Description

A delightful Mixed Summer Berry Trifle that layers angel food cake, fresh summer berries, creamy Neufchatel cheese mixture, and vanilla pudding, topped with Cool Whip and garnished with fresh mint. This no-bake dessert is perfect for warm weather entertaining and showcases the vibrant flavors of summer berries in a light, refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Angel Food Cake Layer

10 ounces angel food cake, cut into 1–1 1/2 inch cubes

Cream Cheese Layer

8 ounces Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese or Mascarpone cheese)
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

Fruit Layer

2 pounds strawberries, plus extra for garnish
6 ounces blackberries, plus extra for garnish
6 ounces raspberries, plus extra for garnish

Pudding Layer

3.4 ounce vanilla flavored instant Jello pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

Topping

8 ounces Cool Whip (or fresh whipped cream)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of cold milk with the 3.4-ounce vanilla instant pudding mix for 2 minutes. Once combined, set aside in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium-large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of Neufchatel cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Use a hand-held electric mixer to blend everything until smooth and fully combined. Set this mixture aside.
Assemble the Trifle – First Layer: Arrange half of the angel food cake cubes evenly across the bottom of your trifle container.
Add First Berry Layer: Distribute just under one-third of the mixed strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries over the cake layer. For a visually appealing presentation in a clear trifle dish, alternate the blackberries and red berries in an even layer.
Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spread half of the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the berries using an offset or baking spatula.
Add Pudding Layer: Spread half of the set vanilla pudding over the cream cheese layer with an even layer.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the sequence starting with the remaining angel food cake cubes, followed by another layer of berries, cream cheese, and pudding. Finish with a final layer of mixed berries, creating three distinct layers of berries in total.
Top with Cool Whip and Garnish: In the center of the final berry layer, spoon 8 ounces of Cool Whip and shape it gently into a ‘pillow’ with an offset spatula. Garnish with the reserved berries and fresh mint leaves if desired.
Serve: Portion the trifle into individual parfait glasses for easy serving and enjoy this refreshing layered dessert.

Notes

You can substitute Mascarpone or regular cream cheese for Neufchatel if preferred.
The trifle is best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy cream cheese, pudding mix, and whipped topping alternatives.
Feel free to substitute or add other berries like blueberries or cherries based on seasonality and preference.
Ensure berries are washed and thoroughly dried before layering to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: summer berry trifle, angel food cake dessert, layered berry trifle, no bake dessert, easy summer dessert