This Berry Trifle is made with Summer Berries and Italian Pastry Cream, a delicious no bake recipe that is the perfect Summertime dessert.

berry trifle in a glass bowl with fresh fruit on top

It was one of those days and I decided to make a new type of cake. In the oven it went and out it came. I let it cool down and when I tried to remove it from the pan it started to fall apart.

But it tasted amazing.

So I knew I would have to go back and redo it until I got it right, but I also knew I could not let this poor cake finish in the Italian’s morning caffe latte. It had to have a better ending than that!

I was always interested in making a Trifle Recipe so I thought this cake would be perfect. I don’t like pudding mixes, so I decided my Italian Pastry Cream would make a tasty custard filling.

And of course berries are everywhere these days so I had to include them!

berry trifle how to make, the berry filling, cooked and cake cut into pieces

Table of Contents

What is a Trifle?

A trifle is an English dessert, consisting of layers of cake or lady fingers that are sometimes dipped in a liqueur or juice or spread with a jam or jelly, then layered with custard and fruit. It is a popular Christmas dessert.

making the pastry cream and layering in the bowl

What is the best base for a Trifle?

I used a simple but compact cake (even though it did fall apart when removing it from the pan), a pound cake makes the perfect base or even Lady fingers would work well.

layering the berry trifle cake, fruit filling and pastry cream

How to make Italian Pastry Cream for a Trifle

In a medium pot, heat over low the milk and cream, do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool to warm.
In a medium pot add yolks and sugar, whisk together until combined, then add flour and vanilla, place pot over low heat, slowly add warm milk/cream, whisking continuously until thickened.
Let cool to warm then refrigerate for about 2 hours.
Whip the cream until stiff then fold into cooled pastry cream.

berry trifle in a bowl and some in a serving bowl

Can a Trifle be made in advance?

The trifle can be made in advance and refrigerated. It should be refrigerated at least 2-3 hours before serving.

How to store a Berry Trifle:

It should not be left a room temperature for more than two hours. Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated.

It will last up to three days in the fridge, although the longer it is kept in the fridge the longer the cake or cookie base will become soggy.

What Berries work best in a Trifle?

I used fresh Summer Berries including blueberries, raspberries and chopped Nectarines, although frozen berries would work well too.

Or just choose your favourites, place in a medium pot add a little sugar, cornstarch, water and lemon juice bring to bowl and simmer just until slightly thickened.

This is what I used to soften the cake instead of a liqueur, juice or jam.

My husband declared it his new favourite! I hope it becomes one of yours too. Enjoy!