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Best Red White and Blueberry Trifle for Labor Day

red white and blueberry trifle - featured image
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This easy, no-bake trifle layers angel food cake, macerated strawberries and blueberries, and homemade whipped cream for a stunning patriotic dessert. Perfect for Labor Day cookouts, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes even better when made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 (10-12 ounce) store-bought angel food cake (or pound cake, or ladyfingers)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons berry liqueur or orange juice for brushing the cake

Instructions

  1. Prep the Berries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and blueberries. Add the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Gently toss everything together. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes to macerate.
  2. Make the Whipped Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), pour in the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start on low speed, then increase to high. Whip until stiff peaks form.
  3. Cube the Cake: Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
  4. Layer 1: Place a single layer of cake cubes at the bottom of your trifle bowl. If using, lightly brush the cake cubes with berry liqueur or orange juice.
  5. Layer 2: Spoon about half of the macerated berries (including all their juicy syrup) evenly over the cake layer.
  6. Layer 3: Gently spread half of the whipped cream over the berries. Smooth to the edges.
  7. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of cake cubes, then the remaining berries and their juice, and finally, the last of the whipped cream. Smooth the top.
  8. Garnish and Chill: Reserve a few berries to arrange on top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.

Notes

The overnight rest is crucial for the cake to absorb the juices and cream, creating a soft, pudding-like texture. Do not skip macerating the berries—it creates a natural syrup that flavors the cake. For best volume, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream. This dessert is best served cold and can be made a day ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: trifle, red white and blue, labor day, patriotic dessert, no-bake, berry trifle, angel food cake, summer dessert

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/best-red-white-and-blueberry-trifle-for-labor-day/