Stars and Stripes Trifle Delight
Celebrate your next gathering with this Stars and Stripes Trifle Delight, a visually stunning dessert that combined light and creamy layers with fresh berries and fluffy angel food cake. Perfect for patriotic holidays or any festive occasion, this trifle not only brings a beautiful presentation but also a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The rich cream cheese and vanilla pudding create a luscious filling, while the juicy strawberries and blueberries add a burst of freshness. This dessert is easy to prepare and will impress all your guests as it steals the spotlight on the dessert table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Powdered Sugar
1 cup
Sour Cream
8 ounces
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Cool Whip
8 ounces
Angel Food Cake
1 (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Strawberries
1 quart (sliced)
Blueberries
1 quart
Sugar
3/4 cup (divided for berries)
Orange Juice
1/2 cup
Instant Vanilla Pudding
3.5 ounces (package)
Milk
2 cups
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2
Gently fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and Cool Whip until well combined.
3
Prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to package instructions and then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
4
In separate bowls, sprinkle the sugar over the strawberries and blueberries, allowing them to sit for about 10-15 minutes to release their juices. Optionally, you can add a splash of orange juice to each bowl to enhance the fruit's flavor.
5
In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, create a tightly packed layer of angel food cake pieces at the bottom.
6
Drizzle a little orange juice over the layer of cake to keep it moist and flavorful.
7
Begin layering the trifle by adding a layer of strawberries, followed by a layer of the cream cheese mixture, then a layer of blueberries, and repeating the process until the dish is filled.
8
Finish with a final layer of the cream cheese mixture on top.
9
Garnish the top liberally with fresh berries for a stunning visual effect.
10
Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably, overnight for the best flavor and texture.
11
Serve chilled, and prepare to bask in the compliments you receive for this show-stopping dessert!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stars and Stripes Trifle Delight?
It is a layered dessert featuring angel food cake, a creamy vanilla pudding and cream cheese mixture, and fresh strawberries and blueberries.
What kind of cake is best for this trifle?
The recipe calls for one angel food cake cut into 1-inch pieces, which provides a light and airy texture.
How long does the trifle need to refrigerate?
The trifle should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though leaving it overnight produces the best flavor and texture.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream, though Cool Whip is recommended for its stability in layered desserts.
What fruits are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses one quart of sliced strawberries and one quart of blueberries.
How do I prepare the berries for the trifle?
Sprinkle sugar over the berries and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices before layering.
Why is orange juice used in this recipe?
Orange juice is used to enhance the flavor of the berries and is drizzled over the cake layers to keep them moist.
What type of pudding is used in the filling?
The recipe uses a 3.5-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding prepared with two cups of milk.
Do I need to bake anything for this dessert?
No, this is a no-bake dessert as it uses a pre-made or store-bought angel food cake.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature before beating it with powdered sugar to ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, it is actually recommended to make it at least 4 hours ahead or the day before serving.
What should I use if I don't have a trifle dish?
Any large, clear glass bowl will work so that the colorful patriotic layers are visible.
Is the sour cream necessary in the filling?
The sour cream adds a nice tang and richness that balances the sweetness of the pudding and cake.
How do I layer the trifle?
Layer the cake first, then strawberries, then the cream mixture, followed by blueberries, and repeat until the dish is full.
Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are preferred for texture and appearance, but thawed and well-drained frozen berries can be used in a pinch.
Is this recipe suitable for a 4th of July party?
Absolutely, the red strawberries and blue blueberries against the white cream create a perfect patriotic theme.
How much sugar is added to the berries?
A total of 3/4 cup of sugar is divided between the strawberries and blueberries.
What size should the cake pieces be?
The angel food cake should be cut into approximately 1-inch pieces.
Can I substitute the angel food cake with something else?
Pound cake or sponge cake can be used as alternatives, though they will be denser than angel food cake.
How should I finish the top of the trifle?
The top should be finished with a final layer of the cream cheese mixture and garnished liberally with fresh berries.
Is there a specific way to fold in the Cool Whip?
Gently fold it in by hand to maintain the airiness and volume of the mixture.
Can I add other fruits like raspberries?
Yes, adding raspberries or blackberries would complement the flavor profile well.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified, a trifle of this size typically serves 10 to 12 people.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
What does the instant pudding add to the recipe?
It adds a luscious vanilla flavor and helps thicken the cream cheese and sour cream mixture.
Can I make individual servings instead of one large dish?
Yes, you can layer the ingredients in individual clear glasses or mason jars for a personalized touch.
Is the vanilla extract important?
Yes, it provides a classic aromatic sweetness that ties the cream layers together.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat cream cheese provides a richer flavor and a sturdier texture for the layers.
Why do the berries sit with sugar for 15 minutes?
This process, called macerating, draws out the natural juices to create a light syrup.
Should I serve this dessert cold?
Yes, it is best served chilled directly from the refrigerator.