Berries, glorious berries! There’s something about their juicy burst of flavor that just screams summer, even in the heart of winter. This Mixed Berry Angel Food Trifle is like a dreamy cloud of sweetness, layered with whispers of cream and the softest cake you could imagine. I remember stumbling upon this recipe during a family picnic, where it quickly became the star among the desserts—a real showstopper that had everyone going back for seconds (maybe even thirds).
Steps
- Whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer on high for about three minutes until it becomes fluffy and forms stiff peaks. Store in the refrigerator until needed.
- Mix one cup of cold milk with the instant pudding until combined, then add the chilled condensed milk and whisk until smooth. Carefully fold in the whipped cream and refrigerate until ready to assemble the trifle.
- Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes and layer one-third of them at the bottom of a trifle bowl.
- Spread one-third of the cream mixture over the cake cubes, distributing it evenly.
- Add a quarter of the fresh or thawed berries on top. For visual appeal, arrange sliced strawberries along the inner sides of the bowl if desired.
- Lightly coat the fruit layer with a thin sheet of strawberry glaze.
- Repeat the layering process (steps 3-6) two more times to create three layers in total.
- Place the remaining fruit on the top layer, arranging it to look aesthetically pleasing. Optionally, brush a thin layer of glaze over the fruit to preserve it if you’re serving the trifle the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (1 pint) very cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 blocks of angel food cake, each weighing 12 oz
- 1 cup cold milk (any type, but whole milk was used in the recipe)
- 5.1 oz package of instant vanilla pudding
- 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, refrigerated
- 2 lbs of berries (or stone fruit can be used), specifically:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 16 oz bag of frozen mixed berries, partially thawed
- Strawberry fruit glaze (available in grocery stores near fresh berries)
FAQ
- Can I make this trifle using frozen berries?
- Yes, you can definitely use frozen berries when fresh ones are out of season or too expensive. They work just as well and no one will notice the difference.
- Is it necessary to use a trifle bowl for this recipe?
- While it’s not absolutely essential, using a trifle bowl is recommended as it has tall, clear sides that showcase the layers beautifully.
- How long does it take to prepare the Angel Food Berry Trifle?
- This no-bake trifle can be assembled in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dessert option.
- Do I need to use the fruit glaze, and what is its purpose?
- The fruit glaze is optional if you are serving the trifle on the same day. However, it helps preserve the freshness and appearance of the fruit if you plan to serve it the following day.
- What type of milk should be used in the recipe?
- You can use any kind of milk for this recipe, though whole milk was used in the original version.
Tips
- If berries are out of season or costly, consider using frozen berries for the trifle; they work just as well and nobody will notice the difference.
- To maintain the freshness and appearance of the fruit if serving the trifle the next day, use a thin layer of fruit glaze. However, if you plan to serve it on the same day, the glaze can be skipped.
- For an elegant presentation, use a trifle bowl, which allows the beautiful layers of cake, cream, and fruit to be visible through the clear glass.
- When assembling the layers, place strawberries along the sides of the bowl for a decorative touch, but feel free to arrange the fruit in any pattern you prefer.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer – Useful for whipping the cream to stiff peaks.
- Trifle Bowl – A bowl with tall, clear glass sides to showcase the layers of the trifle.
