No Bake Dessert-July 4th Berries 'N Cream Trifle

My friends know that when they invite me to a party, more often than not, I come bearing sweets. In fact, they pretty much expect it. I'm such a freak for baking that I often plan what I'm bringing to an occasion weeks in advance. These days mommy-hood has consumed most of my time and almost all of my braincells, so I don't have that luxury anymore. Couple that with a last minute invite to a July 4th BBQ and you have the creation of my July 4th Berries 'N Cream Trifle.



A Trifle is a layered dessert typically consisting of sponge cake soaked in some sort of liquor (usually rum), topped with layers of jam, custard and whipped cream. This Trifle is sans liquor for the kiddos but hey, it's 5'o'clock somewhere so LIVE IT UP and add some to yours! Trifles are a snap to put together and always look pretty. They can be made out of any combination of your favorite cake, cream, pudding, berries and nuts.

This is not a completely guilt-free dessert, it's light and fluffy and fresh, perfect for that summer BBQ. And for those of you who are baking challenged, this dessert is assembly only, no baking required-YAY.



Berries 'N Cream Trifle
Serves 6-8

2 1/2 c heavy cream
1/4 c sugar
1/2 c strawberry jam
2 tbsps water
1 large store bought angel food cake, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (you can use pound cake too but will need 1-2 cakes)
1 pint strawberries
1 pint blueberries


Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream and the sugar until soft peaks form (you can do this by hand if you have Popeye Muscles). You want an even layer so, make sure you fill in any gaps with pieces of cake.

Hull and slice 3/4 of the strawberries (leave the rest whole for garnish). Combine the sliced strawberries with the jam and water and set aside.

Place 1 layer of cake cubes on the bottom of a Trifle bowl or any other tall clear glass container (not mandatory but it's prettier when you can see through it).

Pour 1/3 of the strawberry mixture over the cake. Top with 1/3 of the whipped cream and 1/4 c blueberries.

Repeat the layering exactly the same way for 2 more layers.

Finish with a layer of whipped cream, 1/4 c blueberries and the reserved whole strawberries.

Drizzle with remaining strawberry mixture.

Serve immediately or place in the fridge until you are ready to serve (this dessert is even better if the flavors are allowed to mingle in the fridge for a few hours).


** You can make this dessert a day in advance and allow it to sit in the fridge overnight.

Note: Trifle bowls are super cheap and easy to find and can be used a a salad bowl when you aren't making Trifles. Click here to order one online.



Swap Out:

Devils Food Trifle: Chocolate cake layered with fresh cherries or strawberries, cherry or strawberry jam.


Drunken Version:

Combine 1/4 c rum or Grand Marnier with 1/4 c water and brush mixture over each layer of cake.