Semi-homemade Mixed Berry Trifle

First of all, can I just give a shout out to these beautiful berries? I mean, look at them!

Now we got that out of the way let's talk trifles. I know what you might me thinking, oh how original, another 4th of July dessert that uses strawberries and blueberries but there is something sooo delicious about that perfect bite of fresh berries, cream, and lightly sweetened cake that is just too tasty to resist. So yes, I did make a typical 4th of July dessert and ya know what? I have no shame!

This trifle is layered with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, angel food cake, and a cool whip and vanilla pudding combo. I like to mix in cool whip with my pudding because I feel like it gives it a better texture, instead of just getting heavy ol' vanilla pudding you get a wonderful light and whippy vanilla cream. I also like this design on the side with the strawberries, it takes a little extra time and effort but I think the end result is well worth it!

Okay..maybe a little more than three...

Semi-homemade Mixed Berry Trifle

1 round angel food cake cut into cubes (about 4-5 cups)
mixed berries of your choice, I used:
1 pint of blueberries
6 oz. raspberries
2 pints of strawberries
2 containers (16oz.) of light cool whip
1 (3.9) vanilla instant pudding mix (or cheesecake flavor)

Directions:

1.Mix vanilla pudding following the steps on the package, fold in about half a container of cool whip and set aside.

2.Wash and cut the berries (except for raspberries) lay a thin layer of pudding mix and spread over the bottom of the trifle bowl, take the slices of strawberry and stand them up, pressing them against the side of the bowl.

3.Top with fruit - then cake - pudding - strawberry border - repeat (as shown above).

note to self: I would NOT use sparklers for decoration again because ash got all over the top and I had to redo it - whoops!

Hope everyone out there has a wonderful and festive Forth!