Name: 4th of July Berry Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: PT-492339H47M37S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup blueberries; ½ cup raspberries; 6-7 large strawberries, diced; 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar); 9 Sprouts graham crackers (1 sleeve); 1/3 cup butter, melted; 1 tablespoon Sprouts sugar; 8 oz cream cheese (1 package); ¾ cup Sprouts powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon Sprouts vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest; 2/3 cup heavy cream (cold); Watermelon, sliced (for star-shaped cutouts)

Introduction

This 4th of July Berry Cheesecake Trifle is a refreshing and festive dessert perfect for summer celebrations. Layers of creamy cheesecake, crunchy graham cracker crumble, and mixed berries come together in a simple yet impressive treat. It’s easy to assemble and looks beautiful served in individual jars.

The image shows two mason jars filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is golden granola, the middle layer is white creamy yogurt mixed with blueberries and strawberries, and the top layer is more granola with whole raspberries and strawberry pieces. Each jar is decorated with red star-shaped watermelon slices on colorful sticks and shiny blue and silver streamers behind them. Next to the jars is a small clear glass bowl filled with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and chopped strawberries. Two spoons with checkered handles rest on a beige cloth on a blue and white checkered plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup blueberries

½ cup raspberries

6-7 large strawberries, diced

1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)

9 Sprouts graham crackers (1 sleeve)

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 tablespoon Sprouts sugar

8 oz cream cheese (1 package)

¾ cup Sprouts powdered sugar

1 teaspoon Sprouts vanilla extract

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

2/3 cup heavy cream

Watermelon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the fruit by combining blueberries, raspberries, and diced strawberries in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar, stir well, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place graham crackers in a plastic zipper bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Add the crushed graham crackers and sugar, stirring to combine. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool.

Step 4: In a mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.

Step 5: With the mixer running slowly, gradually add cold heavy cream and whip until the mixture is smooth and has nearly doubled in volume.

Step 6: To assemble, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled graham cracker crumble into the bottom of four ½ pint jars or similar containers.

Step 7: Add a layer of the cheesecake mixture, followed by a layer of the prepared fruit. Repeat layers as desired.

Step 8: If using, cut watermelon into star shapes with a cookie cutter and use as garnish by attaching to paper straws. Place garnishes on top of the trifles.

Step 9: Refrigerate the trifles for at least 15 minutes before serving, or up to 6 hours.

Tips & Variations

Use any fresh berries you prefer or have on hand, such as blackberries or cherries, for different flavor combinations.

For extra crunch, toast the graham cracker crumble a bit longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.

If you don’t have individual jars, use a large trifle bowl and layer the ingredients similarly.

Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different natural sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, the trifle can be assembled up to 6 hours before serving and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or whipped cream?

For the best texture and taste, full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream are recommended. Low-fat alternatives may alter the creaminess and stability of the cheesecake layer.