A classic dessert, this Easy Triple Berry Patriotic Trifle Recipe is a gluten-free and deliciously moist crowd-pleaser recipe. A refreshing, and colorful dessert made with pound cake and topped with layers of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and sweet berries. This trifle recipe is the perfect choice for summer celebrations and is perfect for July 4th.
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This easy dessert always steals the show, especially for the Fourth of July or other summer holidays. This gluten-free trifle is as colorful as it is tasty. You can make this recipe with items bought at your grocery store or make most of it from scratch.
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Though there are multiple layers, trifles are easy to put together in any clear glass bowl, and there are a lot of variations. This recipe was inspired by my Mixed Berry Galette recipe, my Lemon Blueberry Cookies, and my Mixed Berry Crisp.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy: Each layer is made with just a handful of simple ingredients and the trifle comes together quickly.
- Bright and colorful: Thanks to the medley of berries, this trifle has beautiful layers that make it an aesthetically pleasing dessert addition to any table.
- Versatile: Delicious as written, this trifle can be varied with new flavors if you want to adapt it.
- Store-bought Ingredients: You can simply buy a ready-made pound cake, use already prepared pudding, and buy Cool Whip in the freezer section. Add berries and you are done.
Recipe Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this gluten-free trifle:
See the recipe card for quantities.
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Additions & Substitutions
Below are a few ways to adapt the recipe to make it unique to your occasion.
Additions:
- Fruit: You can make this trifle with all three berries, just one berry, or even another fruit like sliced bananas. You can do specific layers like a layer of strawberries, a layer of blueberries, and a layer of raspberries in between the pudding and cream layers.
- Zesty: Sprinkle some lemon zest onto the layers for a burst of freshness. You can also use lemon curd in place of the vanilla pudding.
- Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, make the pound cake a chocolate one or whip together chocolate pudding and serve it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- Almond: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the heavy whipping cream when whipping so you have an almond flavored whipping cream.
Substitutions
- Sauce: You can vary the sauce by using only raspberries or only blueberries or, if you wish, make the sauce a triple berry one!
- Pound Cake: You can substitute a store-bought angel food cake or buy a gluten-free mix.
- Pudding Mix: You can substitute a white chocolate pudding mix or even a dark or milk chocolate pudding mix.
How To Make A Patriotic Trifle: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1
Make the strawberry sauce. Combine the cut strawberries and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until the strawberries break down, the sugar dissolves, and it is simmering. Stir occasionally. About 5-10 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Step 2
Bake the pound cake according to the package directions and let it cool before cutting it into cubes.
Step 3
Make the vanilla pudding per the instructions on the box and let it chill in the refrigerator.
Step 4
On high speed, whip the heavy cream using a whisk attachment. You can use either your stand mixer or a hand mixer whipping until stiff peaks have formed. If using Cool Whip, make sure it has defrosted in the refrigerator.
Step 5
Combine the fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries, and fresh blueberries in a large bowl.
Step 6
Assemble the trifle by layering half of the gluten-free pound cake on the bottom of a trifle bowl followed by fresh berries, half of the pudding, and half of the whipped cream.
Step 7
Repeat this again but place the strawberry sauce on top of the berries. Finish with fresh extra berries on top of the trifle and then garnish with fresh mint or another topping before serving.
Confidence Tips
- You can either mix the berries together and portion them into the trifle or separate the trifle layers with each berry to make for a fun look.
- If you need to, you can assemble and serve this gluten-free berry trifle into separate bowls, which is fun for gatherings like bridal and baby showers.
Storage And Reheating
Store leftover trifle with plastic wrap on top of the dish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The longer it is stored, the more moist the cake becomes so it’s best if eaten quickly or the next day.
What sort of bowl is best for this berry trifle?
A classic trifle bowl is a large, deep glass bowl with straight sides, on a pedestal. There are many brands you can buy, and they're sold at most kitchen supply stores and many online locations.
If you don't have a trifle bowl, I don't really recommend buying one. You can assemble this trifle in any glass bowl or glass serving dish, even if it doesn't have straight sides.
The glass bowl is important, so everyone can see the layers inside. You can also assemble the trifle layers in individual glass canning jars as well.
The bowl you see in the photos here is a trifle bowl.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
You can prepare the pudding, pound cake, whipping cream, and strawberry sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. However, the trifle tastes best when assembled within about 4 hours.
Cutting the gluten-free pound cake into cubes allows the trifle to be served easier and can be scooped with a spoon.
