Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
  • 1 package (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 pint (473 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the vanilla cake according to package directions. Bake, cool completely, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken. (Refrigerate for 30 minutes for a firmer set.)
  3. Gently toss the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with the granulated sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes (enhances flavor and creates a delicious juice).
  4. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  5. In the trifle bowl, layer half of the cake cubes, followed by half of the custard, and half of the berry mixture. Repeat layers.
  6. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the trifle.
  7. Decorate the top with extra berries arranged in a star pattern or with red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional).
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.