This is a great idea for those summer get together with family and friends. Put together a trifle bar so your guests can make their own desserts! A trifle bar will work for indoors summer dinner parties or for outdoor BBQ’s.

The basics of a trifle bar for desserts is simply some plain type cakes or donuts, fillings, fruits and/or toppings. Provide your guests with some stemware and spoons, and let them have at it, making their own dessert from the trifle bar. Use your favorite cakes and toppings, or get some ideas with these suggested foods for a trifle bar.

Start with the cake on your trifle bar. Angel food cake, Pound cake, Sponge cake, plain donuts or donut holes. Cut or tear the cake into small, bite-sized chunks and place on a serving platter.

Next in line on your trifle bar should be the fillings. Any flavor instant pudding or Jello, mousse, pie filling, whipped cream cheese or Cool Whip make quick and easy fillings for your guests.

Fresh fruits that are in season is a great addition to a trifle bar. Any fresh, in season berries are always a hit for a trifle bar. Cut up melon chunks, pineapple, kiwi or banana. Cold, fresh fruits are always refreshing on a hot summer day.

Toppings for the trifle bar can be whip cream, flavored syrups, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts and chocolate chips.

Purchase inexpensive mis-matched stemware at flea markets for your summer guests to use to make their desserts in from the trifle bar.

A trifle bar gets your guests involved in the summer food service, making entertaining easier on the host. Plus, if your guests don’t like the dessert, they have no one to blame but themselves.