Name: Berry Trifle
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 10-12 Servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh strawberries, rinsed and dried; 1½ pounds fresh blackberries, raspberries and/or blueberries rinsed and dried; 1¼ cups sugar, divided; ½ cup water; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice or Grand Marnier; 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature; 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mary’s Cognac Barrel-Aged Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 prepared loaf pound cake (one pound cake); Fresh mint sprigs, optional garnish

Sweets

Berry Trifle

Author: Mary DiSomma

The 4th of July is a great opportunity for a great dessert table. One of my favorite things about this summer holiday is getting together with a big group of family and friends… grilling out, having a couple drinks, kicking back and watching the fireworks… oh, it’s so much fun! Speaking of that dessert table, have you ever tried a trifle?

My berry-licious dessert trifle recipe features an irresistible combination of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and fresh-sliced strawberries. It’s sweet and generous—the perfect 4th of July recipe for a crowd. If you really want to impress your company with a festive dessert spread this year, try this classic trifle recipe alongside a batch of my wonderful almond and amaretto celebration cupcakes.

Tips

So, what exactly is a trifle? A trifle is a classic English dessert made from layers of different ingredients including cake, fresh fruit, and custard. There are tons of different variations out there, according to the taste of a particular culture or chef! For example, sometimes the custard might be replaced with pudding or whipped cream.

Traditional trifle recipes also use a variety of different options for the cake component, from sponge cake to homemade ladyfingers—or as they call them in England, trifle fingers. I like to use store-bought pound cake in mine. Pound cake is great for trifles because it absorbs the different flavors, but still maintains a satisfying texture.

Here are a few tips and tricks to get you on your way to make the perfect trifle for your 4th of July dessert spread. My Chicago-style fruit trifle recipe omits the classic custard for a delicious cream cheese filling.

Layered with fresh fruit and topped with homemade whipped cream, this fruity summer dessert recipe is prettiest served in a trifle bowl. If you don’t have a trifle bowl, you can use a 2-quart clear glass bowl. Even better if it’s a decorative one!

You can make a trifle up to one day in advance: Simply store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. Just remember to garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves right before serving.

Strawberries are red, blueberries are blue…and when you layer them with fluffy whipped cream cheese, you get a red, white, and blue treat that’s perfect for any 4th of July celebration. Keep this recipe in your back pocket—the iconic colors of Old Glory make a great addition to the table at any patriotic event, from Veteran’s Day dinners to gatherings that honor your friends and family in the military.