4th of July Trifle
This no-bake 4th of July Trifle is the ultimate patriotic dessert layered with juicy berries, fluffy whipped cream, and soft pound cake. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or family BBQs—it’s easy to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to steal the show with its festive red, white, and blue layers.
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought pound cake or angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pint strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pint raspberries optional
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1 8 oz container whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped cream to lighten the texture.
- Cube the cake: Cut your pound cake or angel food cake into 1-inch cubes.
- Layer the trifle: In a large trifle bowl or glass dish, start with a layer of cake cubes, followed by a layer of cream cheese mixture, then a mix of strawberries and blueberries.
- Repeat the layers: Continue layering until you reach the top of the bowl.
- Top it off: Finish with a generous dollop of whipped topping and extra berries on top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
4th of July Trifle – Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips & TechniquesUse a clear glass trifle dish or large glass bowl to show off those festive red, white, and blue layers.
Let your cake cool completely before layering to prevent the whipped cream or pudding from melting.
If using fresh whipped cream, beat until stiff peaks form to keep it stable between layers.
Layer evenly and press each layer gently with a spoon to avoid big air pockets.
Chill the trifle for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up. Serving Suggestions
Top with whole strawberries, blueberries, and star-shaped sprinkles for a festive finish.
Add sparklers or little flags for extra 4th of July flair just before serving.
Perfect for cookouts, fireworks parties, or potlucks—serve straight from the dish with a big spoon.
Offer small cups or mason jars if serving a crowd for easy grab-and-go portions.
Pair with lemonade, iced tea, or berry punch to keep the patriotic theme going. Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before for easy entertaining. Just hold off on toppings like berries or whipped cream until right before serving.
Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 3 days. The layers may soften over time but the flavors will stay delicious.
Freezer: Not ideal for freezing once assembled due to texture changes. However, components like cake or whipped topping can be made ahead and frozen separately.
Reheat: No heating needed—this dessert is best enjoyed chilled! Tasty Variations to Try
Angel Food or Pound Cake: Swap in your favorite type of cake—both work great with berries and cream.
Berry Cheesecake Twist: Add a layer of no-bake cheesecake filling for extra creaminess.
Lemon Berry Trifle: Layer with lemon pudding or curd for a tangy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake or brownie base and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Kid-Friendly Version: Layer with whipped topping and strawberry or blueberry Jell-O for fun texture and color.