cream contrast beautifully with the vibrant, tangy berries, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
Packed with vitamin C and a touch of sweetness, this American classic is a guilt-free way to satisfy your dessert cravings. The rich, creamy layers melt on your tongue, while the berries add a refreshing pop of brightness. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet light, making it ideal for any occasion—or no occasion at all!
Ingredients for Berry Trifle
- Lemon Glaze:
- ▢ ¼ cup sugar
- ▢ ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ▢ ¼ cup water
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, substitute with vanilla extract if preferred)
- ▢ 1 (14 ounce) prepared angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- ▢ 16 ounces cream cheese (2 packages, softened to room temperature)
- ▢ ⅔ cup sugar
- ▢ 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold, for best whipping results)
- Fruit:
- ▢ 4 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- ▢ 4 cups strawberries, sliced (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Lemon Glaze: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, lemon juice, and water over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in almond extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cake: Slice the angel food cake into 1-inch thick pieces. Brush both sides of each slice with the lemon glaze, ensuring even coverage. Cut the glazed cake into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, arrange half of the glazed cake cubes in an even layer at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the cake. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the blueberries, then add a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining cake cubes, followed by the rest of the blueberries. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top, and finish with the remaining strawberries. Garnish with any extra berries for a decorative touch.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While this Berry Trifle is already a showstopper, you can elevate it further with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. For a touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These little extras make it even more irresistible!
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix and match fruits based on what’s in season or your personal favorites. Swap blueberries for blackberries or strawberries for raspberries. For a tropical twist, try mango and kiwi. You can also experiment with the cake—use pound cake or sponge cake instead of angel food cake for a richer flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, use a store-bought angel food cake and pre-sliced berries. You can also prepare the cream cheese filling and lemon glaze a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, it’ll take just minutes to layer everything together!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This trifle is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from absorbing other flavors. Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, for the perfect refreshing dessert at your next gathering.
Equipment Guidance for Effortless Assembly
A trifle dish with straight sides is ideal for showcasing the beautiful layers. If you don’t have one, a large glass bowl works just as well. For the cream cheese filling, a stand mixer or hand mixer ensures a smooth, fluffy texture. And don’t forget a pastry brush for evenly applying the lemon glaze!
Berry Trifle
Ingredients
Lemon Glaze
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 14 ounce prepared angel food cake
Cream Cheese Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, 2 (8 ounce packages). softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Fruit
- 4 cups blueberries
- 4 cups strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- To make the lemon glaze, whisk together sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Continue stirring over heat until sugar dissolves.
- Once sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and whisk in almond extract; set aside.
- Cut angel food cake into 1-inch thick slices.
- Brush lemon glaze on each side of sliced cake.
- Cut glazed cake into 1-inch cubes; set aside.
- To make the cream cheese filling, beat together cream cheese and sugar with a mixer, on medium speed, until smooth. Add heavy whipping cream and beat until light and fluffy.
- Arrange half the cake on the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Sprinkle on an even layer of blueberries.
- Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the blueberries and top with a layer of strawberries.
- Repeat layers.
- Top with any remaining berries.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate before serving.