Craving a simple summer dessert? This refreshing berry trifle recipe is easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes!
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This post was originally published on July 9, 2020. Last updated on June 4, 2024.
Easy Single-Serve Summer Berry Trifle Desserts
Midwest summers can usually be summed up in three words.
Hot, humid, and did I mention hot?!?
While the summertime brings sunshine and a break from our normally hectic school year schedule, it also means cranking up the AC and avoiding the oven at all costs.
Thankfully, satisfying sweet tooth cravings doesn’t have to mean turning on the heat.
This easy berry trifle dessert is the perfect summer treat, and the best part is there’s no baking required!
Ready in under 30 minutes, this trifle is sure to be a summertime hit at any gathering!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Summer Berry Trifle
- Equipment Needed
- How to Make Single-Serve Summer Berry Trifle Desserts
- Can I Make One Large Trifle?
- What Other Fruit Can I Use to Make a Trifle?
- Can I Make this Berry Trifle Ahead of Time?
- When to Serve Berry Trifle Dessert
- How To Store Leftover Trifle
- More Summer Dessert Recipes from Midwest Life and Style
- No-Bake Berry Trifle in Jars: Your New Summer Dessert Must-Try!
- Printable Recipe Card for Summer Berry Trifle
- Pin and Save it for Later!
Ingredients for Summer Berry Trifle
With just 6 ingredients, here is everything you need to whip up these easy and refreshing berry trifle desserts in a mason jar!
- 1 pre-baked angel food cake, cut into cubes
- 16 ounces (about 2 cups) fresh strawberries, sliced and quartered
- 6 ounces fresh blueberries
- 1 (3.3 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz.) container whipped cream
Equipment Needed
How to Make Single-Serve Summer Berry Trifle Desserts
Step 1: Cube the Angel Food Cake
To begin making your single-serve summer berry trifle desserts, cut your store-bought angel food cake into 1-1/2 cubes and set it aside.
*Note, traditional angel food cake is not gluten-free because it’s made with regular flour. If you’d like to use a gluten-free cake for this dessert, try [THIS] recipe from What Molly Made.
Step 2: Prepare the Instant Vanilla Pudding
Next, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of cold milk and one box of vanilla-flavored instant pudding mix.
Whisk the pudding for two minutes and then place it in the fridge to thicken and chill for five minutes.
While the vanilla pudding chills, wash and slice your berries, and then set them aside for layering in the trifle.
Step 3: Layer the Berry Trifle Desserts
Now comes the fun part – it’s time to assemble your berry trifle!
To begin, divide the vanilla pudding in half and carefully spoon an equal amount in the bottom of four 8-ounce mason jars.
I like to use these pretty jelly jars.
They’re the perfect size for individual desserts like this berry trifle (and they can be used for canning too).
Place a layer of cubed angel food cake on top of the vanilla pudding, and top with a sprinkling of fresh strawberries and blueberries.
For a second layer of yummy goodness simply repeat the steps you used for the first layer – pudding, cake, and berries!
To finish your trifles, top the last layer of berries with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with some more strawberries.
Can I Make One Large Trifle?
Yes, you can easily adjust this berry trifle recipe!
While this recipe is for 4 individual berry trifles, you can layer everything into a large glass serving bowl to make one big trifle.
What Other Fruit Can I Use to Make a Trifle?
While I used a combination of strawberries and blueberries in this trifle, feel free to get creative!
Swap them out for other fresh summer berries like raspberries or blackberries, or even combine them all.
Can I Make this Berry Trifle Ahead of Time?
The angel food cake will get soggy quickly due to the pudding, so it’s best to assemble the trifle as close to serving time as possible.
However, you can save yourself some last-minute prep by making the pudding, whipping the cream, and prepping the berries in advance.
Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to layer the trifle and serve!
When to Serve Berry Trifle Dessert
Of course, this berry trifle is perfect for those “just because” moments when you’re craving something sweet, but this recipe would also make a great addition to any summertime party menu.
Here are some additional ideas for serving it up:
Father’s Day Backyard BBQ: This easy trifle recipe is also perfect for a Father’s Day BBQ. It’s a light and refreshing dessert that will be a welcome treat on a hot summer day.
Patriotric Block Parties: Hosting a Memorial Day cookout or a Fourth of July party? This berry trifle is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Casual Summer Celebrations: These mini summer berry trifle desserts are an easy choice for a relaxed summer gathering, like a neighborhood potluck party or a low country boil.
How To Store Leftover Trifle
Because this dessert includes dairy products, any leftover berry trifle will need to be refrigerated.
To store leftovers, cover each mason jar with plastic wrap to help keep the trifle and berries as fresh as possible.
The trifle is best when eaten within 2-3 days.
More Summer Dessert Recipes from Midwest Life and Style
If you love this easy trifle recipe, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite summertime desserts.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Mixing bowls⎟Rubber spatula⎟Whisk⎟Measuring spoons⎟Cutting board⎟Paring knife⎟8 oz. mason jars
No-Bake Berry Trifle in Jars: Your New Summer Dessert Must-Try!
That’s it!
I hope you enjoy this quick and simple recipe for mini summer berry trifle desserts.
As always, if you try any of my recipes, I’d love to know what you think.
Please leave your feedback in the comments.
If you love it, don’t forget to give it a “thumbs up” with the star rating found on the recipe card.
And don’t forget to follow along with me on Pinterest for more tasty inspiration!
Xo,
Printable Recipe Card for Summer Berry Trifle
Summer Berry Trifle Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought angel food cake cubed
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced and quartered (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces fresh blueberries
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.3 oz.)
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container whipped cream (8 oz.)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
- Cut prepared angel food cake into 1-1/2 inch cubes.
Prepare the Pudding
- In a medium mixing bowl, add 2 cups cold milk to vanilla flavored instant pudding. Whisk together for 2 minutes and place in refrigerator to chill for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Trifle
- Place half of the pudding in the bottom of a trifle bowl or split evenly between four 8-ounce mason jars.
- Add half of the cubed angel food on top of the pudding and sprinkle with fresh berries.
- Repeat the layers.
- Top the final layer of berries with whipped cream and garnish with extra berries as desired.
I would love to see what you make! If you try any of my recipes, be sure to tag me in your photos!
IG: @midwestlifeandstyle + #midwestlifeandstyle
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
This looks easy and delicious!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Yes to both! It’s sooo good and so simple!
Renae Frey says
Yum! This looks delicious!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thanks, Renae