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Easy No-Bake Berry Trifle: Best Labor Day Dessert

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This Easy No-Bake Berry Trifle is the perfect stress-free dessert for Labor Day weekend. With layers of fresh macerated berries, creamy mascarpone, tender cake, and a crunchy cookie topping, it comes together in just 20 minutes of active work and looks stunning without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 store-bought pound cake or angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
  • 1/4 cup berry juice or simple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled shortbread cookies or graham crackers
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Extra berries for the top layer

Instructions

  1. Macerate the berries: In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Gently toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes until syrup forms.
  2. Make the cream layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Add softened mascarpone cheese and whip on low speed just until combined and smooth.
  3. Prepare the cake: Cut pound cake or angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. If desired, lightly brush or drizzle with reserved berry juice or simple syrup.
  4. First layer: Spread half of the cake cubes evenly across the bottom of a trifle bowl. Press down gently.
  5. Second layer: Spoon half of the macerated berries over the cake layer, including about half of the syrup.
  6. Third layer: Spoon half of the mascarpone cream over the berries. Spread gently to the edges.
  7. Fourth layer: Sprinkle half of the crumbled shortbread cookies or graham crackers over the cream.
  8. Repeat layers: Add remaining cake cubes, then remaining berries and syrup, then remaining cream. Spread top cream layer smoothly.
  9. Garnish and chill: Top with reserved fresh berries and mint leaves. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling time—the trifle needs at least 4 hours to set properly. Overnight is even better. Use full-fat mascarpone for best results. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain well before using. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free cake and cookies.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, berry trifle, Labor Day dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, no-bake, trifle, berries, mascarpone

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/easy-no-bake-berry-trifle-best-labor-day-dessert/