Description
A refreshing and colorful Summer Berry Trifle featuring layers of crisp lady fingers soaked in raspberry jam with a medley of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, topped with a creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. This easy no-bake dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings and makes an impressive centerpiece.
Ingredients
Berry Mixture
- ¾ cup (8 oz) seedless raspberry jam
- 1 quart (1½ pounds) strawberries, hulled and sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 1 pint (12 oz) raspberries
- 1 pint (12 oz) blueberries
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 16 ounces cream cheese (preferably Philadelphia brand), at room temperature
- 1¾ cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 1 (7 oz) package crisp lady fingers (savoiardi biscuits)
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Berries and Jam: Set aside a few whole berries for garnish. Heat the raspberry jam in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute until hot and liquid. Add the sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to the jam and gently toss to coat. Let this mixture sit and marinate, stirring occasionally.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Once whipped, set it aside for later use.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the confectioners' sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Then add about one-third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture, beating briefly to combine. Finally, fold in the remaining whipped cream gently with a rubber spatula until evenly blended and fluffy.
- Assemble the Trifle: Using a 9-inch trifle dish or large glass bowl (about 14-cup capacity), cover the bottom with a layer of broken lady finger pieces. Spoon one-third of the berry and jam mixture (including some juices) over the lady fingers, followed by one-third of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with the cream cheese mixture on top. For the final cream layer, leave a 1-inch border around the edges to reveal the fruit beneath.
- Garnish and Chill: Decorate the trifle with the reserved whole berries and fresh mint sprigs if desired. Cover and refrigerate the dessert for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the lady fingers to soften. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and appearance.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing without lumps.
- Whipping the cream to stiff peaks is essential for the trifle to hold its shape.
- Allowing the trifle to chill overnight improves the texture and flavor integration.
- Variations include substituting mixed berries or adding layers of sponge cake instead of lady fingers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute (heating jam)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
