- Prepare the Berry Mixture:
- Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them. Rinse the raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
- In a bowl, combine the mixed berries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the berries evenly. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
Chapter 2: Prepare the Custard and Whipped Cream
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to chill and set while preparing the other components.
- Whip the Cream:
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the trifle.
Chapter 3: Assemble the Trifle
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of cubed angel food cake or pound cake at the bottom.
- Add Berries:
- Spoon half of the macerated berries over the cake layer, including some of the juice that has accumulated.
- Add Custard:
- Spread half of the prepared vanilla custard over the berries in an even layer.
- Repeat Layers:
- Add another layer of cubed cake, followed by the remaining berries and their juices.
- Top with the remaining vanilla custard, spreading it evenly.
- Finish with Whipped Cream:
- Lastly, spread the whipped cream over the top layer of custard, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Chapter 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill:
- Cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves if desired.
- Scoop into individual servings, making sure each serving gets a good mix of cake, berries, custard, and cream layers.
Tips for Success:
- Cake Options: While angel food cake or pound cake works well, you can also use sponge cake, ladyfingers, or even leftover baked cake scraps.
- Make Ahead: This trifle can be assembled a day in advance, making it a great dessert for entertaining or special occasions.
- Variations: Feel free to customize with different fruits, such as peaches, cherries, or mangoes, depending on what’s in season.
- Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, ensure each layer is visible through the glass bowl or trifle dish.
This Easy Summer Berry Trifle is a wonderful dessert that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh berries, combined with creamy custard and fluffy whipped cream. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sharing with friends and family during the warm summer months!