These Red, White, and Blue Trifles are the perfect dessert for your next gathering! Whether it’s the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or a summer BBQ, these trifles are a delightful way to celebrate. Their vibrant layers of strawberries and blueberries against soft angel food cake create an eye-catching presentation. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare and can be customized for any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Trifle
- For Garnish
- How to Make Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
- Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
- Step 3: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
- Step 4: Make Whipped Cream
- Step 5: Assemble Your Trifles
- How to Serve Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Individual Glasses
- Family-Style Serving
- Garnished with Fresh Fruit
- Themed Decorations
- How to Perfect Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Best Side Dishes for Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Reheating Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Red, White, and Blue Trifles ahead of time?
- What fruits can I use besides strawberries and blueberries?
- How do I customize my Red, White, and Blue Trifles?
- Are Red, White, and Blue Trifles suitable for kids?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These trifles come together in just 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option for last-minute desserts.
- Festive Presentation: The colorful layers make these trifles visually appealing for any holiday or summer event.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap fruits or change up the cake to match your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping with the assembly and can even get creative with their own trifle creations!
- No Baking Required: With store-bought angel food cake, you skip the baking hassle and focus on assembling this fun dessert.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Red, White, and Blue Trifles, gather your tools for a smooth process. Having everything ready makes preparation easy!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Small glass containers (like mason jars)
- Star-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for mixing your whipped cream and macerating strawberries.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Helps you achieve the perfect whipped cream texture quickly.
- Small glass containers: Ideal for layering your trifles, allowing everyone to have their own serving.
- Star-shaped cookie cutter: Adds a fun decoration to your dessert if you choose to create star shapes from strawberries and cake.
Ingredients
For the Trifle
- 1 angel food cake (About 12 ounces, store bought or homemade)
- 2 pounds strawberries
- 12 ounces blueberries
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Red, White, and Blue Trifles
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
Place your bowl and whisk for whipped cream in the freezer for about 20 minutes while you prep the ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
- Remove tops from strawberries and dice them into cubes.
- If making strawberry stars for garnish, cut a strawberry in half and use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to create stars.
- Set aside the stars and toss remaining diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
Step 3: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
- Cut or tear the angel food cake into ½ inch cubes.
- If desired, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make stars from a flat slice of cake.
Step 4: Make Whipped Cream
- Remove your bowl and whisk from the freezer.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar along with vanilla extract.
- Beat until soft peaks form—this should take about 1-2 minutes in a stand mixer or around 6-7 minutes by hand.
Step 5: Assemble Your Trifles
- Use 6-8 small glass containers like mason jars or drinking glasses (4-6 ounces recommended).
- Start by covering the bottom of each container with a layer of angel food cake cubes.
- Add a layer of macerated strawberries on top.
- Follow with a layer of whipped cream then add blueberries.
- Repeat these layers until you reach the top of each glass.
- Finish off with more whipped cream and garnish with strawberry and angel food cake stars if desired.
Enjoy serving these delightful Red, White, and Blue Trifles at your next celebration!
How to Serve Red, White, and Blue Trifles
Red, White, and Blue Trifles are not only visually stunning but also versatile when it comes to serving options. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful ways to present these delicious desserts.
Individual Glasses
- Using clear mason jars or small glasses allows guests to see the beautiful layers of the trifle. This presentation makes each dessert feel special and personalized.
Family-Style Serving
- For a larger gathering, consider assembling one big trifle bowl. Guests can serve themselves, making it perfect for potlucks or casual BBQs.
Garnished with Fresh Fruit
- Top each serving with additional fresh berries or mint leaves for an extra touch of color and freshness. This simple addition elevates the dessert visually.
Themed Decorations
- Decorate your serving area with red, white, and blue tableware or napkins. This adds to the festive atmosphere and enhances the overall presentation of your trifles.
How to Perfect Red, White, and Blue Trifles
Creating the perfect Red, White, and Blue Trifles is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that ideal dessert.
