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Luscious Fresh Berry Trifle with Mascarpone

fresh berry trifle with mascarpone - featured image

A quick and easy summer dessert featuring layers of fresh berries, airy mascarpone cream, and soft sponge cake. Perfect for family gatherings and potlucks, this trifle delivers a creamy, fruity indulgence without any baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups fresh berries (strawberries hulled and sliced, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 8 ounces sponge cake or pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons optional liqueur (Grand Marnier or Chambord)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries gently under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Hull and slice the strawberries into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Set aside about 1 cup of mixed berries for garnish.
  2. In a chilled large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. In another bowl, combine 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to keep it light and fluffy.
  4. Cut sponge or pound cake into 1-inch cubes. If using liqueur, lightly brush the cubes with 2 tablespoons of your choice.
  5. In a trifle bowl, layer cake cubes evenly on the bottom. Spoon a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the cake, then scatter a layer of mixed berries. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with reserved berries on top.
  6. Cover the trifle bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 hours, to allow flavors to meld and cake to soak up cream and berry juices.
  7. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Scoop into bowls and enjoy.

Notes

Keep mascarpone and heavy cream cold until mixing to prevent runniness. Fold whipped cream gently into mascarpone to maintain airiness. Chill trifle for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and cake to soak properly. Use firm cake to avoid sogginess. Optional liqueur adds a boozy note but can be omitted for kids.

Nutrition

Keywords: berry trifle, mascarpone dessert, summer dessert, easy trifle, fresh berries, no bake dessert, family dessert, potluck dessert