Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red White and Blue Trifle is a festive, no-bake dessert layered with fresh berries, fluffy whipped cream, and soft cake. Perfect for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day, this colorful dessert is both eye-catching and delicious. Its light texture and vibrant layers make it a crowd-pleasing treat for summer gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pound cake or angel food cakefresh strawberriesfresh blueberriesfresh raspberrieswhipped cream or whipped toppingvanilla pudding mixcold milkcream cheese (optional for added richness)granulated sugarvanilla extract

directions

Cut the cake into small cubes and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk according to package directions. Let it sit to thicken.

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth (if using). Fold in the prepared pudding and whipped cream until well combined.

Wash and slice the strawberries; leave blueberries and raspberries whole.

In a clear trifle dish or individual glasses, layer cake cubes, a layer of cream mixture, and a layer of mixed berries.

Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of berries on top for decoration.

Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10-12 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesChilling time: 2 hoursTotal time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Use store-bought sponge cake or ladyfingers instead of pound cake.

Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer, Italian-style version.

Add a splash of berry liqueur or simple syrup to the cake layers for extra flavor.

Make individual trifles in mason jars or dessert cups for easy serving.

Use blackberry or cherry instead of raspberry if preferred.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Trifle is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating.Do not freeze, as the texture of the whipped topping and pudding may change.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle the night before?

Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up nicely.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

No, you can skip it for a lighter version or use just pudding and whipped topping.

What kind of cake works best?

Pound cake, angel food cake, or even sponge cake all work well.

Can I use frozen berries?

Fresh is best for presentation, but thawed and drained frozen berries can be used in a pinch.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free pudding, plant-based milk, and coconut whipped topping.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely, homemade whipped cream adds a fresh and rich flavor.

Do the layers have to be perfect?

Not at all—trifles are meant to be rustic and forgiving in presentation.

What if I don’t have a trifle dish?

A clear glass bowl, large mason jars, or individual dessert cups all work fine.

Can I use chocolate cake?

You can, though it will alter the color theme and flavor profile.

How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

Use firm cake and avoid soaking layers too much with liquids or juicy berries.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Trifle is the perfect easy-to-make dessert for patriotic celebrations. With its layers of sweet cake, creamy filling, and vibrant berries, it’s as tasty as it is stunning. Make it ahead and let it shine on your dessert table—your guests will love every spoonful.