Heavenly Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake
Looking for a light, refreshing, and no-fuss dessert that looks like it came from a bakery window? This Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake is your answer. Made with fluffy angel food cake, layers of fresh berries, and a creamy whipped filling, it’s a show-stopper for summer barbecues, brunches, or just a sweet family night in.
This Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake isn’t just pretty — it’s also easy to make, low in fat, and loaded with antioxidants thanks to the fresh berries. Whether you’re serving guests or making something special for the kids, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that fits many diets and takes less than 30 minutes to assemble.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- No baking required (if you use store-bought angel food cake)
- Bursting with juicy berries in every spoonful
- Light, airy, and perfect for warm weather
- Comes together in less than 30 minutes
- Looks stunning on the table—ideal for impressing guests
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, and the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and naturally refreshing:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (1 package) | Softened |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla for best flavor |
| Whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar) | 8 oz (1 tub) | Thawed |
| Angel food cake | 1 whole cake | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 lb | Hulled and sliced |
| Fresh blueberries | 1 pint | Rinsed and dried |
| Fresh raspberries | 1 pint | Rinsed and dried |
Tip: Feel free to swap in blackberries, sliced kiwi, or whatever berries you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
You’re just a few steps away from a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert. Let’s break it down.
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. This is your creamy foundation. Fold in the whipped topping gently with a spatula until fully combined. It should look airy and cloud-like.
2. Slice and Cube the Cake
Take your angel food cake and cut it into bite-sized cubes. If you made the cake yourself, let it cool completely before slicing. If you bought it pre-made, you’re already ahead of the game.
3. Wash and Prep the Berries
Rinse your berries well and pat them dry. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces. You want everything clean and fresh for layering.
4. Assemble the Trifle
Grab your trifle dish or a large glass bowl. Begin layering:
- A layer of cake cubes
- A generous spoonful of the cream mixture
- A layer of fresh berries
Repeat these layers until you reach the top of your dish. Aim to finish with a crown of colorful berries on top—it makes a stunning presentation.
5. Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This gives the flavors time to blend and the dessert time to set.
Tips for Success
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temp before mixing—it makes the texture smooth and lump-free.
- Don’t overmix the whipped topping into the cream; fold it gently to keep that light texture.
- Use a clear glass dish to show off the layers—you eat with your eyes first!
Make It Your Own
This trifle is incredibly forgiving and flexible. Want to add a twist? Here are a few variations you might try:
- Add lemon zest to the cream for a citrus kick.
- Drizzle with berry sauce between layers for extra moisture.
- Use mini trifle cups for individual servings—perfect for parties.
Variations & Customizations
Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or simply switching things up, this Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake is easy to adapt:
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free angel food cake (store-bought or homemade) for a totally wheat-free treat.
Vegan Version
Swap out the cake with a vegan sponge cake, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a plant-based yogurt. Sweeten with maple syrup.
Spicy Twist
Add a hint of ground cinnamon or fresh basil to the cream for a surprising flavor depth. You can even add a splash of orange zest for zing.
Protein-Packed Version
Use a high-protein Greek yogurt and mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the whipped cream for an extra boost.
Kid-Friendly Version
Make mini trifles in mason jars or cups — they’re easier for little hands and fun to personalize with favorite berries.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble the day of for best texture, but the cream can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. The cake will soften, but the flavor remains delicious.
- Meal prep idea: Prep all components separately (berries, cream, cake cubes), then layer just before serving for ultimate freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from making the dessert soggy.
Absolutely! It’s light, easy to digest, and festive — perfect for family get-togethers.
Yes, but for best texture, assemble just a few hours before serving. Overnight assembly can make the cake overly soft.
You can use plain yogurt, mascarpone, or even cream cheese — just adjust the sweetness to taste.
Of course! Peaches, mangoes, kiwi, or pomegranate arils all work beautifully in place of or along with the berries.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- No-Bake Mango Coconut Cups
- Mini Pistachio Cardamom Baklava Bites
- Quick Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
- Healthy Banana Oat Pancakes
Try This Heavenly Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake Today
Whether you’re new to desserts or a seasoned home baker, this Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake is a must-try recipe. With its fresh flavors, creamy layers, and easy prep, it’s perfect for any occasion — from weeknight treats to special holidays.
So gather your berries, grab that fluffy cake, and get layering. We’d love to see your creations — tag us and share your version of this delightful Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake!
Heavenly Berry Trifle with Angel Food Cake
This light and refreshing berry trifle is layered with fluffy angel food cake, whipped cream cheese filling, and juicy fresh berries. It’s a no-bake dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better—perfect for gatherings, summer treats, or whenever you crave something sweet but not heavy.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 pint fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Make the Cream Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined and airy. - Prepare the Cake
Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Set aside. - Wash and Slice the Berries
Rinse all berries. Pat dry. Slice the strawberries; keep blueberries and raspberries whole. - Assemble the Trifle
In a large glass trifle dish, layer the following: - Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve chilled with a big spoon and a smile.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: ~220Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gSugar: 22gProtein: 4g
