Description

A no-bake, 10-minute dessert featuring layers of vanilla sponge cake, silky instant vanilla custard, and fresh mixed berries. It is easy to make, looks impressive, and tastes better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or high-quality vanilla extract)
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 store-bought vanilla sponge cake (about 1 pound)
4 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon sugar (for tossing berries)
Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Wash berries thoroughly. Hull and slice strawberries into quarters if using. Toss berries with 1 teaspoon sugar and lemon zest; let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices, then drain excess liquid.
In a large bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix, sugar, and milk until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Whisk in heavy cream and vanilla bean paste until combined.
Whisk in softened butter until fully incorporated and the custard is glossy.
Tear the vanilla sponge cake into 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces (do not cut).
In a trifle dish or large glass bowls, start with a layer of cake pieces.
Spoon about 1/4 of the custard over the cake, ensuring it gets into the nooks.
Add a generous layer of mixed berries.
Repeat layers: cake, custard, berries, ending with a final layer of berries on top.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld and cake to soften.
Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, fresh berries, and mint leaves.

Notes

For best results, chill the trifle overnight to allow the cake to absorb the custard. If using frozen berries, thaw and pat dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Do not freeze this trifle as the custard will separate. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 280
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 3
Protein: 6

Keywords: fresh berry trifle, vanilla custard, no-bake dessert, easy trifle, make-ahead dessert, berry trifle, vanilla pudding trifle, summer dessert