Red, White, & Blue Summer Berry Trifle (Easy Recipe)

Last updated on May 17th, 2023 at 12:24 pm

These colorful summer berry trifles are just the thing to serve at your next get-together or to enjoy anytime you want a flavorful treat. You can make single-serve trifles like we did, or make one large trifle in a large trifle bowl. Either way, this is the perfect summer dessert!

There’s nothing better than a summer berry trifle! With these vibrant red and blue mixed berries, you’re on your way to a festive Fourth of July or summertime treat!

Although these trifles look like a fancy dessert, there’s not much work to them at all. They’re a great way to feed a crowd, and you can even make much of this recipe in advance.

I like to save some time and use store-bought cake mix or an angel food cake. But if you do have the time, you can make your favorite cake from scratch. (You might want to try this sponge cake recipe.)

Buying a ready-made angel food cake saves you from having to turn on the oven though and makes this a completely no-bake dessert–perfect for the summer months.

Start with your favorite fresh berries. You can use whatever your family likes–raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries. You can even use cherries or pomegranates.

How many people does this summer berry trifle recipe serve?

This recipe will make between four and six single-serve trifles. If you’re serving more people, just double or triple the recipe as needed.

Once you have the oven on to bake your cake, it’s not much more work to make another one. And, if you’re using store-bought angel food cake, it’s just a matter of having enough cake, berries, and whipped cream.

Can you make these mini trifles in advance?

You can do much of the preparation for this recipe in advance. Bake your cake, cut the cake pieces, and wash the berries.

You will want to wait until you’re almost ready to serve before you start to layer your trifles–no more than an hour ahead at most. If the trifles sit too long, the cake can get soggy.

Once you’ve assemble your trifles, put them into the refrigerator immediately to be kept cool until serving. 

Variations and Substitutions 

• As mentioned, use whatever berries you like. Fresh, in-season berries are the best.
• Make the cake from a box mix, a favorite from-scratch recipe (like this one), or use pre-made angel food cake.
• For a chocolate berry trifle, use a chocolate cake mix!
• Instead of store-bought whipped cream or Cool Whip whipped topping, make your own from scratch. Here’s a quick video tutorial:

Once you’ve cut apart your cake, washed the mixed berries, and made your whipped cream (if you choose to make it from scratch), you just layer everything into a trifle bowl or into clear glasses (as you see below).

Start with a cake layer, followed by a layer of berries, and finally, a whipped cream layer. If you’re using a taller glass or making one large trifle, continue layering, finishing off your dessert with a garnish of berries atop a final layer of whipped cream.

And, yes, you’ll want to do your best to make the layers even, but don’t worry if they’re a bit off or if the layers mix together a bit. Your red, white, and blue summer berry trifle will still look and taste amazing! 

Now you’re ready to serve your family or your guests an impressive dessert that’s sure to please!

5 from 1 vote

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Red, White, & Blue Summer Berry Trifle (Easy Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix plus the ingredients on the back of the box.
• 1 lb. + 1 pint fresh berries of your choice adjust to your taste
• Cool Whip or whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare your cake according to directions on the box. Let the cake cool completely.
2. Wash berries, and cut strawberries into halves or quarters.
3. Once the cake has cooled, assemble your mini trifles.
4. Add small pieces of cake (cut into cubes) to the bottom of your glass or trifle bowl.
5. Add a layer of berries followed by a layer of whipped cream.
6. Top with berries for garnish.
7. If you're making a large trifle, continue to layer until the bowl is full, ending with whipped cream and fruit on the top.
8. Serve immediately.

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