Summer Berry Trifle

This berry trifle is perfect for a summer party — it’s refreshing, gorgeous, and make-ahead.

Berry trifles make wonderful (and patriotic) summer party desserts. Not only are they gorgeous, they feed a crowd and are made in advance. The only drawback is that, with all their layers, they can be time-consuming to make from scratch. I save time by using store-bought Savoiardi biscuits (a.k.a. crisp ladyfingers), cream cheese, and raspberry jam. The result is a dazzling, delicious berry trifle that can be made in 30 minutes.

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Use a deep, clear glass bowl or a footed glass trifle dish so the pretty layers can be seen. And don’t worry if the layers look slightly uneven or if the layers mix a bit — that’s the beauty of a trifle. You can also make the trifle in small glasses as individual parfaits.

What You’ll Need

STEP-By-Step Instructions

To begin, warm the raspberry jam in the microwave.

Toss it with the berries and let it sit while you prepare the rest of the trifle.

Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside.

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In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Confectioners’ sugar.

Beat until smooth and creamy, then beat in the vanilla.

Add a third of the whipped cream.

Beat until smooth and then add the remaining cream.

Fold with a rubber spatula until evenly combined.

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To assemble, begin by layering the lady fingers in the bottom of the dish. Top with a third of the berry mixture, followed by a third of the cream.

Continue alternating the lady fingers, berries, and cream.

End with the cream cheese mixture on top; for the last layer of cream, leave a 1-inch border around the edge showing the fruit beneath. Sprinkle some berries and a fresh mint on top.

Let the trifle chill for at least 8 hours, then top with some fresh berries and a spring of fresh mint, if desired.

Photo by Alexandra Grablewski (Chronicle Books, 2018)

You May Also Like

• Strawberry Shortcake
• Raspberry & Cream Parfaits
• Fresh Strawberry Cake
• Peaches & Berries with Lemon-Mint Syrup

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