Chill Your Ingredients: Ensuring your cream is cold helps achieve fluffier whipped cream. Cold ingredients whip better and hold their shape longer.
Use Fresh Fruits: Always opt for ripe strawberries and blueberries. Fresh fruits add vibrant flavors and enhance the visual appeal of your trifles.
Layer Wisely: Start with cake cubes at the bottom for stability. Alternate layers carefully to showcase the beautiful colors while keeping everything balanced.
Make Ahead: Prepare components ahead of time! You can store whipped cream and macerated fruits in the fridge for up to a day before assembly. This saves time on serving day.

Best Side Dishes for Red, White, and Blue Trifles
Pairing side dishes with your Red, White, and Blue Trifles can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some delicious ideas:
Grilled Corn Salad: A fresh salad with grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, and lime dressing complements the sweetness of the trifles.
BBQ Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken skewers marinated in a tangy sauce offer a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella and basil paired with ripe tomatoes provide a refreshing bite that balances out rich flavors.
Potato Salad: A classic potato salad brings a hearty element that pairs well with lighter desserts like trifles.
Fruit Platter: An assortment of seasonal fruits can enhance the fruitiness of your trifles while offering guests more variety.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess that works beautifully alongside rich desserts like Red, White, and Blue Trifles.
Deviled Eggs: These savory bites are easy to prepare ahead of time and make for great finger food during gatherings.
Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with veggies provides a satisfying side that’s easy to share at summer events.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Red, White, and Blue Trifles, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.
- Bold Timing: Don’t rush the maceration of the strawberries. Allowing them to sit for at least 30 minutes enhances their flavor and sweetness.
- Bold Overmixing: Be cautious when whipping the cream. Overmixing can lead to butter instead of soft peaks. Stop once you reach that perfect consistency.
- Bold Layering Order: Pay attention to the layering order. Starting with cake, then fruit, followed by cream ensures even distribution and a beautiful presentation.
- Bold Choosing Containers: Using overly large containers can make your trifles less impressive. Opt for smaller glasses (4-6 ounces) for a more delightful look.
- Bold Forgetting Decorations: Don’t skip the garnish! Strawberry and angel food cake stars not only add flair but also enhance flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store assembled Red, White, and Blue Trifles in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use airtight containers or cover with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
Freezing Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of whipped cream and fruit.
- If necessary, freeze individual components separately—cake cubes can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Bold Oven: Not suitable for reheating; serve cold for best taste.
- Bold Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will alter the texture of the whipped cream.
- Bold Stovetop: There’s no need for stovetop reheating; these trifles are best enjoyed chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Red, White, and Blue Trifles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components a day in advance. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
What fruits can I use besides strawberries and blueberries?
You can experiment with raspberries or other summer fruits that complement the theme. Just ensure they are fresh!
How do I customize my Red, White, and Blue Trifles?
Feel free to add layers of yogurt or different flavored whipped creams for variety. You can also swap angel food cake for pound cake.
Are Red, White, and Blue Trifles suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love these cute desserts. They’re simple enough for little hands to help assemble too.
Final Thoughts
These Red, White, and Blue Trifles are not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for summer celebrations or festive gatherings, you can easily customize them with your favorite fruits or cakes. Try this recipe at your next BBQ or holiday event—it’s sure to impress everyone!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Red, White, and Blue Trifles
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Discover the joy of summer celebrations with these vibrant Red, White, and Blue Trifles. This delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. Featuring layers of fresh strawberries and blueberries, soft angel food cake, and fluffy whipped cream, these trifles are both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. They are quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—and can be customized with your favorite fruits for any occasion. Whether served in individual glasses or a large trifle bowl, these treats will impress your guests and add a festive touch to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 angel food cake (12 ounces)
- 2 pounds strawberries
- 12 ounces blueberries
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Chill mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
- Dice strawberries and mix with sugar; let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
- Cut angel food cake into cubes.
- Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Layer cake cubes, macerated strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries in individual glasses.
- Repeat layers until glasses are full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No baking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 trifle (200g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg