Posted by Looking for a showstopping dessert that caters to a gluten-free crowd and celebrates the flavors of fresh berries and creamy cheesecake? This gluten-free trifle recipe is an irresistible choice! Layers of light angel food cake, rich cream cheese filling, and vibrant fresh fruit create a perfect combination that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a casual family gathering, this dessert is sure to impress.
This gluten-free trifle combines some of the most beloved ingredients in the world of desserts: soft, fluffy angel food cake, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a medley of juicy berries. The layers are not only visually stunning but also offer a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures, from the spongy cake to the tangy cream cheese filling and the natural sweetness of the berries.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
For this gluten-free trifle recipe, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients to ensure each layer comes together beautifully:
• 1 gluten-free angel food cake (either homemade or from a pre-made mix) • 1 lb (452g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature • ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar for sweetness • 2 cups (480ml) cold heavy whipping cream to help form soft peaks • 2 quarts (1.89kg) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced • 2 pints (946g) blueberries for a burst of vibrant color and flavor
These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s not only gluten-free but also visually striking and absolutely delicious.
How to Prepare This Easy Gluten-Free Trifle
Step 1: Preparing the Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake
The foundation of this trifle is the gluten-free angel food cake, which provides a light and airy base that absorbs the flavors of the cream and fruit beautifully. You can make this cake from scratch using gluten-free flour or opt for a pre-made mix if you prefer a quicker option. Either way, the cake should be baked according to the instructions provided on your recipe or cake mix. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before cutting or tearing it into small, bite-sized cubes. This ensures that the cake remains firm and easy to layer without falling apart.
Step 2: Making the Cream Cheese Filling
The next step in crafting your trifle is preparing the luscious cream cheese mixture that gives this dessert its signature flavor. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. The sugar will help cut the tanginess of the cream cheese, resulting in a balanced sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the other layers.
Once the cream cheese and sugar are well combined, it’s time to add the cold heavy whipping cream. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue whipping until the mixture forms soft peaks. This step creates a light and fluffy texture for the cream cheese filling, which will seamlessly blend into the other layers of the trifle.
Step 3: Layering the Trifle
Now comes the fun part: assembling your gluten-free trifle! Begin by selecting a large glass bowl or a traditional trifle dish, where the vibrant layers will be on full display. Start with a layer of gluten-free angel food cake cubes at the bottom. Follow this with a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the cake. Then, add a layer of fresh strawberries and blueberries, ensuring that the fruit is evenly distributed across the dessert.
Repeat the layering process with another round of angel food cake cubes, followed by the cream cheese mixture and another layer of berries. The final layer should be a beautiful array of strawberries and blueberries to garnish the top, making the trifle not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Step 4: Refrigerating the Trifle
Once assembled, it’s time to let the trifle set and allow the flavors to meld together. Cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. The trifle should chill for at least one hour, though letting it sit overnight will enhance the flavor even more. The longer the dessert sits, the more the layers will absorb each other, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Serving the Trifle
Once chilled, the trifle is ready to serve! It’s best enjoyed cold and can be served straight from the trifle dish or in individual bowls. The combination of soft cake, creamy filling, and fresh fruit will make this gluten-free trifle a hit at any celebration. Not only is it a delightful dessert for gluten-free guests, but it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy!
Storage Tips for Your Trifle
This gluten-free berry trifle is not only easy to make but also stores well in the refrigerator. Leftovers (if there are any) can be kept for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or to serve over multiple days. However, as with any layered dessert, the texture may slightly change as it sits, so it’s always best enjoyed within a couple of days for the freshest experience.
Gluten Free Trifle Recipe
If you’re short on time but still craving a delicious gluten-free trifle, this simplified version is just what you need. With a quick prep time and minimal ingredients, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress in no time.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
• 1 gluten-free angel food cake (homemade or made from a mix)
• 1 lb (452g) cream cheese, softened
• ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480ml) cold heavy whipping cream
• 2 quarts (1.89kg) strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 pints (946g) blueberries
Instructions:
- Prepare the gluten-free angel food cake according to the instructions, whether homemade or from a mix. Let it cool completely, then cut or tear it into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth. Add the cold whipping cream and whip until soft peaks form.
- In a large glass trifle dish, layer the cake cubes, followed by a layer of the cream cheese mixture and fresh berries. Repeat the layers, finishing with a topping of berries.
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least one hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Enjoy this easy-to-make, gluten-free dessert at your next gathering! It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
