Easy Berry Trifle Recipe

This berry trifle recipe is one of my favorite summer desserts. It's super simple to make, looks really pretty layered in a glass dish, and tastes like sunshine in every bite. I love how light and creamy it is, with fresh juicy berries and soft ladyfingers soaked up just enough to make every spoonful dreamy. This is the kind of dessert that always disappears fast at parties.

It’s the perfect thing to make for the Fourth of July or any summer gathering. The red strawberries, white whipped cream layer, and blue blueberries make it festive and fun without you needing to bake a thing. You can make it ahead of time, chill it in the fridge, and it just gets better as it sits (for up to 24 hours). Whether you're hosting a barbecue or headed to a picnic, this red, white and blue trifle is a no-fuss crowd-pleaser that still looks fancy on the table.

You don’t need anything complicated to throw this together either. A few simple ingredients and a little bit of layering and you’re good to go. Let’s break down what you’ll need.

Ingredients for this Berry Trifle Recipe

• Sliced strawberries – These bring the red color and a sweet, fresh flavor. I like to slice them thin so they layer nicely and you get a bit in every bite.
• Whole blueberries – They add the blue pop of color and a burst of juicy tartness.
• Packaged ladyfingers – I break these into thirds so they fit in the dish and soak up the cream and pudding without getting too mushy. They’re perfect because they’re light and spongy.
• Vanilla pudding (5.1 oz box) + 3 cups milk – This gives the trifle its creamy base. The vanilla pudding adds flavor and sets up nicely so everything holds together.
• Whipped cream (2 cups heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla) – Homemade whipped cream makes this feel extra special. I like using powdered sugar so it stays smooth, and a splash of vanilla gives it a sweet, mellow flavor.
• Pudding folded into whipped cream – This combo makes the most velvety, fluffy layer. It’s not too heavy, and it balances the berries and cake perfectly.

How to Make a Berry Trifle

1. Make the pudding: Whisk the pudding mix with 3 cups cold milk until thickened. Let it sit for a few minutes to finish setting.
2. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until you have soft peaks.
3. Fold the pudding into the whipped cream: Gently combine the two until smooth. This will be your creamy layer.
4. Layer it all up: In a trifle dish or a big glass bowl, start with a layer of ladyfingers. Add some of the cream mixture, then a layer of berries. Repeat the layers until everything’s used up, finishing with some pretty berries on top.
5. Chill: Let the trifle sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. You can also make it the night before.

FAQs

Can I use different berries?
Definitely. Raspberries and blackberries work great too. Just keep the color combo in mind if you’re making a red, white and blue trifle for the Fourth. You can also mix in more strawberries if you’re keeping it simple.

What can I use instead of ladyfingers?
If you can’t find ladyfingers, pound cake, angel food cake, or even store-bought sponge cake will work. Just cube it up and use it the same way. Anything light and absorbent is a good fit.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I actually prefer making this a few hours in advance or the night before. The layers have time to set and the flavors all come together. Just cover it and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

How long does this keep in the fridge?
It’ll stay good for about 2 to 3 days. The longer it sits, the softer the cake gets, but it still tastes amazing. After day three it can get a little too soft, so I try to serve it before then.

Can I add anything else to this?
Absolutely. A layer of lemon curd, a drizzle of berry jam, or even a little splash of limoncello in the pudding or on the ladyfingers can take it up a notch. You could also top it with extra whipped cream or some white chocolate curls for something fun.

This summer berry trifle is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy, it’s festive, and it always makes people happy. If you need a dessert that checks all the boxes for your next cookout or holiday, this is it.

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