Easy Mini Summer Berry Trifles

Craving a simple summer dessert? This refreshing mini berry trifles recipes 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 18, 2025.

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

• Step 1: Cube the Angel Food Cake
• Step 2: Prepare the Instant Vanilla Pudding
• Step 3: Layer the Berry Trifle Desserts
• Can I make one large trifle?
• What other fruit can I use to make a trifle?
• Can I make these mini berry trifles ahead of time?
• How do I store leftover trifles?

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Perfect for Summer Gatherings: This recipe for mini berry trifles is light, fresh, and bursting with summer flavor. It’s perfect for all your summer celebrations like backyard cookouts, Fourth of July parties, or casual summer potlucks.

Easy, No-Bake Dessert: No need to turn on the oven for this treat. With the help of store-bought angle food cake, these easy individual trifles come together in under 30 minutes and are the perfect simple summer dessert for busy days.

Served in Individual Trifle Glasses: Simple and beautiful, these mini berry trifles look as good as they taste when layered in small mason jars or clear plastic mini cups. The layers of cake, pudding, and fresh, colorful berries make a pretty dessert for any occasion.

Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: While this mini trifles recipe features strawberries and blueberries, you can easily swap in other fresh fruit, add chocolate layers, or even make a version with jelly for a fun twist.

Ingredients for Mini Summer Berry Trifles

With just 6 ingredients, here is everything you need to whip up these easy and refreshing berry trifle desserts in a mason jar!

• Angel Food Cake: A light and fluffy cake that soaks up the vanilla pudding beautifully. Store-bought cake keeps this recipe quick and easy, but you can also use homemade if you prefer.
• Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright, ripe strawberries that are firm and sweet. Slice and quarter them for even layering in each trifle cup.
• Fresh Blueberries: Plump, juicy blueberries add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to every bite of these mini trifle desserts.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A box of instant pudding creates a creamy, sweet layer without any extra work or cooking. Vanilla is the perfect flavor to complement the fresh berries and cake.
• Milk: Used to prepare the pudding mix. Make sure the milk is cold so the pudding sets up with the right thick and creamy texture.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped topping adds the perfect sweet finish to each individual trifle. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own for an extra special touch.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• 8 oz. mason jars

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, but you can use individual trifle cups or whatever you have on hand.

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.

To finish your trifles, top the last layer of berries with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with some more strawberries.

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 BBQ or a low country boil.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 these mini berry trifles 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!

How do I store leftover trifles?

Because this dessert includes dairy products, any leftover trifle cups 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 No-Bake Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this easy trifle recipe, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite summertime desserts.

• Lemon Berry Cheesecake Cups
• 4th of July Brownie Bites

No-Bake Berry Trifles in Jars: Your New Summer Dessert Must-Try!

And that’s it!

I hope you enjoy this quick and simple recipe for mini summer berry trifles.

As always, if you try any of my recipes, I’d love to know what you think.

Please leave your feedback in the comments, and If you love it, don’t forget to give it a “thumbs up” with the star rating found on the recipe card.

Be sure to follow along with me on Pinterest for more tasty inspiration and check out all my favorite desserts here.

Xo,

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