Description
A simple, no-bake summer dessert featuring layers of whipped cream, fresh berries, and cookies. This beginner-proof recipe requires zero baking and comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet (2.5 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 3–4 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 package vanilla wafers or ladyfingers (about 30 cookies)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and slice the berries. Toss them with lemon juice and let them sit.
- Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 10 seconds until liquid, then let it cool slightly.
- In a large chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly drizzle the melted gelatin into the whipped cream while mixing on low speed until combined.
- In a large glass trifle bowl, create layers: start with crushed cookies, followed by a layer of whipped cream, then a layer of berries.
- Repeat the layers (cookies, cream, berries) two more times, ending with cream on top.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set.
- Serve chilled, garnished with fresh berries or mint if desired.
Notes
Keep all equipment and cream cold for best whipping results. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess. The gelatin is crucial if the trifle will sit out at room temperature for a party. For a cheesecake variation, mix softened cream cheese into the whipped cream. This trifle is best made the night before to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: berry trifle, summer dessert, no bake dessert, easy trifle, beginner friendly, cookout dessert, whipped cream dessert, layered dessert