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A close-up view of the layers in a fresh berry trifle, showing cubed pound cake, vanilla custard, and mixed berries.

Berry Trifle Recipe (The Ultimate Summer Dessert)

An easy and elegant Berry Trifle Recipe featuring layers of fresh berries, creamy vanilla custard, soft pound cake, and homemade whipped cream. This showstopper dessert is perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, English
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Custard Layer
  • 4 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 6 Large Egg Yolks
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter cut into pieces
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
For the Cake Layer
  • 1 pound Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Berry Layer
  • 6 cups Fresh Mixed Berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
For the Cream Topping
  • 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream cold
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Equipment

  • 1 Trifle Bowl A 3-quart glass bowl works best.
  • 1 Electric mixer For whipping cream.
  • 1 Saucepan For making the custard.

Instructions
 

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan until simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Temper the eggs by slowly whisking in half of the hot milk. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in butter and 1 tbsp vanilla. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed to the surface, and chill for at least 2 hours.
  2. In a large bowl, gently toss the mixed berries with 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Let sit for 20-30 minutes to macerate.
  3. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  4. Place half of the cake cubes in the bottom of a 3-quart trifle bowl.
  5. Top the cake with half of the macerated berries and their juices.
  6. Spread half of the chilled custard over the berries.
  7. Spread half of the whipped cream over the custard.
  8. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, berries, custard, and whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh berries.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best flavor, make the trifle a day in advance to allow the layers to meld together.
Tip 2: Ensure the custard is fully chilled before assembly to prevent the layers from becoming runny.
Tip 3: An offset spatula is the perfect tool for creating clean, even layers of custard and cream.
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