I recently whipped up a layered treat featuring tender pound cake cubes, a lively mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and smooth vanilla custard. Completing the dessert are lightly whipped cream with a hint of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. My Summer Trifle Recipes is a playful, indulgent dessert.

I love experimenting in the kitchen and this Easy Trifle Recipe is one of my new favorites. I began by cutting a store-bought pound cake into perfectly bite-sized cubes which serve as the base of this layered delight.
I then add a generous helping of fresh berries made up of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries that give each spoonful a burst of tangy flavor. Next up, I pour in a smooth vanilla custard that works so well with the natural juices of the berries while providing a rich, sun-kissed taste.
To top it off, I whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create enchanting layers reminiscent of classic chocolate trifle desserts. And if you feel a little adventurous, a handful of chocolate shavings or a dash of liqueur like rum or amaretto really elevates the indulgence.
This layered dessert is so simple yet totally impressive for any gathering.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe becuz it’s super easy to put together. I love how the different layers of pound cake, custard and berries mix together to make every bite a surprise. I also really dig the creamy whipped cream with leftover chocolate shavings on top, it makes the whole thing feel indulgent. And sometimes I add a bit of liqueur for that boozy twist which makes it even more fun to enjoy with friends.
Ingredients

- Pound cake: This base is heavy in carbs and sugars, making it very sweet; not exactly a healthy pick.
- Fresh berries: They bring fiber and vitamins, plus a tart-sweet flavor that perks up the dish.
- Vanilla custard: Smooth and creamy, adding a bit of protein with a natural dairy taste but also loads of sugar.
- Heavy whipping cream: It gives a rich, silky texture with a high fat content that makes it indulgent.
- Powdered sugar: Pure sweetness that boosts the flavor, though it’s mostly just simple carbs.
- Vanilla extract: A must for aroma and subtle sweetness in the mix.
- Chocolate shavings: They introduce a rich, decadent twist if you choose this optional treat.
- Liqueur: Offers a boozy kick and adds complex flavor notes when you want something extra.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 store-bought pound cake, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- 2 cups vanilla custard or pudding
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings (optional for a decadent twist)
- 1/4 cup of your favorite liqueur like rum or amaretto (optional if you want a boozy layer)
How to Make this
1. First, cut the store‐bought pound cake into 1 inch cubes and set them aside.
2. In your serving dish, put a single layer of pound cake cubes on the bottom. If you’re using liqueur, drizzle about 1/4 cup over the cubes to add some boozy flavor.
3. Next, spread a layer of 2 cups vanilla custard or pudding evenly over the pound cake.
4. Now add 2 cups of fresh mixed berries that include strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
5. Put another layer of pound cake cubes on top of the berries.
6. Spoon the remaining vanilla custard or pudding over that cake layer.
7. In a separate bowl, whip 2 cups heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks. (It might take a little time but it’s worth it.)
8. Gently spread the whipped cream over the top of your trifle.
9. For a decadent twist, carefully sprinkle 1/2 cup of chocolate shavings over the whipped cream.
10. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together before serving. Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Serving dish (like a glass trifle bowl)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Electric mixer (or hand whisk works too)
6. Mixing bowl (for whipping the cream)
7. Spatula or large spoon for spreading layers
FAQ
Easy Trifle Recipes Substitutions and Variations
- Store-bought pound cake: You can use an angel food cake or sponge cake as an alternative if you can’t find a pound cake.
- Fresh mixed berries: If fresh ones are hard to come by, try using frozen berries that have been thawed and drained.
- Vanilla custard: Swap out with a ready-made pudding or even mix Greek yogurt with a touch of honey and vanilla for a lighter version.
- Heavy whipping cream: You might use light cream or even coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Chocolate shavings: Instead of shavings, you could drizzle some chocolate sauce or use a few cocoa nibs to keep the decadent twist.
Pro Tips
1. Try drizzling the liqueur over the cake cubes and letting them sit for a few minutes before adding the custard; it helps the cake soak in all that flavor better.
2. If your berries are a bit tart, toss them with a tiny bit of sugar or lemon juice to bring out their sweetness and make them juicier.
3. Make sure your bowl and beaters are really cold when whipping the cream; that way youll get firmer peaks and your whipped cream won’t collapse so easily.
4. When layering, be careful not to mix things up too much; keeping each layer distinct means every spoonful gets a balanced mix of flavors.
5. For a fun twist, consider swapping out the chocolate shavings for some grated dark chocolate or even crushed cookies on top; it adds a cool texture contrast without messing up the layers.
Easy Trifle Recipes
My favorite Easy Trifle Recipes
Equipment Needed:
1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Serving dish (like a glass trifle bowl)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Electric mixer (or hand whisk works too)
6. Mixing bowl (for whipping the cream)
7. Spatula or large spoon for spreading layers
Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought pound cake, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- 2 cups vanilla custard or pudding
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings (optional for a decadent twist)
- 1/4 cup of your favorite liqueur like rum or amaretto (optional if you want a boozy layer)
Instructions:
1. First, cut the store‐bought pound cake into 1 inch cubes and set them aside.
2. In your serving dish, put a single layer of pound cake cubes on the bottom. If you’re using liqueur, drizzle about 1/4 cup over the cubes to add some boozy flavor.
3. Next, spread a layer of 2 cups vanilla custard or pudding evenly over the pound cake.
4. Now add 2 cups of fresh mixed berries that include strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
5. Put another layer of pound cake cubes on top of the berries.
6. Spoon the remaining vanilla custard or pudding over that cake layer.
7. In a separate bowl, whip 2 cups heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks. (It might take a little time but it’s worth it.)
8. Gently spread the whipped cream over the top of your trifle.
9. For a decadent twist, carefully sprinkle 1/2 cup of chocolate shavings over the whipped cream.
10. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together before serving. Enjoy!









