If you’re craving a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat, the No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe might just become your new kitchen hero. This layered confection brings together fluffy angel food cake, luscious berries, and a creamy, dreamy filling that requires no oven time at all. It’s incredibly simple yet elegant, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a refreshing treat on a warm day. Each bite is a harmony of sweet, tangy, and smooth textures that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe means gathering simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor and contribute to its inviting texture and vibrant colors. Each component plays a key role in building those irresistible layers that make this trifle shine.
- Angel food cake (17 oz, cubed): Its light and airy texture creates the perfect base without weighing down the dessert.
- Strawberries (1 lb, hulled and sliced): Add a juicy, sweet freshness and bright color to the layers.
- Blueberries (1 lb): Offer a slightly tart contrast, with beautiful deep blue hues.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps soften the berries and brighten their natural juices when combined with sugar and lemon.
- Sugar (2 Tbsp for berry syrup, 3/4 cup for filling): Balances the tartness of the fruit and sweetens the creamy filling.
- Lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Adds zesty brightness to the fruit mixture, enhancing overall flavor.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): Brings rich creaminess that blends beautifully with whipped cream for a luscious texture.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped to add fluffy stability and lightness to the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Provides a warm, sweet aroma that rounds out the flavor palette.
- Trifle dish (4 or 5 qt): To showcase the layered beauty; a 9×13 casserole dish works if you don’t have a trifle bowl.
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Berry Syrup
Begin by combining the sliced strawberries, blueberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely and the berries start releasing their natural juices, about 5 to 7 minutes. This syrupy mixture intensifies their flavor and creates a delightful juicy layer that will soak into the angel food cake, giving it extra moisture and tangy sweetness.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Next, whip the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture along with the vanilla extract. This gives you a fluffy, rich filling that perfectly balances the fresh fruit and light cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Layering is where the magic happens. Start with a generous layer of angel food cake cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish. Spoon over a portion of the berry syrup, then spread a thick layer of the cream cheese filling on top. Repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a colorful fruit layer for that picture-perfect finish. Chill for at least two hours to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Serve No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, garnish your trifle with a few whole berries, a sprig of fresh mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. These touches not only make the dessert pop visually but also add an extra dimension of freshness and aroma that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This trifle stands out on its own but pairs nicely with light, complementary sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a small scoop of lemon sorbet to keep the meal feeling light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try assembling individual trifles in clear glasses or mason jars for an intimate, personalized touch. Alternatively, use colorful layered bowls or footed glass parfait dishes to showcase the vibrant layers beautifully. This recipe is as much about the eye-catching presentation as it is about the taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The layers may continue to meld, and the cake will soak up more berry syrup, creating even more intense flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dessert. The delicate cream cheese filling and fresh fruit don’t freeze well and could separate or become watery upon thawing, which would affect the texture and overall enjoyment.
Reheating
Since the No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe is designed as a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t suggested. Serve it straight from the refrigerator for the freshest, most refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cake for this trifle?
Absolutely! While angel food cake is classic for its airy texture, pound cake or sponge cake can also work beautifully. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized cubes so they layer well and soak up the berry syrup.
Is it possible to make this trifle vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. The texture and flavor will change slightly, but it can still be delicious and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
You can assemble your No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe up to 24 hours before serving. Keeping it refrigerated will help all the flavors blend delightfully, making it an easy make-ahead option for gatherings.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Peaches, raspberries, or blackberries can add new dimensions of flavor and color. Just be mindful of the ripeness and sweetness of the fruit to maintain a balanced taste.
What can I do if I don’t have a trifle dish?
No trifle dish? No problem! A clear 9×13 inch casserole dish or even a deep glass bowl works perfectly. The key is layering carefully so the beautiful colors still peek through.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe is a celebration of fresh flavors and effortless elegance. Its simple ingredients come together in a dazzling dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, this recipe will likely become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire, bringing joy to both your kitchen and your table.
Print
No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle is a delightful layered dessert featuring airy angel food cake, fresh strawberries and blueberries soaked in a sweetened lemon-water mixture, and a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream filling. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy-to-prepare trifle requires no baking and comes together in just 30 minutes, offering a refreshing and visually stunning treat that serves 12 people.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Mixture
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 lb blueberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Other
- 17 oz angel food cake, cut into 1″ cubes (about 1 1/2 blocks)
- 4 or 5 quart trifle dish (or 9×13 casserole dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer to dissolve the sugar completely. Remove from heat and allow to cool. In a large bowl, toss the sliced strawberries and blueberries with the cooled lemon syrup. Set aside to macerate and develop flavor.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the Trifle: In your trifle dish, begin layering by first spreading a layer of angel food cake cubes. Next, spoon and evenly distribute a layer of the macerated berries with their juices. Follow this with a generous layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. Repeat these layers (cake, berries, cream) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cream and a few fresh berries for garnish. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be prepared up to a day in advance.
- Angel food cake can be substituted with pound cake if preferred, but the dessert will be richer.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor.
- To save time, you can prepare the lemon syrup ahead and refrigerate it until needed.
