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fourth of july dessert

Delicious Fourth of July Dessert: Red, White, and Blue Trifle

Celebrate Independence Day with this delightful Red, White, and Blue Trifle, a perfect fourth of July dessert featuring layers of fresh fruits and creamy pudding.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • large glass bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Vanilla Pudding

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream light cream can be used for a lighter version
  • 4 large egg yolks provides creamy texture
  • 2 cups 2% milk substitute with any milk for dietary needs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar can use brown sugar for a different flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract use pure vanilla for best flavor

For the Trifle Layers

  • 1 large angel food cake can be substituted with pound cake for a denser layer
  • 2 cups strawberries fresh red fruit
  • 1 cup cherries provides vibrant color and flavor
  • 1 cup raspberries adds tartness
  • 1 cup blueberries sweet fruit for the blue layer
  • 1/2 cup blackberries adds variety to the blue fruit layer

For the Whipped Topping

  • 8 oz cream cheese adds depth to the topping
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream coconut cream can be a dairy-free option
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest adds refreshing citrus flavor

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Whisk together cornstarch and salt in a bowl. Gradually add heavy cream and egg yolks until well combined. In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar over medium heat until bubbling, then mix with the cornstarch mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool.
  • Pack half of the angel food cake into a large glass bowl, breaking it into pieces as needed. Pour half of the warm vanilla pudding over the cake layer. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Once chilled, spread a layer of fresh red fruits on top of the pudding. Add a generous layer of whipped cream, then place the remaining cake pieces over the cream. Pour in the second layer of pudding, followed by your blue fruits, and finish with another fluffy layer of whipped cream.
  • Top the trifle with sliced strawberries and remaining blueberries for a vibrant finish. Chill for another 30 minutes to an hour before serving.

Notes

Optional: Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color. Prepare the pudding a day in advance for best results.
Keyword festive dessert, fourth of July dessert, Independence Day dessert, red white and blue dessert, summer dessert, trifle