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Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Delightful Dessert Recipe

by on March 28, 2025

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Are you ready to impress your friends with a show-stopping dessert? Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is the perfect blend of sweet strawberries, fluffy cream, and soft cake. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to craft this delightful treat. Plus, I’ll share tips on presentation and storage. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll want to enjoy this layered dessert again and again! Let’s dive in.

You need 2 cups of fresh strawberries for this trifle. Make sure to hull and slice them. Fresh strawberries give the trifle bright flavor. They also add a lovely color. I like to mix the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This helps bring out their juice. Let them sit for 15 minutes. For a rich, creamy layer, use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. This cream whips up soft and fluffy. I mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Adding 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar makes it sweeter. Be careful while whipping. Stop when you see soft peaks. You will need 2 cups of pound cake cut into cubes. You can use store-bought or homemade pound cake. The cake gives a nice base to the trifle. You also need 1/2 cup of strawberry jam. It adds sweetness and flavor between layers. Lastly, fresh mint leaves make a beautiful garnish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing your strawberries. Hull them and slice them into thin pieces. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the bowl. Toss the strawberries gently. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the strawberries release their sweet juices. You want them to be soft and juicy. In a separate bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream. Mix until you see soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip the cream. If you do, it can turn grainy. Soft peaks give you the best texture. Take a large trifle dish or individual glasses. Start with a layer of pound cake cubes at the bottom. Use about 2 cups of pound cake. Next, spread a layer of strawberry jam over the cake. Then, add a layer of the macerated strawberries on top of the jam. Follow this with a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you use all your ingredients. Finish with a layer of whipped cream on top. For a beautiful touch, add a few fresh strawberries and mint leaves as garnish. For a stunning trifle, layer your ingredients with care. Start with a layer of pound cake at the bottom. Next, add a layer of strawberry jam. Then, pile on the macerated strawberries. Top it with fluffy whipped cream. Repeat these layers until you reach the top. If you use individual glasses, it lets everyone see the colorful layers. Finish with whole strawberries and mint leaves. This makes a beautiful focal point. Whipping cream can easily turn into butter if you aren’t careful. When you whip it, stop as soon as you see soft peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape but still look smooth. Use an electric mixer on low speed to help control the mixing. If you over-whip, the cream can become grainy and dry. It’s best to check often to get the perfect texture. Fresh strawberries make your trifle shine. Look for bright red berries with a shiny skin. They should feel firm and smell sweet. Avoid berries with dark spots or mushy areas. It’s best to buy local strawberries when they are in season. This way, you get the best flavor and freshness. Rinse them gently and remove the green tops before slicing. This will give you sweet and juicy strawberries for your dessert. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor, select strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. Avoid any that have white or green patches, as they may be under-ripe. Whip Cream to Soft Peaks: Be cautious when whipping the cream; stop as soon as soft peaks form to ensure it remains light and airy for the trifle. Layering Technique: When layering, try to alternate the textures and flavors for a balanced taste. Start with cake, then jam, strawberries, and cream for a harmonious bite. Chill Before Serving: Allow the trifle to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it more refreshing. {{image_2}} You can swap out strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. Each fruit brings a new taste and look. Mix different fruits for a colorful trifle. This keeps your dessert fun and exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pound cake. Many stores sell ready-made gluten-free cakes. You can also make your own using almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the trifle without worry. You can change the flavor of the whipped cream easily. Try adding a splash of almond extract or a bit of cocoa powder. For a fruity twist, mix in some pureed fruit. Each option adds a new layer of taste to your trifle. Store leftover trifle in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you used individual glasses, cover them with plastic wrap. This helps protect the layers and flavors. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid unwanted tastes. When layering for storage, start with cake at the bottom. Then, add jam, strawberries, and cream. This order helps keep everything together. If you want to save some layers for later, store them separately. This keeps the cake from getting soggy. The trifle will last for about three days in the fridge. After that, the quality may drop. The strawberries can get mushy, and the cream may lose its fluff. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within the first two days. Yes, you can make this dessert ahead of time. Prepare the trifle and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for one day. The flavors blend well if you let it chill. Just add fresh mint and strawberries right before serving. To make a lighter version, use low-fat whipped cream. You can also use angel food cake instead of pound cake. Substitute sugar with a sweetener like stevia. This cuts calories while keeping the taste delightful. For gatherings, serve the trifle in clear cups. This shows off the layers nicely. You can also use a big trifle bowl for a stunning display. Add extra fruit on top for color. Pair it with a refreshing drink, like lemonade. This blog post covered how to make a delicious strawberry shortcake trifle. We explored the key ingredients, like fresh strawberries and heavy cream, and detailed simple steps for preparation and assembly. I shared tips to enhance your dessert's look and flavor while also discussing variations and storage options. In the end, this trifle is a fun dessert to enjoy anytime. You can easily make it your own!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh Flavors: The combination of ripe strawberries and creamy whipped topping creates a refreshing dessert that celebrates the essence of summer.
  2. Easy to Assemble: This trifle comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a sweet treat any day of the week.
  3. Beautiful Presentation: The colorful layers of strawberries, cream, and cake make for an eye-catching dessert that impresses at any occasion.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding different fruits or flavors, making it a versatile dessert option for everyone.

