Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Toss fruit
- Toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl until evenly coated. The berries should look glossy and lightly wet.
- Let the strawberries sit for 15 minutes. A syrupy juice should form in the bowl.
Make the cream filling
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stop and scrape the bowl once to remove lumps.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until creamy and fully combined. The mixture should look thick and uniform.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. Lift the whisk—peaks should stand upright without drooping.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no white streaks remain. Use gentle strokes to keep the filling airy.
Assemble the trifle
- Place a layer of the cake cubes into a trifle bowl. Arrange them so the bottom is evenly covered.
- Spread a layer of the cream mixture over the cake cubes. Smooth it lightly so it reaches the edges.
- Add a layer of the strawberries and blueberries. Distribute fruit evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Repeat the layers (cake, cream, then fruit) until the bowl is full. Press very lightly only if needed to settle layers.
- Finish with extra strawberries and extra blueberries on top. Add fresh mint leaves (optional) for garnish.
Chill and serve
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours. Chilling will set the cream and help the cake absorb berry juices.
- Serve chilled. Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for best texture.
Notes
Pro tip: soften the cream cheese fully and whip the cream to true stiff peaks so the layers hold their shape after chilling. Refrigerate covered for 3 days; freeze not recommended for the best whipped-cream texture. For a lighter option, swap half of the heavy whipping cream for the same amount of well-chilled lactose-free or reduced-fat whipping cream if available.
