Make the perfect patriotic dessert with our easy and tasty Red, White & Blue Trifle recipe! This no-bake summer treat features layers of creamy pudding, fresh berries, and light angel food or pound cake. Learn how to make this crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dessert with our easy step-by-step instructions for your next holiday gathering or summer party.

My hubby is English, so trifle is a favorite dessert in our family. When my mother-in-law was still alive, every time we went back to England for a holiday, she made sure we always had a trifle or two! Sometimes, she would make it, and sometimes, we would get it from Marks and Spencer; either way, both were delicious!

As American Independence Day and the summer heat rise and approach, I thought there’s no better way to cool down and show our American spirit than with a refreshing and visually stunning dessert. Enter the Red, White, and Blue Trifle—a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and light flavors that will have your taste buds singing the Star-Spangled Banner. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create these easy, no-bake mini trifles that are sure to be the star of any summer gathering.

Why You Would Love This Red, White & Blue Trifles

This Red, White & Blue Trifle is a showstopping patriotic dessert that’s perfect for summer celebrations. With layers of moist angel food cake, creamy pudding, fresh berries, and whipped cream, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The vibrant red strawberries, blue blueberries, and white cream create a visually stunning and festive treat that’s sure to impress guests. Best of all, it’s a no-bake dessert that can be easily prepared in advance, making it a stress-free crowd-pleaser for any Fourth of July party or Memorial Day gathering.

Ingredients for Red, White & Blue (Independence or Memorial Day) Trifle

2 (3.3 oz) packages of cheesecake, vanilla, or white chocolate instant pudding
3 cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) package Cool Whip or 1 pint homemade whipped cream (see instructions)
1 prepared Angel Food cake, cubed
1 cup strawberries, diced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries

Step-by-Step Instructions for Red, White & Blue (Independence or Memorial Day) Trifle

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until well combined. Let it set for about 5 minutes to thicken.

Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture, creating a light and airy cream.

Take your trifle containers and start with a layer of cubed Angel Food cake, using about half of the cake. Create the white layer: Spoon a generous amount of the pudding and Cool Whip mixture over the cake layer. Add a burst of color: Sprinkle a handful of diced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over the cream layer.

Repeat the layering: Create a second layer by repeating the steps with the remaining ingredients. Finish your trifles with a final sprinkle of mixed berries for a beautiful, colorful top.

Chill for best results: Refrigerate your trifles for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Tips & Tricks for Trifle Success

Choose ripe, fresh berries: The quality of your fruit will significantly impact the flavor of your trifles.
Don’t oversoak the cake: While the moisture from the cream and berries will soften the cake, you don’t want it to become soggy.
Get creative with containers: While traditional trifle bowls work great, individual mason jars or clear plastic cups can make for easy serving and a cute presentation.
Customize the flavors: Feel free to experiment with different pudding flavors or even substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier option.

Storing Your Trifle

These Red, White & Blue Trifles are best enjoyed within 2 days of preparation. Store them in a covered container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other flavors.

Health-Conscious Variations for Trifle

For those watching their waistlines or with dietary restrictions, consider these alternatives:

Use sugar-free pudding mix and lite Cool Whip to reduce calories.
Substitute the Angel Food cake with gluten-free cake for a gluten-sensitive option.
Replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a more natural ingredient list.

The Perfect Pairing with Your Patriotic Trifle

These trifles are delightful on their own, but why not elevate your dessert game with the following:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
A glass of chilled prosecco for a grown-up twist.
A cup of hot coffee to balance the cool, creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these trifles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these trifles up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or a non-dairy whipped topping alternative.

Are these trifles gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the Angel Food cake. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake alternative.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
For better texture and appearance, use fresh berries if possible.

How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically yields about 10 (9 oz) servings, depending on the size of your trifle containers.

These Red, White & Blue Trifles are more than just a dessert – they’re a celebration in a cup. With their festive appearance, delightful taste, and easy preparation, they’re bound to become a staple at your summer events. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner pastry chef, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as American as apple pie – but a whole lot cooler!

Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July bash, attending a Memorial Day potluck, or simply want to add a touch of patriotic flair to your family dinner, these trifles are the perfect sweet ending. So go ahead, indulge in a little red, white, and blue deliciousness – after all, it’s the American way!