Ingredients

Fresh Strawberries

You need 2 cups of fresh strawberries for this trifle. Make sure to hull and slice them. Fresh strawberries give the trifle bright flavor. They also add a lovely color. I like to mix the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This helps bring out their juice. Let them sit for 15 minutes.

Heavy Whipping Cream

For a rich, creamy layer, use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. This cream whips up soft and fluffy. I mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Adding 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar makes it sweeter. Be careful while whipping. Stop when you see soft peaks.

Pound Cake and Other Components

You will need 2 cups of pound cake cut into cubes. You can use store-bought or homemade pound cake. The cake gives a nice base to the trifle. You also need 1/2 cup of strawberry jam. It adds sweetness and flavor between layers. Lastly, fresh mint leaves make a beautiful garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Strawberries

Start by washing your strawberries. Hull them and slice them into thin pieces. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the bowl. Toss the strawberries gently. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the strawberries release their sweet juices. You want them to be soft and juicy.

Whipping the Cream

In a separate bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream. Mix until you see soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip the cream. If you do, it can turn grainy. Soft peaks give you the best texture.

Assembling the Trifle

Take a large trifle dish or individual glasses. Start with a layer of pound cake cubes at the bottom. Use about 2 cups of pound cake. Next, spread a layer of strawberry jam over the cake. Then, add a layer of the macerated strawberries on top of the jam. Follow this with a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you use all your ingredients. Finish with a layer of whipped cream on top. For a beautiful touch, add a few fresh strawberries and mint leaves as garnish.

Tips & Tricks

Presentation Suggestions

For a stunning trifle, layer your ingredients with care. Start with a layer of pound cake at the bottom. Next, add a layer of strawberry jam. Then, pile on the macerated strawberries. Top it with fluffy whipped cream. Repeat these layers until you reach the top. If you use individual glasses, it lets everyone see the colorful layers. Finish with whole strawberries and mint leaves. This makes a beautiful focal point.

How to Avoid Over-Whipping Cream

Whipping cream can easily turn into butter if you aren’t careful. When you whip it, stop as soon as you see soft peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape but still look smooth. Use an electric mixer on low speed to help control the mixing. If you over-whip, the cream can become grainy and dry. It’s best to check often to get the perfect texture.

