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Perfect Red White and Blue Layered Berry Trifle

red white and blue layered berry trifle - featured image

This stunning red, white, and blue layered berry trifle is the ultimate patriotic dessert. With layers of angel food cake, homemade vanilla pudding, fresh berries, and whipped cream, it’s a simple yet impressive treat perfect for summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 store-bought angel food cake loaf or 1 homemade 9-inch cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Macerate the berries: In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar over them and gently toss to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Make the vanilla pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of the milk until smooth. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan and whisk to combine. Place over medium heat and slowly pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk, whisking constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking nonstop, until thickened and just beginning to bubble. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract. Pour through …
  3. Whip the cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy cream and powdered sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Assemble the trifle: In a large trifle dish or glass serving bowl, layer one-third of the cake cubes. Spoon half of the macerated berries and their juice over the cake. Spread half of the chilled pudding over the berries. Add another layer of cake, the remaining berries, and the rest of the pudding. Top with the final layer of cake. Spoon the whipped cream over the top and spread gently to cover completely. If using, sprinkle toasted pecans over the whipped cream.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Garnish with extra berries and mint leaves if desired before serving.

Notes

For best results, make the trifle a day ahead to allow flavors to meld. Do not over-macerate the berries (15 minutes is perfect). Chill the bowl and beaters for whipping cream. For clean layers, press cake cubes against the glass slightly and spread each layer gently without pressing down. If you don’t have a trifle dish, use a large glass mixing bowl or individual mason jars.

Nutrition

Keywords: red white and blue trifle, berry trifle, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, summer dessert, layered dessert, angel food cake trifle