“Love My Berries” Trifle Recipe

February means Valentine’s Day is almost here. *bats eyelashes in an attempt to look seductive*

And while I usually create a chocolate recipe on Valentine’s Day for personal reasons which can be found here and here, I am busting out of my chocolate mold – so to speak – to make a tasty fruit dessert for my berry-loving husband of British descent. 

Eric is awesome in that he encourages me subliminally to always have his favorite berries in the house. He usually says something like, “I love my berries!” or some other such thing to let me know that it makes him happy. And it totally works on me. 

Also, I’m participating in this month’s Valentine’s Day Dessert Challenge inspired by my latest box from Melissa’s Produce, but that’s not important right now. 

Big thanks to Melissa’s for the beautiful and generous box of beauty this month. Without further ado, here’s my favorite recipe for a not-completely-traditional berry trifle. 

“Love My Berries” Mixed Fruit Trifle

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound cake (store bought from the Von’s Bakery section) – NOTE: You can also use angel food cake – cut into 1 inch squares
• 1 – 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granualted white sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice ( about 1/2 lemon)
• 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, sliced, plus whole ones for garnish at top
• 6 oz. blueberries
• 6 oz. raspberries
• 1 (3.4 oz) box Jell-O Vanilla Flavored Instant Pudding
• 2 cups cold milk. (for pudding)
• 1 – 8 oz. container Cool Whip (or whipped cream) 
• extra strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for decor.

MAKE THE VANILLA PUDDING

1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together 2 cups cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix.
2. Whisk together for 2 minutes, then set aside for about 5 minutes in refrigerator. 

MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE LAYER

1. In a medium/large mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese, add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Using a hand-held electric mixer, mix together until combined, set aside. 

ASSEMBLE THE TRIFLE

1. Arrange 1/2 the pound cake cubes along the bottom of the trifle bowl. 

2. Arrange a little less than 1/3 of the 3 types of berries in 1 even layer. Making sure to place some around edge to make them visible. 

3. Add the cream cheese layer, spread evenly with a spatula.

4. Add half the vanilla pudding mixture, which should already be starting to set. Spread evenly. 

5. Repeat to create two layers: pound cake, berries, cream cheese spread, vanilla pudding. Ending with Cool Whip in the center and a few berries for garnish. 

Buen Provecho!

Happy Valentine’s Day to my sweetheart of almost 30 years. And Big Thanks to Melissa’s Produce for making this Valentine’s Day so sweet. 

If you liked this recipe, let me suggest my friends who also developed some delightful recipes from this challenge. 

Fruit Crepe Cake for Your Valentine’s Day Dessert

Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe

Blueberry and Lemon Pancakes