Description

A stress-free, no-oven dessert perfect for summer grilling. This trifle features layers of yellow cake, vanilla cream, and fresh berries, assembled cold and served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) Yellow Cake Mix
2 boxes (3.4 oz / 96g each) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
3 cups (720ml) Heavy Whipping Cream, cold
2 cups (480ml) Whole Milk
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (optional)
1 lb (450g) Strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 pint (225g) Blueberries, rinsed and dried
1 pint (225g) Raspberries
3 tbsp (45g) Strawberry Jam
1 bunch Fresh Mint Leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Bake the yellow cake according to box instructions. Let it cool completely, then slice into 1-inch cubes. Optionally, grill cubes over indirect heat for 2-3 minutes per side for a smoky flavor, then cool again.
In a large bowl, combine dry vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar. Whip on medium-high speed for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Ensure cream is cold to prevent over-whipping.
Wash and dry all berries. Hull and slice strawberries. Toss berries gently with a little sugar if needed. Keep separate from cream until assembly.
Microwave strawberry jam for 30 seconds and stir until liquid. Let cool slightly so it is warm, not hot.
Assemble the trifle in a large glass bowl: Start with a layer of cake cubes (about 1/3 of cake). Brush lightly with warm jam. Add a layer of vanilla cream, spread evenly. Add a layer of berries. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a smooth layer of cream on top.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and extra berries before serving.

Notes

Keep all equipment and cream cold to ensure proper whipping. Do not over-whip the cream or it will turn to butter. For best results, assemble the night before. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain completely to prevent a runny trifle. The cake can be grilled for a smoky flavor profile.

Prep Time: 55 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of trifle
Calories: 380
Sugar: 30
Sodium: 250
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: Labor Day dessert, berry trifle, no bake dessert, summer party food, outdoor dessert, make ahead dessert, vanilla cream trifle