Description
A festive, no-bake dessert featuring layers of vanilla wafers, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and homemade whipped cream. This make-ahead trifle is perfect for summer holidays and requires zero baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating berries)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package vanilla wafers (about 30 cookies)
- Optional: Crushed cheesecake cookies for texture
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries, slicing them into quarters or halves. Toss strawberries and blueberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large bowl and let sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate.
- Pour heavy cream into a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Start layering in a large glass trifle bowl: begin with a layer of vanilla wafers covering the bottom.
- Add a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of macerated strawberries, then blueberries. Sprinkle with crushed wafers.
- Repeat layers (wafers, cream, strawberries, blueberries, crushed wafers) until ingredients are used, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld and wafers to soften.
- Garnish with fresh berries and mint before serving. Scoop with a large spoon to get all layers.
Notes
This trifle needs to sit overnight for the best texture as the wafers absorb the berry juices. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain well to prevent sogginess. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free vanilla wafers. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: berry trifle, red white and blue dessert, holiday dessert, make-ahead dessert, no bake dessert, summer dessert, patriotic dessert, easy trifle recipe