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Perfect Red White & Blue Labor Day Berry Trifle

Labor Day berry trifle - featured image
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This Perfect Red White & Blue Labor Day Berry Trifle is a stunning no-bake dessert that layers angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh berries. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 store-bought angel food cake (about 10–12 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for macerating berries)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra berries (for garnish, optional)
  • White chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the berries: Rinse fresh berries in a colander under cold water and pat dry. Hull and slice strawberries into ¼-inch thick pieces. Leave blueberries and raspberries whole. If berries are tart, toss with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate. Set aside.
  2. Make the pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
  3. Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain and the mixture is uniform and airy.
  4. Cube the angel food cake: Using a serrated knife, cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. If the cake is very fresh, freeze the cubes for 10 minutes to firm up.
  5. Assemble the trifle: In a large trifle bowl, start with a layer of cake cubes (about one-third). Press down gently. Spoon one-third of the pudding-cream mixture over the cake and spread evenly. Top with one-third of the mixed berries. Repeat layers: cake, cream, berries. Finish with a final layer of cream on top, spreading to the edges.
  6. Garnish and chill: Arrange remaining berries on top in a decorative pattern. Add mint leaves if desired. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling time—at least 4 hours, overnight is best. Pat berries dry thoroughly to avoid a watery trifle. Use day-old angel food cake for best texture. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and dairy-free whipped topping. For a lower-sugar option, use sugar-free pudding mix and unsweetened whipped topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: trifle, berry trifle, labor day dessert, red white blue dessert, no-bake dessert, angel food cake dessert, patriotic dessert

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/perfect-red-white-and-blue-labor-day-berry-trifle/