This mixed summer berry trifle is a delightful, show stopping dessert. Two layers of angel food cake, vanilla-lemon cream cheese, vanilla pudding, mixed berries and whipped topping.
10ouncesangel food cakecut into 1-1 1/2 inch cubes
8ouncesNeufchatelor cream cheese or Mascarpone cheese
1/2cupgranulated white sugar
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1tablespoonfresh squeezed lemon juice
2poundsstrawberriesplus more for garnish
6ouncesblackberriesplus more for garnish
6ouncesraspberriesplus more for garnish
3.4ounceVanilla flavored Instant Jello pudding
2cupscold milk
8ounceCool Whip or fresh whipped cream
fresh mint leavesoptional
Instructions
Prepare pudding:
In a medium mixing bowl, add 2 cups cold milk, add the instant vanilla pudding mix, whisk together for 2 minutes and set aside for 5 minutes to set in the refrigerator.
Prepare cream cheese layer:
In a medium-large mixing bowl, add the Neufchatel/cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract and lemon juice. Using a hand-held electric mixer, mix together until combined, set aside.
Assemble:
Arrange 1/2 the angel food cubes around the bottom of the trifle container.
Arrange a little less than 1/3 of the 3 types of berries in 1 even layer. I suggest arranging the blackberries and red berries in an alternating pattern, if using a clear, glass trifle container.
Add half the Neufchatel/cream cheese layer, spread evenly with an offset spatula or baking spatula.
Add half the vanilla pudding mixture, spread evenly.
Repeat until you have 2 layers each of angel food cake, berries, cream cheese, vanilla pudding and 3 layers of mixed berries.
Top the last layer of berries with Cool Whip in the center. Use an offset or baking spatula to form a "pillow" and garnish with the last of the berries and optional mint sprigs.
Serve in individual parfait glasses.
Notes
Make sure to get those berries completely dry before assembling the trifle, you do not want any added moisture. I use paper towels or kitchen towels.
You can make this dessert the night before you serve it, just wait to garnish with the Cool Whip, berries and mint before serving.
Here's a special hint with this recipe, make sure you pick out the prettiest berries for topping later before you assemble the trifle or just grab an extra carton of your favorite berries if you want to make sure you don't run out.