Red White and Blue Berry Trifle

Red White and Blue Berry Trifle Easy Patriotic Dessert

By Emily CollinsSeptember 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some red white and blue desserts that scream summer? Honestly, who doesn’t love a proper showstopper? This berry trifle recipe ticks all the boxes.

It’s easy, looks amazing, and tastes like sunshine.

Brief Overview

Trifles are a British classic. My Nan used to whip them up all the time. But this is an American take.

The angel food cake trifle brings patriotic flair to a beloved dessert. It's easy. Prep time is just 30 minutes.

You'll need a minimum of 2 hours to chill. It serves 8-10 lucky folks.

Main Benefits

This easy trifle recipe is mostly no-bake, so no sweating over a hot stove. Berries are packed with antioxidants! It's also perfect for a 4th of July desserts spread or even memorial day desserts .

What makes this trifle special? It’s a visual delight and it is so yummy.

All About That Red, White, and Blue

I reckon most people look for something simple and stunning. You want it to taste good, of course, but also look like you put effort in.

This red white and blue trifle does exactly that. Using fresh ingredients and a bit of layering flair, you can achieve this dessert in no time.

Now, about those berries!

I cannot stress enough that the quality of the ingredients matters, the better the ingredients, the better the results.

Let’s Talk Ingredients: Red, White, and You!

Angel food cake , vanilla custard , and fresh berries are the stars here. We're talking layers of fluffy cake, smooth custard, and juicy berries.

It’s a total flavour explosion. I've also seen people do red white blue dessert ideas like adding blue curacao to the custard.

It looks great, but may alter the flavour! Remember to keep the trifle cool until you serve it. You want those berries to stay fresh and vibrant.

Okay, let's dive into this Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle ! Seriously, who doesn't love patriotic desserts ? They're always a hit, especially for the 4th of July desserts or memorial day desserts .

And this berry trifle recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. You can't make red white and blue desserts without the red , white , and blue bits!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to whip up this angel food cake trifle :

Angel Food Cake: 1 (10-12 ounce) cake, cubed (340g). Get a good one, it makes all the difference.
Vanilla Pudding Mix: 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant mix (96g). I use vanilla, but you can go wild.
Whole Milk: 2 cups (475ml). Full fat is where it's at for richness.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Don't skimp, it adds a lovely warmth.
Strawberries: 2 cups (300g), hulled and sliced. Make sure they are perfectly red.
Blueberries: 2 cups (300g). Fresh and juicy is the name of the game.
Raspberries: 1 cup (150g). Adds a tart little kick.
Heavy Cream (optional): 1 cup (240ml).
Powdered Sugar (optional): 2 tablespoons (30ml).
Red and Blue Sprinkles (optional): For that extra bit of pizzazz!

Honestly, the berries are key. If they're not up to snuff, the whole thing suffers. Make sure they are plump, ripe, and smell amazing.

The fresher, the better. This is the secret to making a good easy trifle recipe .

Seasoning Notes

This red white and blue trifle relies on the natural sweetness of the berries. Vanilla extract enhances the pudding. You could add a touch of almond extract to the cake.

For extra flavor, consider a splash of sherry or rum over the cake. It will turn this into a boozy adults only patriotic desserts .

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy tools for this summer trifle recipe .

Trifle Bowl: A glass bowl is perfect for showing off those layers.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Standard kit.
Whisk: For the custard.
Mixing Bowls: A couple of sizes.
Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the berries.

If you don't have a trifle bowl, any large glass bowl will do. It's all about the presentation, innit? You want to see those beautiful layers of red white blue dessert ideas !

I remember once, I didn't have a whisk. Used a fork! It worked, but it took forever. Learn from my mistakes, eh?

Let's Get Trifling: Red, White, and Blue Desserts, Sorted!

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? Honestly, there's nothing quite like a red white and blue trifle to jazz up a summer party.

Think of it: layers of deliciousness, bursting with colours perfect for 4th of July desserts or even a memorial day desserts gathering.

Prep Like a Pro for Your Patriotic Desserts

Essential mise en place: Get your berries washed, sliced, and ready to go. Cube that angel food cake!
Time saving organization tips: Make the custard the day before . Seriously, it’s a lifesaver.
Safety reminders: Be careful with that knife while slicing berries! We don't want any casualties before the party even starts.

