A patriotic berry trifle is a perfect dessert for your 4th of July celebration. This red, white, and blue treat celebrates the holiday with fresh berries and creamy layers. It’s festive, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Red, White, and Blue Trifle Recipe
Patriotic berry trifle is a festive twist on the classic trifle. It’s designed to showcase the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag. This makes it especially popular for U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Flag Day.

It features layers of red strawberries, blueberries, and white elements like whipped cream, custard, or angel food cake. This no-bake dessert is popular for its simplicity, refreshing taste, and eye-catching presentation.
This berry trifle pairs well with refreshing drinks, such as sparkling wines, champagne, rosé, or light whites. Berry-infused lemonades or iced teas are a great non-alcoholic match.
For a festive twist, try berry mojitos, citrus spritzes, or gin and tonics with fresh berries. Cold brew or iced coffee also balances the trifle’s sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
Here’s how to make the patriotic berry trifle, one of the best 4th of July desserts.

Patriotic Berry Trifle (Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Berry Trifle)
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 pound cake or angel food cake cut into 1-inch cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pint strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pint raspberries optional for more red
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest optional for brightness
Instructions
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped cream gently to lighten it up.
- Start with a layer of cake cubes. Add a layer of the cream cheese mixture. Top with a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Repeat the layers until you reach the top.
- Finish with a layer of whipped cream and decorate with berries in a flag or star pattern if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Replace with vanilla pudding or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- For a festive touch, decorate the top with berry stars or American flag stripes!
Variations
There are many creative ways to vary this dessert beyond the classic recipe. Here are some common and fun patriotic berry trifle variations:
- Cake Options
- Substitute angel food cake with pound cake or sponge cake for a denser texture.
- Use gluten-free pound cake for dietary needs.
- Cream and Filling Variations
- Swap classic whipped cream for a cream cheese mixture, white chocolate cream, or even a lemon curd and cream cheese blend for a tangy twist.
- Use vanilla pudding or custard as a creamy layer.
- Flavor Enhancements
- Drizzle cake layers with berry liqueur or Grand Marnier for an adult version.
- Brush cake cubes with lemon syrup for a citrusy note.