Other Delicious Dessert Recipes
- 3 Ingredient Peach Sorbet Recipe (No Ice Cream Maker)
- Easy Mixed Berry Galette Recipe
- Easy Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroon Recipe
- Simple Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Simple Nutella Pie Recipe With A No Bake Gluten-Free Option
This is one of my favorite desserts to serve for Fourth of July celebrations. It is the perfect dessert and so much fun to put together. It can easily become a last-minute dessert with items bought at the store and is one of the classic trifle recipes.
This gluten-free berry trifle is a recipe you’ll keep on repeat as it is the perfect summer dessert, especially for your Fourth of July or Labor Day celebrations.
Did you try this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Scroll down to the comment section and leave a ⭐️ rating and review. Share it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
xoxoxo
Gwen
Easy Triple Berry Patriotic Trifle Recipe (GF)
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Ingredients
Trifle
- 1 vanilla pound cake
- 1 instant vanilla pudding mix 5 oz box prepared
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream whipped, or 2 containers of Cool Whip
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 16 oz strawberries
- 16 oz blueberries
- 12 oz raspberries
Sauce
- 16 oz strawberries
- ⅓ cup sugar
Instructions
Make The Sauce
- Cut the strawberries into quarters or dice them.
- Combine the strawberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Cook until the strawberries begin to break down and it is simmering, about 5-10 minutes.
- Let it cool to room temperature. Can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator.
Pound Cake
- You can purchase a store-bought pound cake but I use a gluten-free pound cake mix.
- Make according to the package instructions. It can be made ahead and kept on the counter.
- Let it cool to room temperature then cube the pound cake when ready to use.
Pudding
- Make according to the box. Can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator.
Whipping Cream
- If you are using Cool Whip, make sure you defrost the cartons a day ahead.
- If you are using heavy whipping cream, place the cream and sugar into a bowl.
- Whip until you get stiff peaks. This can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator.
Berries
- Place all the berries into a large bowl and combine.
Assemble In The Following Order:
- ½ of the pound cake cubes
- Berries
- ½ of the pudding
- ½ of the whipped cream
- Pound cake
- Berries
- Sauce (I like this on the top layer only)
- Pudding
- Whipped cream
- Top with berries and any garnish of your choice. I like mint leaves.
Notes
Additions & Substitutions
Below are a few ways to adapt the recipe to make it unique to your occasion.Additions:
-
- Fruit: You can make this trifle with all three berries, just one berry, or even another fruit like sliced bananas. You can do specific layers like a layer of strawberries, a layer of blueberries, and a layer of raspberries in between the pudding and cream layers.
-
- Zesty: Sprinkle some lemon zest onto the layers for a burst of freshness. You can also use lemon curd in place of the vanilla pudding.
-
- Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, make the pound cake a chocolate one or whip together chocolate pudding and serve it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
-
- Almond: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the heavy whipping cream when whipping so you have an almond flavored whipping cream.
Substitutions
-
- Sauce: You can vary the sauce by using only raspberries or only blueberries, or, if you wish make the sauce a triple berry one!
-
- Pound Cake: You can substitute a store-bought angel food cake or buy a gluten-free mix.
-
- Pudding Mix: You can substitute a white chocolate pudding mix or even a dark or milk chocolate pudding mix.
Nutrition
Related
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Nikki
This was so yummy! I made a small portion just to try it out! Can't wait to make it again for the 4th!
Mina
Made this for a dinner party over the weekend and wow everybody loved it! Super easy, moist and perfect for summer treat! Kept on telling everyone it's gluten-free 🙂
Paula
This went down a storm at a family BBQ on the weekend and it was really easy as you said it would be - thanks so much for this lovely recipe. I'm going to be back soon to make it again!
Claire
I made this today for potluck and I saw so many people go back for seconds. It was so good!
Pearl
The trifle turned out beautifully. I made individual servings for my sister's baby shower, and they looked and tasted fantastic. The almond-flavored whipped cream was a nice addition. Everyone loved it!
Pia
This recipe taste so good! Added it to my fave dessert recipes 🙂
Kristin
So much deliciousness! I served this for a backyard party last weekend and not on crumb was left. Great recipe, thanks!
Katy
This was a real hit at a family BBQ and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite too!
Michelle
Made this for a baby shower and it was beautiful! Got a lot of compliments on how pretty it was an dhow good it tasted!
Angela
This Easy Triple Berry Patriotic Trifle Recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to make it for the next patriotic celebration. Thanks for sharing!