How to Choose the Best Strawberries

Fresh strawberries make your trifle shine. Look for bright red berries with a shiny skin. They should feel firm and smell sweet. Avoid berries with dark spots or mushy areas. It’s best to buy local strawberries when they are in season. This way, you get the best flavor and freshness. Rinse them gently and remove the green tops before slicing. This will give you sweet and juicy strawberries for your dessert.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor, select strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. Avoid any that have white or green patches, as they may be under-ripe.
  2. Whip Cream to Soft Peaks: Be cautious when whipping the cream; stop as soon as soft peaks form to ensure it remains light and airy for the trifle.
  3. Layering Technique: When layering, try to alternate the textures and flavors for a balanced taste. Start with cake, then jam, strawberries, and cream for a harmonious bite.
  4. Chill Before Serving: Allow the trifle to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it more refreshing.

Variations

Substituting Different Fruits

You can swap out strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. Each fruit brings a new taste and look. Mix different fruits for a colorful trifle. This keeps your dessert fun and exciting.

Gluten-Free Alternatives for Pound Cake

If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pound cake. Many stores sell ready-made gluten-free cakes. You can also make your own using almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the trifle without worry.

Adding Flavors to the Whipped Cream

You can change the flavor of the whipped cream easily. Try adding a splash of almond extract or a bit of cocoa powder. For a fruity twist, mix in some pureed fruit. Each option adds a new layer of taste to your trifle.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover trifle in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you used individual glasses, cover them with plastic wrap. This helps protect the layers and flavors. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid unwanted tastes.

Best Way to Layer for Storage

When layering for storage, start with cake at the bottom. Then, add jam, strawberries, and cream. This order helps keep everything together. If you want to save some layers for later, store them separately. This keeps the cake from getting soggy.

Shelf Life of Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

The trifle will last for about three days in the fridge. After that, the quality may drop. The strawberries can get mushy, and the cream may lose its fluff. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within the first two days.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dessert ahead of time. Prepare the trifle and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for one day. The flavors blend well if you let it chill. Just add fresh mint and strawberries right before serving.

How can I make a lighter version?

To make a lighter version, use low-fat whipped cream. You can also use angel food cake instead of pound cake. Substitute sugar with a sweetener like stevia. This cuts calories while keeping the taste delightful.

What are some serving suggestions for gatherings?

For gatherings, serve the trifle in clear cups. This shows off the layers nicely. You can also use a big trifle bowl for a stunning display. Add extra fruit on top for color. Pair it with a refreshing drink, like lemonade.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious strawberry shortcake trifle. We explored the key ingredients, like fresh strawberries and heavy cream, and detailed simple steps for preparation and assembly. I shared tips to enhance your dessert’s look and flavor while also discussing variations and storage options.

In the end, this trifle is a fun dessert to enjoy anytime. You can easily make it your ow

