This no-bake berry trifle is an effortless and stunning summer dessert! It features beautiful layers of fresh seasonal berries, fluffy whipped cream filling, and tender ladyfinger cookies that require zero oven time.
When you need a show-stopping dessert that won’t heat up your kitchen, this is your answer! It’s simple enough for beginner bakers to master, creates an impressive visual presentation, and easily serves a large group.
There are countless trifle recipes available, but this no-bake berry trifle stands out for its simplicity and fresh approach. It skips complicated custards or instant pudding mixes, and there’s no mandatory chilling period before enjoying.
What’s in this no-bake berry trifle
Here are the 3 delicious components you’ll discover in this no-bake berry trifle recipe:
Fresh berry mixture. Combine any selection of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and sliced strawberries. Enhanced with raspberry jam for glossy sweetness and natural fruit binding.
Cream cheese whipped filling. Rich vanilla-scented whipped cream enriched with cream cheese for stability and luxurious texture. This filling won’t collapse or separate during assembly and serving.
Crisp ladyfinger cookies. Store-bought savoiardi biscuits provide the perfect texture contrast. These Italian cookies absorb berry juices beautifully while maintaining their structure.
Ingredients you’ll need
Baking tip: How to soften cream cheese quickly
Room temperature cream cheese prevents lumpy mixtures. While 60 minutes at room temperature is ideal, here are faster methods when you’re short on time:
- Dice cream cheese into small cubes and spread on a plate. Rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Keep cream cheese in foil wrapper, place in a bowl, and cover with warm water for 10 minutes.
- Unwrap completely and microwave in 10-second intervals, turning after each burst, for 30-40 seconds total.
How to make no-bake berry trifle
First, you’ll prepare all 3 trifle elements, then I’ll guide you through the step-by-step layering process.
Prepare berries, cream and cookies
Create berry mixture. Warm raspberry jam in the microwave until liquid and glossy, about 1 minute. Add all fresh berries and gently fold to coat. Allow mixture to rest while preparing other components, stirring occasionally.
Whip cream mixture. Beat room temperature cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until completely smooth. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks, then carefully fold into cream cheese mixture in thirds.
Prepare ladyfingers. Break crisp ladyfinger cookies into pieces as needed for layering. No cutting required – just break by hand for rustic charm.
Layer the trifle
Now let’s assemble this beautiful no-bake berry trifle with clean, even layers.
Start with cookies. Arrange broken ladyfinger pieces across the bottom of your trifle dish in an even layer.
Add berry layer. Spoon approximately one-third of the berry mixture over cookies, including the delicious jam coating.
Spread cream layer. Dollop one-third of whipped cream mixture on top, starting from the center and spreading outward to prevent glass smearing.
Repeat layering. Continue this pattern two more times for a total of 3 layers each of cookies, berries, and cream.
Finish beautifully. End with the final cream layer, leaving a 1-inch border around edges to showcase colorful berries beneath.
Garnish and chill. Top with reserved whole berries and fresh mint if desired. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.
FAQs for this recipe
What can I substitute for a trifle dish?
If you don’t own a traditional trifle bowl, use a large clear glass mixing bowl or straight-sided glass vase for best visual impact.
Can I make this alcohol-free?
Absolutely! This no-bake berry trifle contains no alcohol and is naturally family-friendly.
What about using frozen berries?
Fresh berries work best for this no-bake berry trifle. Frozen berries release excess moisture when thawed, creating a soggy texture.
How should I store leftover trifle?
If serving within 1 hour of assembly, room temperature is fine. Otherwise, refrigerate immediately. When in doubt, keep it chilled!
Will my no-bake berry trifle get soggy overnight?
This dessert tastes best served the same day, but remains delicious for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, appearance may suffer slightly though flavor remains excellent for 2-3 days total.
More summer desserts trifle
- M&M’s Oreo Trifle
- Lotus Biscoff Trifle
- Oreo trifle
- Caramel Apple Trifle
- Dubai chocolate strawberry cups
No-Bake Berry Trifle
Description
This no-bake berry trifle is an effortless and elegant summer dessert! It features gorgeous layers of fresh berries, rich whipped cream, and crisp ladyfinger cookies.
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes, plus 8+ hours chilling
Ingredients
Berry Layer:
- ¾ cup seedless raspberry jam (8 oz)
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced ¼-inch thick (1½ pounds)
- 1 pint fresh raspberries (12 oz)
- 1 pint fresh blueberries (12 oz)
Whipped Cream Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature (preferably Philadelphia brand)
- 1¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
Cookie Layer:
- 1 package crisp ladyfingers/savoiardi biscuits (7 oz)
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large trifle bowl or glass dish
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Instructions
To prepare berry mixture:
- Reserve some berries for final garnish.
- Microwave raspberry jam in large bowl for 1 minute until hot and liquid.
- Add all fresh berries and gently toss to coat completely.
- Let mixture rest while preparing cream, stirring occasionally.
To make whipped cream filling:
- Using electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar until completely smooth and creamy.
- Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
- In separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Beat one-third of whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to lighten.
- Using rubber spatula, gently fold in remaining whipped cream until well combined and fluffy.
To assemble no-bake berry trifle:
- Cover bottom of 9-inch trifle dish with layer of ladyfingers, breaking pieces as necessary to fit.
- Spoon one-third of berry mixture over cookies, including all juices.
- Spread one-third of cream mixture evenly on top.
- Repeat layering process twice more, ending with cream layer on top.
- For final cream layer, leave 1-inch border around edge to showcase colorful fruit beneath.
- Garnish with reserved berries and fresh mint if using.
- Refrigerate minimum 8 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Storage: This no-bake berry trifle is best enjoyed within 24 hours of assembly. Store covered in refrigerator.
Variations: Feel free to substitute any combination of your favorite summer berries. Aim for approximately 4-5 cups total fresh fruit.
Serving: Use a large spoon to serve portions into individual bowls, ensuring each serving gets all layers.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (10 servings):
- Calories: 545
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Sugar: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Cholesterol: 140mg