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4th of July Trifle

4th of July Trifle

This stunning 4th of July Trifle is a layered, make-ahead dessert featuring fluffy whipped cream, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and soft angel food cake. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it doubles as a festive red, white, and blue centerpiece for any summer celebration.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 14 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 store-bought angel food cake, cut into cubes
  • 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 pints fresh blueberries
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz, optional)
  • 2 cups cold whole milk (if using pudding)
  • red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)

Equipment

  • large trifle bowl or glass bowl
  • mixing bowls
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • spatula
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and let sit for 15 minutes to macerate.
  2. If using pudding, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened and refrigerate.
  3. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Whip heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
  5. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until combined.
  6. Cut angel food cake into 1-inch cubes if not already prepared.
  7. Layer cake cubes in the bottom of a clear bowl.
  8. Add a layer of whipped cream mixture and spread evenly.
  9. Add a layer of pudding if using and spread evenly.
  10. Add a layer of strawberries, pressing some against the bowl sides.
  11. Repeat layers with cake, cream, pudding, and blueberries.
  12. Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream on top.
  13. Decorate with strawberries, blueberries, and sprinkles if desired.
  14. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Always use fully cooled cake before assembling to prevent melting the cream. Stabilize whipped cream with cream cheese for best structure. Macerate strawberries for deeper flavor. Press fruit against the bowl sides for a beautiful layered effect. Best made several hours ahead or overnight for optimal flavor.