Red White Blue Mixed Berry Yum Yum (Printable)
Festive layered dessert with whipped filling, mixed berries, and crushed shortbread cookies.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 1 cup fresh blueberries
03 - 1 cup fresh raspberries
→ Whipped Filling
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 2 cups whipped topping, thawed
→ Base
08 - 2 cups vanilla shortbread cookies, crushed
→ Garnish
09 - Additional berries and mint leaves (optional)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Gently fold in whipped topping until mixture is creamy and smooth.
02 - Spread a layer of crushed shortbread cookies evenly across the bottom of a glass trifle bowl or individual serving cups.
03 - Spoon a layer of the whipped cheese mixture over the cookie base, spreading evenly to cover.
04 - Arrange sliced strawberries and blueberries over the filling layer.
05 - Repeat the layering process: cookies, whipped filling, and mixed berries until all ingredients are used. Finish with a generous layer of berries on top for presentation.
06 - Add additional berries and fresh mint leaves if desired. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and layers to set before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Theres something magical about watching guests try to guess the secret ingredient when really its just straightforward comfort food dressed up for a party
- You can assemble it ahead of time and actually enjoy your own gathering instead of being stuck in the kitchen
02 -
- The cookie layer needs time to soften from the moisture of the cream and fruit which is why this actually tastes better after resting in the refrigerator
- Clear glass serving dishes show off those gorgeous layers but if you don't have one individual cups work just as well and feel more elegant
03 -
- Skip the electric mixer entirely and use a food processor for the cream cheese mixture to incorporate air without overworking anything
- Toss your berries in a tablespoon of sugar before layering if they seem underripe to draw out their natural juices