This Berry Trifle is a beautiful dessert, layered with fresh berries, creamy custard, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s as tasty as it is pretty!
Honestly, who can resist those colorful layers? It’s like a party in a glass! I love making it for gatherings; everyone loves to grab a spoon and dig in!
Making this trifle is simple. Just layer the ingredients in a big bowl or individual cups for fun servings. It’s a sweet treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are sweet and add a vibrant color. If they aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
Blueberries and Raspberries: Both add a nice tang. Feel free to swap for blackberries or any other berry you prefer, like chopped peaches or kiwi for a twist!
Cake: Pound cake gives a rich texture, while angel food cake is light and airy. You could use store-bought or make your own. A gluten-free cake or even cookies like ladyfingers work great too!
Heavy Cream: This is essential for wonderful whipped cream. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with a non-dairy whipped topping or coconut cream for dairy-free needs.
Powdered Sugar: This helps sweeten the cream easily. If you don’t have it, regular granulated sugar works too, but you’ll need to whip a bit longer to dissolve it.
How Do You Get the Whipped Cream Just Right?
Making whipped cream is easier than it seems! The key is to start with a chilled bowl and cream to ensure a good whip. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with cold heavy cream straight from the fridge. This helps it whip up quickly.
- Combine the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, start at low speed to prevent splatter.
- Increase to medium speed and watch closely. Stop when soft peaks form – this means the cream holds shape but is still smooth.
- Remember, over whipping makes butter! So, keep an eye on it towards the end.
How to Make Berry Trifle?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Berry Layers:
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 pound pound cake or angel food cake, cut into cubes
For The Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful berry trifle takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours to chill before serving. It’s a simple yet beautiful dessert that allows the flavors to come together perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Whipped Cream:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, followed by the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. With an electric mixer, whip the mix on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means it should be fluffy and hold its shape nicely.
2. Layering the Trifle:
Next, take a trifle dish or a large glass bowl. Begin creating your layers with a nice base of cake cubes at the bottom. Make sure to fill the bottom evenly so every scoop has some cake!
3. Adding the Berries:
Now it’s time for the fun part—adding the berries! Start with a layer of strawberries over the cake, making it colorful and vibrant. Then, add a layer of blueberries followed by a layer of raspberries. Feel free to mix them up if you like!
4. Adding Whipped Cream:
Once you have the berry layer, spoon a layer of whipped cream over the berries. Spread it out gently to cover everything and create a lovely smooth layer.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Continue repeating the layers until you’ve used all your ingredients. Make sure you finish with a nice, fluffy layer of whipped cream on top to keep it beautiful.
6. Garnishing:
For a delightful touch, decorate the top of your trifle with some extra fresh berries and a few mint leaves. This adds a lovely burst of color and freshness!
7. Chilling the Trifle:
Now, cover the trifle with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all the flavors mingle together, making it more delicious!
8. Ready to Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the chilled trifle into dessert dishes. Dig in and relish this refreshing treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit in This Trifle?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of the berries with your favorites, such as blackberries, peaches, or even mango. Just ensure to keep the total amount of fruit around 3 cups for the right balance.
What If I Want a Lighter Version?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can replace the heavy whipping cream with whipped coconut cream or a light whipped topping. You can also use a low-sugar or sugar-free cake option for fewer calories.
How Can I Store Leftover Trifle?
Store any leftover trifle in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The layers may slightly blend together, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Trifle the Night Before?
Yes, you can make the trifle the night before serving! Just prepare it as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to develop further and makes for an easy dessert the next day.
