Berry Trifle

July Fourth is just around the corner! Hard to believe!  Here in Seattle, we are dealing with some major sun and heat!  It's unusual for us to have so many warm summer days.  It's really too hot for me to think about turning on my oven.  I just get too lazy when it's hot.  This is a perfect summer dessert because there is no baking involved and you can utilize those tasty summer berries! Also, as you can see, it's the perfect color scheme for your 4th of July BBQ.

This trifle is nice for those hot days when you want something sweet, but not heavy.  It's loaded with fresh fruit.  Angel food cake provides the base with a vanilla pudding and Cool Whip filling.  I so rarely eat angel food cake, but when I do, I really like it!  It feels like the perfect cake for summer.

Definitely bring this treat to your summer parties. It takes very little prep and travels easily.  A perfect dessert for kids and adults.  I added some red, white, and blue sprinkles to make it even more festive.  I especially love the little bit of almond extract the recipe calls for.  It's very subtle, but a great flavor enhancer.  Can you guys believe I'm sharing a dessert without peanut butter?!

Berry Trifle

adapted from Kraft

1 prepared angel food cake cut into cubes

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 Tablespoons orange juice

1 large box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 oz)

3 cups milk

2 cups thawed Cool Whip, reserve 1/2 cup for garnish

1 pound strawberries, hulled and cut

2 1/2 cups blueberries

Place angel food cake cubes in a large bowl.   Mix together orange juice and almond extract.  Pour over angel food cake cubes and toss to coat.

Whisk pudding mix into three cups cold milk.  Whisk for about 2 minutes or until pudding starts to soft set.  Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups Cool Whip. 

In a large bowl, or trifle dish, layer cake cubes, pudding mix, and evenly distribute fruit. Repeat one more time.  I like to save a little fruit to layer on top.  Refrigerate for at least two hours.  Garnish with 1/2 cup Cool Whip just prior to serving.

Is that simple or what?  You could easily add other fruit of your choosing.  Maybe even substitute pound cake for the angel food cake?  Might take away the "light" factor??

I hope you all are enjoying your summer and sharing good food and good times with people you love.  Speaking of....