Swedish Midsummer Trifle

Prep Time 30 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dietary: Blueberries, Fresh Fruits + Berries, Grains, Flours + Cereals, Strawberries

Description

A Swedish Midsummer Trifle made in a big glass bowl — a festive showstopper layered with Nordic charm and summer fruit. This Swede Dish version balances lightness, floral flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness for a celebratory fika or dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Layer

1 plain sponge or chiffon cake (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup lingonberry, raspberry, or cloudberry jam
¼ cup elderflower syrup or diluted cordial (for soaking)

For the Whipped Skyr Cream

1 cup plain Skyr or Greek yogurt
¾ cup heavy cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tsp elderflower syrup (optional)

For the Berry Layer

1½ cups strawberries, halved or quartered
1 cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries
1 tbsp Optional: sugar + 1 tsp lemon juice to macerate berries

For Garnish

2 tbsp crushed pistachios
Lavender sugar (or edible flowers)
Optional: small scoops of elderflower granita or lemon sorbet just before serving
Fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit

1
If desired, lightly toss berries with sugar and lemon juice to draw out juices. Let sit for 15 minutes.

2. Make the Skyr Cream

2
Whip cream to soft peaks, then fold in Skyr, powdered sugar, vanilla, and elderflower syrup. Chill until ready to layer.

3. Soak the Cake

3
Gently brush or drizzle cake cubes with a mix of jam and elderflower syrup. Let soak briefly.

4. Assemble the Trifle (Layer by Layer)

4
In a large clear glass bowl, layer in this order:
5
A layer of jam-soaked cake cubes
6
A generous spoonful of Skyr cream
7
A layer of fresh berries
8
Repeat until the bowl is full (about 3–4 layers total), finishing with cream on top.

5. Garnish Before Serving

9
Top with crushed pistachios, lavender sugar, fresh berries, and edible blooms.
10
Add mint or small scoops of elderflower granita right before serving for a frosty finish.

Note

Swede Dish Tips

Best chilled for 2+ hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld
Use gluten-free cake for dietary adaptations
Swap Skyr for whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version
Serve with sparkling water, herbal iced tea, or elderflower spritz