Red, White and Blue Dessert

Searching for a no-bake treat to bring to a summer barbecue or Fourth of July celebration? Say hello to your new go-to patriotic dessert. This red, white and blue trifle dessert is lighter than a flag cake or mixed berry pie, but is every bit as colorful, festive and irresistible. Juicy strawberries and blueberries are layered with a fluffy mixture of sweetened cream cheese and whipped cream, making it a refreshing finish to a filling meal. The best part? This fuss-free recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Red, White and Blue Dessert

• Cream cheese: Rich and tangy creamy cheese is the base of our creamy dessert layer. Be sure to soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Sugar: We use granulated sugar to sweeten the cream cheese and whipping cream. The sweetness also helps balance the sweet-tart flavor of the berries. If you need a low-carb option, use a granulated sugar alternative.
• Extracts: Vanilla and almond extracts enhance the sweetness of the creamy layer. Almond extract has a strong flavor; if you’re not a fan, leave it out and use a full teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
• Heavy whipping cream: We whip the cream, then fold it into the dense cream cheese to give it a lighter, fluffier texture. Whipped topping works in a pinch, but nothing beats the taste and texture of freshly whipped cream.
• Berries: Fresh strawberries and blueberries are the stars of this patriotic dessert, adding vibrant color, natural sweetness and a juicy texture. Look for firm, ripe berries that are uniform in size, and wash the berries beforehand. Don’t forget to pick over the blueberries to remove any stems, and hull the strawberries before slicing them.

Directions

Step 1: Make the creamy layer

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar, vanilla extract and almond extract until light and fluffy. Fold in the whipped cream—gently so it doesn’t deflate. Spread a third of the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a 4-quart bowl or trifle dish.

Editor’s Tip: Chill your bowl and beaters before making the whipped cream—the cold helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape better.

Step 2: Layer the dessert

Set aside 20 strawberry halves and 1/2 cup of blueberries for the decorative flag garnish. Then, layer half the remaining strawberries and blueberries over the cream cheese base.

Add another third of the cream cheese mixture and the remaining berries. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Arrange the reserved blueberries in the upper left corner and the strawberries in rows to represent the stars and stripes of the American flag.

Taste Recipes

Red, White and Blue Dessert Variations

• Change up the fruit: For a twist on the red and blue layers, swap in raspberries, blackberries or pitted cherries.
• Layer with cake: Add layers of cubed pound cake, angel food cake or ladyfinger cookies for a more filling trifle with added texture.
• Add a fruit spread: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam, raspberry sauce or lemon curd between the cream and berry layers to enhance the fruity flavors and add more sweetness.
• Make mini desserts: Assemble individual servings in Mason jars, parfait glasses or clear plastic cups—perfect for picnics with no need for scooping.
• Try it with yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter dessert that tastes like a breakfast parfait.
• Add marshmallow fluff: Sweeten the cream cheese mixture with 1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff instead of sugar, like in this dreamy fruit dip recipe.

How to Store Red, White and Blue Dessert

Tightly cover the trifle dish or serving bowl with storage wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve it. You can store leftovers in the covered serving dish or transfer them to an airtight container. This red, white and blue trifle will stay fresh for up to three days—though it might not last that long since it’s so hard to resist!

Can you make this red, white and blue dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this red, white and blue dessert recipe ahead of time. Letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight gives the cream cheese layer a chance to set and helps the flavors develop. Just know the berries may start to soften and release juice the longer it sits. To keep it looking fresh, store the reserved berries in an airtight container and add them just before serving.

Red, White and Blue Dessert Tips

Taste Recipes

Can you use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

Sure! You can use a whipped topping like Cool Whip instead of freshly whipped cream to save time and cut down on dishes. It still gives the cream cheese mixture a light, fluffy texture, but it tastes sweeter and less rich than homemade whipped cream.

Keep in mind that this recipe calls for 4 cups of whipped cream, and a standard tub of whipped topping contains roughly 3 cups. You’ll need to purchase two tubs and measure out what you need.

Can you use frozen berries in a trifle?

You can use frozen berries in a trifle, but fresh is best for this recipe—especially since the berries are used to decorate the top layer. Frozen berries release a lot of juice as they thaw and have a softer texture than their fresh counterparts, so they may make the layers a bit soggy. If you want to use frozen berries, thaw and drain them well before layering them with the cream cheese mixture. For the best presentation, stick with fresh berries for the flag design.

What can you use if you don’t have a trifle bowl?

If you don’t have a trifle bowl, a large glass mixing bowl works just as well to show off the red, white and blue layers. You could also use a glass baking dish, salad bowl or punch bowl, or you could make individual-sized desserts in Mason jars or stemless wine glasses.