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To make a delicious Summer Berry Trifle, you need: - 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup vanilla sponge cake, cut into small cubes - 1 cup creamy vanilla yogurt - Fresh mint leaves for garnish If you need substitutes, here are some great options: - Heavy whipping cream: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version. - Powdered sugar: You can use granulated sugar, but it may not dissolve as easily. - Vanilla sponge cake: Any light cake or ladyfingers will work well. - Vanilla yogurt: You can use plain yogurt and add a little vanilla extract for flavor. Choosing the right berries is key for a great trifle. Here’s how to pick the best: - Color: Look for bright, vibrant colors. This means they are ripe and flavorful. - Freshness: Berries should feel firm and plump. Avoid any that are mushy or have spots. - Smell: Fresh berries should have a sweet scent. If they don’t smell good, they may not taste good either. - Season: Buy berries in season for the best flavor. Summer is the prime time for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take a large bowl. Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture. Set it to medium-high speed. Keep mixing until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes. This means the cream should hold its shape well. Get your trifle bowl or a large, clear glass dish. Start with a layer of vanilla sponge cake cubes. Spread them evenly at the bottom. Next, take a spoon and spread 1 cup of vanilla yogurt over the cake. Make sure to cover it fully. Now, grab your mixed berries. Sprinkle them evenly over the yogurt. This is where it gets colorful! Then, take half of the whipped cream mixture. Spoon it over the berries, using a spatula to smooth it out. Repeat this layering process. Start again with sponge cake, then yogurt, more berries, and finally top it with the remaining whipped cream. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors blend and the cake soak up some moisture. When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge. Garnish the top with fresh mint leaves and some extra berries. This makes it look beautiful and fresh! Enjoy this delightful treat! To make the best whipped cream, start with cold tools. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10 minutes. Use heavy whipping cream for a rich texture. Add powdered sugar for sweetness and vanilla for flavor. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form. Watch closely; over-mixing can lead to butter. Layering is key for a great trifle. Start with a solid base of sponge cake cubes. Press them down gently, but don’t compact them too much. Follow with a smooth layer of yogurt. Make sure to cover the cake completely. Then, sprinkle berries evenly for color and taste. Finish with whipped cream, smoothing it out for a nice look. Repeat these layers for a stunning trifle. Yes, you can prepare this trifle in advance. Assemble it up to 24 hours before serving. Just cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge. This allows flavors to blend well. However, don’t add mint or extra berries until just before serving. This keeps them fresh and vibrant on top. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor. If possible, buy them the same day you plan to serve the trifle for optimal taste and texture. Layering Technique: To achieve a visually appealing trifle, layer the ingredients carefully and evenly. This creates a stunning display of colors and textures that enhances the dessert's presentation. Chilling Time: Allow the trifle to chill for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld and the sponge to soak up moisture, enhancing the overall taste. Garnish for Style: Just before serving, add a sprinkle of extra berries and fresh mint leaves on top. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the aroma and freshness of the dessert. {{image_4}} You can switch the berries for other fruits. Try peaches, mangoes, or blackberries. Each fruit brings its own flavor. For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks or kiwi slices. Mix and match your favorite fruits. This keeps your trifle fresh and fun! If you want a change from vanilla cake, use pound cake or angel food cake. Both options work well in a trifle. You can even use chocolate cake for a richer taste. Gluten-free cake is also a great choice for those with dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It whips up nicely and adds a subtle coconut flavor. Instead of yogurt, use dairy-free yogurt made from almond or soy milk. These swaps keep the trifle creamy and delicious without dairy. To store leftover trifle, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the dessert fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors. Place the trifle in the fridge. It’s best to eat it within two days for the best taste and texture. The different parts of the trifle each have a shelf life. The whipped cream lasts about two days in the fridge. The sponge cake can stay fresh for up to four days. Mixed berries are best eaten within three days. Yogurt usually lasts about a week, so keep that in mind. Freezing trifle is not ideal. The cream and yogurt can change texture when thawed. If you want to freeze it, keep the layers separate. Freeze the sponge cake and berries in airtight bags. When ready to serve, assemble the trifle fresh with the newly made whipped cream. Yes, you can make Summer Berry Trifle a day ahead. This dessert benefits from sitting in the fridge. It lets the flavors mix well. Just prepare the layers and chill it overnight. The sponge cake absorbs moisture, making it even better. The best berries for a trifle are strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These fruits add color and flavor. Strawberries give a sweet taste, while blueberries add a slight tartness. Raspberries bring a bold flavor that stands out. You can also use blackberries or other seasonal berries for variety. This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings. It depends on how big you scoop the portions. If you serve it in smaller cups, you might get more servings. The trifle is perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings. With the right ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious Summer Berry Trifle. You learned how to pick the best berries and substitute when needed. I shared tips for making perfect whipped cream and layering your trifle just right. Remember, you can make this treat ahead or mix up the fruits for fun. Enjoy every layer and flavor. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser that brings joy. So gather your ingredients and get started on this sweet delight!

Summer Berry Trifle Delight

A refreshing and colorful dessert layered with mixed berries, cream, and sponge cake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mixed berries (including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup vanilla sponge cake, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup creamy vanilla yogurt
  • to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium to high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once whipped, set aside.
  • Gently rinse the mixed berries under cold running water to clean them thoroughly. Use a paper towel to pat them dry. For strawberries, remove the green stems and slice them in half, ensuring all berries are ready for layering.
  • In a trifle bowl or a large, clear glass dish, start by placing a layer of vanilla sponge cake cubes at the bottom. Make sure the cubes are evenly distributed to create a solid base.
  • Take a spoon and carefully spread a layer of vanilla yogurt over the sponge cake, making sure to cover it fully and smoothly.
  • Next, evenly distribute a layer of the mixed berries over the yogurt. Try to sprinkle them uniformly for a beautiful aesthetic.
  • Spoon half of the prepared whipped cream mixture over the berries, using a spatula to smooth it out gently.
  • Repeat the layering process starting again with another layer of sponge cake, following up with yogurt, another layer of berries, and finishing with the remaining whipped cream on the very top.
  • Cover the assembled trifle with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and for the sponge cake to absorb some moisture.
  • After chilling, carefully remove the trifle from the fridge. Just before serving, garnish the top with fresh mint leaves and a scattering of extra berries for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Serve in the glass dish to showcase the layers.
Keyword berries, dessert, summer, trifle