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Perfect Red White and Blue Berry Trifle Recipe with Easy Mascarpone Cream

red white and blue berry trifle - featured image

A simple, stunning, and deeply satisfying layered dessert featuring fresh berries, silky mascarpone cream, and sponge cake, perfect for summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 store-bought pound cake or sponge cake (about 8 oz / 225 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh raspberries
  • Extra berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse all berries gently under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Hull and slice the strawberries. Toss the berries in a bowl with fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract.
  2. Slice the pound cake or sponge into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
  3. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, loosen the mascarpone cheese by stirring gently. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone using a spatula. Stir in lemon zest if desired.
  4. Start with a layer of cake cubes at the bottom of your bowl. Spoon a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the cake. Add a layer of berries. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a cream layer on top.
  5. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, garnish with extra berries and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Notes

Do not overwhip the cream; fold mascarpone and whipped cream gently. Use fresh, firm berries to avoid sogginess. Chill at least 2 hours for best flavor and texture. Frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained well. Substitutions include coconut cream for dairy-free and gluten-free sponge cake for gluten-free needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: berry trifle, mascarpone cream, summer dessert, patriotic dessert, easy trifle, layered dessert, red white and blue dessert