Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake

There’s something magical about a dessert that brings back memories of lazy summer picnics, family gatherings, and the laughter of loved ones crowded around a table. For me, a berry trifle is that dessert. Growing up in the Midwest, I remember my mom pulling out her big glass trifle bowl every July, layering fluffy cake, vibrant berries, and creamy custard for a Fourth of July celebration. The first spoonful was always a burst of sweetness, a reminder of carefree days and the joy of sharing food with those you love. This Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake is my ode to those moments—a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for creating new memories with your family. Whether it’s a holiday, a weekend barbecue, or just a Tuesday night when you want to make life a little sweeter, this trifle will steal the show.

On HomemadeVibes.com, we’re all about creating dishes that warm the heart and soul. This recipe is designed to be approachable yet stunning, with layers of light angel food cake, juicy berries, and a velvety vanilla custard that’s easier to make than you might think. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Ingredients

This recipe serves 8–10 and uses fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a balanced, flavorful trifle. Below are the measurements in both US cups and metric grams for precision.

For the Vanilla Custard

2 cups (480 ml) whole milk – 480 g
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar – 100 g
4 large egg yolks – approximately 74 g
¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch – 30 g
1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter – 15 g
2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract – 10 g

For the Whipped Cream

2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream – 480 g
¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar – 30 g
1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract – 5 g

For the Trifle

1 store-bought or homemade angel food cake (about 12 oz or 340 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced – 300 g
1 cup (150 g) fresh blueberries – 150 g
1 cup (150 g) fresh raspberries – 150 g
½ cup (120 ml) orange juice or berry liqueur (optional, for soaking cake) – 120 g
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Note: For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season berries. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch.

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this trifle as effortlessly as possible, gather these tools:

Medium saucepan (for custard)
Whisk and mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer (for whipped cream)
Rubber spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons (or a kitchen scale for metric)
Large trifle bowl (3-quart capacity) or clear glass bowl for layering
Piping bag (optional, for decorative whipped cream)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a show-stopping berry trifle that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Custard

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5–7 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat, stir in the butter and vanilla extract, and let cool. Cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form (about 3–4 minutes).
Set aside half for layering and half for decorating the top. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Berries and Cake

Rinse and pat dry the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Slice the strawberries.
Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. If using orange juice or liqueur, lightly toss the cake cubes in it for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

In a large trifle bowl, place a layer of angel food cake cubes (about one-third of the cake).
Spoon one-third of the custard over the cake, spreading it evenly.
Add a layer of mixed berries (about one-third of each type), pressing some against the glass for a pretty effect.
Top with a layer of whipped cream (about one-third of the reserved layering cream).
Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a generous layer of whipped cream.
Decorate the top with extra berries and fresh mint leaves. For a polished look, pipe swirls of whipped cream using a piping bag.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 8 hours) to let the flavors meld.
Serve chilled, scooping generous portions into bowls. Watch your guests’ faces light up!

Helpful Tips and Variations

Make Ahead: Prepare the custard and whipped cream a day in advance to save time. Assemble the trifle a few hours before serving to keep the cake from getting soggy.
Kid-Friendly Option: Skip the liqueur and use orange juice or a splash of berry juice for soaking the cake.
Flavor Twists: Add a layer of lemon curd for a tangy kick or sprinkle crushed meringue for extra crunch.
Dietary Swaps: Use a gluten-free angel food cake or dairy-free coconut cream for the custard and whipped cream to accommodate allergies.
Presentation Hack: If you don’t have a trifle bowl, use individual glass jars or parfait glasses for a chic, single-serve dessert.

Pro Tip: For a vibrant color pop, reserve the brightest berries for the top layer and garnish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Based on 10 servings, approximate values are:

Calories: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 25 g
Protein: 5 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. For precise tracking, use a nutrition calculator.

Similar Dessert Recipes to Try

Loved this trifle? Keep the dessert vibes going with these reader-favorite recipes from HomemadeVibes.com:

Peach Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuits: A warm, comforting dessert perfect for summer evenings.
Lemon Blueberry Parfaits: Light, zesty, and layered for a refreshing treat.
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: A decadent twist on a classic, ideal for date nights.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Cups: Quick, creamy, and perfect for busy weeks.