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Easy No-Bake Red White and Blue Cheesecake Trifle Recipe for Summer Parties

no bake red white and blue cheesecake trifle - featured image

A simple, no-bake layered dessert featuring creamy cheesecake filling, fresh red and blue berries, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold (for best whipping results)
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh blueberries
  • Optional: a handful of raspberries or blackberries
  • 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets crushed)
  • 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups (200 g) of graham cracker crumbs with 4 tablespoons (55 g) of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Set aside.
  2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces (225 g) of softened cream cheese with ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer). In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) of cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form (around 3-4 minutes). Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions, being careful not to deflate the airy texture.
  3. Prep the berries: Rinse and dry 1 cup (150 g) strawberries and 1 cup (150 g) blueberries. Hull and slice the strawberries thinly. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain excess juice.
  4. Assemble the trifle: Start by spreading a thin layer of the graham cracker crust on the bottom of your trifle dish or serving glasses. Follow with a generous spoonful of the cheesecake filling, spreading it evenly. Next, add a layer of mixed berries—arrange them evenly so the colors peek through. Repeat the layers: graham crumbs, cheesecake filling, and berries until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of berries for a vibrant presentation.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the crust soften slightly. If pressed for time, 1 hour will do but the trifle won’t be quite as cohesive.
  6. Optional garnish: Just before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream and a few whole berries on top for extra flair and freshness.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese and cold heavy cream for best texture. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream. Fold whipped cream gently to keep filling airy. For gluten-free, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream. Chill at least 2 hours for best texture. Add crumb layer last for crunchier texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, red white and blue dessert, summer trifle, patriotic dessert, easy summer dessert, berry trifle, no oven dessert