You need 2 cups of fresh strawberries for this trifle. Make sure to hull and slice them. Fresh strawberries give the trifle bright flavor. They also add a lovely color. I like to mix the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This helps bring out their juice. Let them sit for 15 minutes. For a rich, creamy layer, use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. This cream whips up soft and fluffy. I mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Adding 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar makes it sweeter. Be careful while whipping. Stop when you see soft peaks. You will need 2 cups of pound cake cut into cubes. You can use store-bought or homemade pound cake. The cake gives a nice base to the trifle. You also need 1/2 cup of strawberry jam. It adds sweetness and flavor between layers. Lastly, fresh mint leaves make a beautiful garnish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing your strawberries. Hull them and slice them into thin pieces. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the bowl. Toss the strawberries gently. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the strawberries release their sweet juices. You want them to be soft and juicy. In a separate bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream. Mix until you see soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip the cream. If you do, it can turn grainy. Soft peaks give you the best texture. Take a large trifle dish or individual glasses. Start with a layer of pound cake cubes at the bottom. Use about 2 cups of pound cake. Next, spread a layer of strawberry jam over the cake. Then, add a layer of the macerated strawberries on top of the jam. Follow this with a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you use all your ingredients. Finish with a layer of whipped cream on top. For a beautiful touch, add a few fresh strawberries and mint leaves as garnish. For a stunning trifle, layer your ingredients with care. Start with a layer of pound cake at the bottom. Next, add a layer of strawberry jam. Then, pile on the macerated strawberries. Top it with fluffy whipped cream. Repeat these layers until you reach the top. If you use individual glasses, it lets everyone see the colorful layers. Finish with whole strawberries and mint leaves. This makes a beautiful focal point. Whipping cream can easily turn into butter if you aren’t careful. When you whip it, stop as soon as you see soft peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape but still look smooth. Use an electric mixer on low speed to help control the mixing. If you over-whip, the cream can become grainy and dry. It’s best to check often to get the perfect texture. Fresh strawberries make your trifle shine. Look for bright red berries with a shiny skin. They should feel firm and smell sweet. Avoid berries with dark spots or mushy areas. It’s best to buy local strawberries when they are in season. This way, you get the best flavor and freshness. Rinse them gently and remove the green tops before slicing. This will give you sweet and juicy strawberries for your dessert. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor, select strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. Avoid any that have white or green patches, as they may be under-ripe. Whip Cream to Soft Peaks: Be cautious when whipping the cream; stop as soon as soft peaks form to ensure it remains light and airy for the trifle. Layering Technique: When layering, try to alternate the textures and flavors for a balanced taste. Start with cake, then jam, strawberries, and cream for a harmonious bite. Chill Before Serving: Allow the trifle to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it more refreshing. {{image_2}} You can swap out strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. Each fruit brings a new taste and look. Mix different fruits for a colorful trifle. This keeps your dessert fun and exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pound cake. Many stores sell ready-made gluten-free cakes. You can also make your own using almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the trifle without worry. You can change the flavor of the whipped cream easily. Try adding a splash of almond extract or a bit of cocoa powder. For a fruity twist, mix in some pureed fruit. Each option adds a new layer of taste to your trifle. Store leftover trifle in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you used individual glasses, cover them with plastic wrap. This helps protect the layers and flavors. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid unwanted tastes. When layering for storage, start with cake at the bottom. Then, add jam, strawberries, and cream. This order helps keep everything together. If you want to save some layers for later, store them separately. This keeps the cake from getting soggy. The trifle will last for about three days in the fridge. After that, the quality may drop. The strawberries can get mushy, and the cream may lose its fluff. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within the first two days. Yes, you can make this dessert ahead of time. Prepare the trifle and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for one day. The flavors blend well if you let it chill. Just add fresh mint and strawberries right before serving. To make a lighter version, use low-fat whipped cream. You can also use angel food cake instead of pound cake. Substitute sugar with a sweetener like stevia. This cuts calories while keeping the taste delightful. For gatherings, serve the trifle in clear cups. This shows off the layers nicely. You can also use a big trifle bowl for a stunning display. Add extra fruit on top for color. Pair it with a refreshing drink, like lemonade. This blog post covered how to make a delicious strawberry shortcake trifle. We explored the key ingredients, like fresh strawberries and heavy cream, and detailed simple steps for preparation and assembly. I shared tips to enhance your dessert's look and flavor while also discussing variations and storage options. In the end, this trifle is a fun dessert to enjoy anytime. You can easily make it your own!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and pound cake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 3 tablespoons sugar (divided)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 2 cups pound cake, cut into cubes
  • 1 2 cup strawberry jam
  • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Toss gently and let it sit for about 15 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
  • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
  • In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, layer the ingredients starting with a layer of pound cake cubes at the bottom.
  • Spread a layer of strawberry jam over the cake cubes.
  • Add a layer of the macerated strawberries, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream.
  • Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
  • For the final touch, garnish with a few fresh strawberries and mint leaves.

Notes

If using individual glasses, layer the ingredients artfully to showcase the vibrant colors of the strawberries and whipped cream. Use whole strawberries and a sprig of mint as a beautiful focal point on top.
Keyword dessert, layered, strawberry, trifle

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