No Bake Berry Shortcake Trifle

Name: No Bake Berry Shortcake Trifle
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups (474ml) heavy whipping cream (cold); ¼ cup (28g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1 12 ounce package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls; 1-2 ounces Amaretto (optional (may substitute orange or another fruit juice)); 1½ - 2 pounds fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced in half); ¾ pound fresh blueberries

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

Layer up for Summer with this Easy Berry Trifle Recipe. It’s a no bake dessert filled with a secret cake layer that’s not cake: I used Hawaiian rolls! Add whipped cream and berries and you have the perfect trifle dessert!

trifle mixed with strawberries and blueberries and bread in a clear jar.

Easy Berry Trifle Recipe

Who says you need an oven to satisfy your sweet tooth? No-bake desserts are the perfect way to enjoy a treat without heating up the kitchen. This mixed berry trifle has an incredible combination of flavors from the Hawaiian rolls, homemade whipped cream filling, and colorful berries.

This easy-to-make summer berry trifle is light, and refreshing, and may quickly become your new favorite summer dessert! It only takes about 30 minutes total time to make.

ingredients in trifle with words on photo.

Ingredients Needed

Hawaiian Rolls: I’m using King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for this recipe – you can use any brand you like. The hint of sweetness in Hawaiian rolls make them the perfect cake to use in a trifle.
Amaretto (optional): may substitute orange or another fruit juice. I used this to brush over my rolls to add a bit of flavor and moisture.
Whipped Cream: We’re making fresh whipped cream with heavy cream and powdered sugar. I also add vanilla extract and almond extract!
Berries: I’m using fresh strawberries that are hulled and sliced in half and a large handful of fresh rinsed blueberries.

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

pastry brush brushing chopped dinner rolls in dish.

How to make berry trifle

Slice your Hawaiian roll into 8 pieces and place on the bottom of a trifle dish. Brush with amaretto (or juice), if using.
Make the cream in a large bowl by beating cups of heavy whipping cream on high speed and adding powdered sugar and both extracts during whipping, until stiff peaks form.
Spread some of the whipped creams over the bread pieces, then top with the strawberries. Repeat the layers, adding blueberries instead of strawberries.
Garnish with the rest of the whipped cream and more berries.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Expert tips

Use fresh berries for best results
Whipped cream turns out perfect when you start with COLD heavy whipping cream and a cold bowl too. I pop my bowl into the freezer for a few minutes before starting.
This tastes good after the flavors have been allowed to sit for a bit, but serve it on the same day it was made for best results.
Fresh whipped cream goes best in this recipe but you can substitute whipped topping if you prefer. I added 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to my whipped cream, but you can skip that (or add your favorite extract flavor)

FAQs

How long does trifle last?

This easy berry trifle recipe is good for about 3 days if left covered in the fridge.

Should a trifle be made the night before?

You can but this berry trifle tastes best when you serve it the day of.