Red Velvet Trifle with Berries & Cream is a stunning layered dessert that combines rich red velvet cake, fresh berries, and luscious whipped cream. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want an elegant yet easy-to-make treat, this trifle is visually impressive and bursting with flavor. The combination of soft cake, juicy berries, and fluffy cream makes every bite irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful & Festive – The vibrant red, white, and berry layers make this a showstopper.
- Easy to Assemble – No complicated decorating—just layer and serve!
- Rich & Creamy – The soft red velvet cake pairs perfectly with light whipped cream and juicy berries.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or dinner parties.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- Buttermilk
- White vinegar
For the Whipped Cream:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the Berry Layer:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh blackberries
- Sugar (optional, to macerate the berries)
Directions
Make the Red Velvet Cake
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring.
- Add Buttermilk & Vinegar – Stir in buttermilk and vinegar for a tender cake texture.
- Combine & Bake – Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Whipped Cream
- Whip Cream – In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Prepare the Berry Layer
- Macerate Berries (Optional) – Toss sliced strawberries and other berries with sugar and let sit for 10-15 minutes to release juices.
Assemble the Trifle
- Layer the Ingredients – In a large trifle dish or individual cups, layer in this order:
- Crumbled red velvet cake
- A layer of whipped cream
- A layer of mixed berries
- Repeat until the dish is filled, finishing with whipped cream and berries on top.
- Chill & Serve – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate sauce between layers.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in a layer of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese frosting.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
- Boozy Version: Drizzle cake layers with a splash of Grand Marnier or Chambord.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as whipped cream and berries may lose texture.
- Serving Tip: Best served chilled for a refreshing taste.
FAQs
Can I use a boxed red velvet cake mix?
Yes! A cake mix is a great time-saving option.
What’s the best way to prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
Use cold heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate.
What other fruits can I use?
Bananas, cherries, or peaches work well in place of berries.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream has a fresher taste and better texture.
Do I need to soak the cake layers?
No, but if you like a moist texture, drizzle them with a little simple syrup or berry juice.
Can I make mini trifles instead of one large one?
Yes! Use small glasses or mason jars for individual servings.
Can I add cream cheese to the whipped cream?
Yes! Blend in softened cream cheese for a tangy, richer filling.
How do I keep the berries fresh in the trifle?
Assemble close to serving time, and avoid using overly juicy berries.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Trifle with Berries & Cream is a visually stunning and deliciously rich dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of soft red velvet cake, light whipped cream, and juicy berries makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, party, or a simple family treat, this trifle is sure to impress. Enjoy experimenting with different layers and flavors to make it your own!
Red Velvet Trifle with Berries & Cream
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
A stunning layered dessert with red velvet cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries
Ingredients
- 1 red velvet cake, baked and crumbled
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Bake and crumble red velvet cake.
- Make Cream Layer: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
- Assemble Trifle: In a trifle bowl, layer crumbled cake, cream mixture, fresh berries, and cherry pie filling. Repeat until full.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with extra berries and serve chilled.
Notes
- Best served after chilling for at least 2 hours.
- Swap berries for chocolate shavings for a richer version.
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