Mixed Berry Trifle
A good trifle is all about layers. Soft cake, creamy pudding, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and fresh berries stacked together in a clear dish so you can see every colorful stripe. It looks impressive, but it’s one of the easiest desserts you can make. No baking required if you use store-bought angel food cake, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.
This Mixed Berry Trifle is light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather gatherings, family dinners, or holidays when you want something beautiful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours (recommended)
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
Pudding Mixture
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1½ cups cold milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Base & Fruit
1 store-bought angel food cake, cut into cubes
2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions
Prepare the pudding.
In a medium bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Set aside to firm up slightly.
Make the whipped cream.
In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft to medium peaks form.
Combine pudding and cream.
Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to create a lighter, mousse-like texture. Reserve the remaining whipped cream for layering.
Prepare the cake.
Cut the angel food cake into bite-sized cubes. Try to keep them evenly sized for neat layers.
Prep the berries.
Wash and dry berries. Slice strawberries if large; leave smaller berries whole.
Start layering.
In a large glass trifle dish or bowl, add a layer of cake cubes on the bottom.
Add pudding layer.
Spoon a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the cake, spreading evenly.
Add berries.
Scatter a layer of mixed berries over the pudding.
Repeat layers.
Continue layering cake, pudding, berries, and whipped cream until ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream and a decorative berry topping.
Chill before serving.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and cake to soften slightly.
Tips
Use a clear glass bowl to show off the layers.
Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream for better volume.
Don’t overmix whipped cream or it may turn grainy.
Let pudding set slightly before layering to prevent runny layers.
Pat berries dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Layer evenly for balanced flavor in every scoop.
For clean slices, chill at least 2 hours.
If making ahead, add delicate berries like raspberries just before serving.
Taste berries first; adjust sweetness if needed.
Use a serrated knife to cut cake neatly without squishing.
Variations
Add a layer of lemon curd for brightness.
Drizzle berry sauce between layers for deeper flavor.
Swap vanilla pudding for cheesecake-flavored pudding.
Add sliced bananas for extra sweetness.
Use pound cake instead of angel food cake for richness.
Add a splash of berry liqueur to the cake cubes for an adult version.
Layer in toasted sliced almonds for crunch.
Mix cream cheese into the pudding for a thicker filling.
Use chocolate pudding for a chocolate-berry twist.
Make individual trifles in small glasses for portion control.
Q&A
Can I make this the night before?
Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
Will the cake get soggy?
It softens but should not become mushy if layered properly.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw and drain well to remove excess liquid.
Can I use homemade cake?
Absolutely, homemade angel food cake works great.
Is it overly sweet?
No, the fresh berries balance the sweetness.
How long does it last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended as texture will change.
What’s the best dish to use?
A deep glass bowl or traditional trifle dish.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, reduce sugar in the whipped cream if desired.
How do I transport it?
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep chilled.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, based on 10 servings)
Calories: 260–320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
Protein: 4–6 g
Fat: 12–15 g
Sugar: 22–26 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Values vary depending on cake brand and berry ratios.
Conclusion
Mixed Berry Trifle is one of those desserts that looks elegant but couldn’t be simpler to prepare. The airy angel food cake absorbs the creamy vanilla pudding, while fresh berries add brightness and natural sweetness. Every spoonful gives you soft cake, smooth cream, and juicy fruit in perfect balance.
It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, and summer gatherings, but simple enough to make just because. Once you see how easy it is to assemble and how quickly it disappears, it’ll likely become one of your go-to crowd-pleasing desserts.