Building the Perfect Angel Food Cake Trifle: step-by-step

Custard Time: Whisk the pudding mix and milk. Add vanilla. Refrigerate for 15 minutes .
Whip it Good (Optional): Whip the cream with powdered sugar. Stiff peaks are your goal!
Cake First: Half the cubed cake goes in the trifle bowl.
Berry Blast: Add half the sliced strawberries on top.
Custard Cloud: Spread half the custard over the strawberries.
Repeat: Cake, blueberries, custard, raspberries on top.
Chill Out: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours . Flavors need time to get to know each other.
Sprinkle Magic (Optional): Top with whipped cream and sprinkles!

Pro Tips for Unforgettable Summer Trifle Recipes

Chill is Key: Don’t rush the chill time! 2 hours minimum is essential .
Berry Quality: Use the best, juiciest berries you can find. Seriously, it makes all the difference. It gives the perfect flavour to your berry trifle recipe .
make-ahead Magic: Prep the berries and custard a day ahead. Your future self will thank you for this easy trifle recipe .

Honestly, red white and blue dessert ideas don’t get much easier (or more delicious) than this. So go on, give it a whirl and have yourself a proper no bake patriotic desserts extravaganza.

Recipe Notes for Your Patriotic Pudding

Alright, let's talk shop about this fantastic red white and blue desserts recipe! I've made this berry trifle recipe more times than I can count, and I've picked up a few tricks along the way.

Think of these as friendly suggestions, not rules carved in stone!

Fab Serving Suggestions

Okay, presentation time! I love using a proper trifle bowl. You know, one of those fancy glass ones? It really shows off those gorgeous red white and blue dessert ideas layers.

But honestly, any clear bowl will do the trick. For extra flair, add a dollop of whipped cream. Maybe even some more berries on top.

As for drinks? Iced tea or lemonade are my go-to. They really cut through the sweetness of this easy trifle recipe .

Storage Savvy

Honestly, this trifle is best devoured fresh. But, life happens! If you have leftovers, pop it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 2-3 days .

Make sure it's well covered, alright? Freezing isn't really recommended because the custard can get a bit weird. If you do need to reheat it… don't.

It’s a cold dessert, innit?

Playing Around with Variations

Fancy a change? Why not try using gluten-free angel food cake? That opens it up to more friends. Or, for a slightly boozy version, a splash of sherry or rum over the cake is lovely.

I have adapted this angel food cake trifle for vegan friends substituting the custard, and used it as perfect no bake patriotic desserts ! Also, you could get creative with the berries.

Blackberries or cherries would be delightful. Think of this summer trifle recipe as a base, and then make it your own.

Nutrition Lowdown

Look, I'm no nutritionist. But, roughly speaking, a serving of this red white and blue trifle will set you back around 250-300 calories.

It's got a bit of protein, some fat, and plenty of carbs from the cake and sugar. The berries do pack a punch of vitamins, though.

So you have got patriotic desserts that are pretty tasty.

So there you have it, my two cents on this 4th of july desserts wonder. Perfect to remember memorial day desserts , I promise! Now go forth, make some magic and have a fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these red white and blue desserts ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended. Making the trifle a day ahead of serving allows the angel food cake to soak up the custard and the flavours to meld together beautifully. Just cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge.

Hold off on the whipped cream and sprinkles until just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy!

What if I can't find angel food cake? Can I substitute something else in this trifle?

Not to worry, substitutions are your friend! If you can't find angel food cake, a pound cake will work just fine, although the texture will be a little denser. Alternatively, you could use ladyfingers or even cubes of sponge cake.

Just make sure it's something that will soak up the custard nicely, like a good old Victoria sponge.

Is there a healthier alternative to instant vanilla pudding for the custard?

You bet! Greek yogurt is a fantastic, healthier alternative. It will change the flavour profile, so sweeten it with a touch of honey, maple syrup, or even a little stevia to taste. You might want to add a splash of vanilla extract too, for extra flavour.

It won't have the exact same texture as custard, but it will still be delicious and creamy!

How long will this Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle keep in the fridge?

This trifle is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. After that, the cake can become a bit soggy, and the berries might start to lose their freshness. Make sure to store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. Just like you wouldn't leave a good cuppa out overnight!

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

While fresh berries are ideal for the best flavour and texture, you can use frozen berries if needed, especially if fresh ones are out of season or hard to find. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the trifle.

This will prevent the trifle from becoming too watery and keep those colours nice and vibrant.

Any tips for making the layers look extra pretty?

Presentation is key, isn't it? For a really stunning trifle, try to arrange the berries in neat, even layers, and use a clear glass bowl to show off the colours. When adding the custard, be gentle to avoid disturbing the berry layers.

And for that final flourish, consider adding some piped whipped cream rosettes or a dusting of icing sugar before sprinkling on the red and blue decorations. A little bit of effort goes a long way!