Strawberry Shortcake Trifles are a layered dessert masterpiece, combining fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream in individual servings. These trifles are elegant yet easy to prepare, making them perfect for gatherings, date nights, or simply indulging in a sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly portioned, making them ideal for entertaining or as an on-the-go dessert.
- Combines soft cake, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped topping in every bite.
- Easy to customize with different fruits or flavors.
- Visually stunning, with beautiful layers that showcase each ingredient.
- Quick and simple to assemble, especially with pre-made ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pound cake or sponge cake (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Toss them with granulated sugar in a bowl and let sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Trifles:
- Layer 1: Add cubes of pound cake to the bottom of individual trifle glasses or jars.
- Layer 2: Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries over the cake.
- Layer 3: Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish: Add a fresh strawberry or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for garnish, if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4-6 individual trifles
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 15-30 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes
Variations
- Berry Medley: Mix strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful medley.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add layers of chocolate ganache or chocolate shavings.
- Lemon Twist: Incorporate lemon curd for a tangy flavor boost.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitutes and sugar-free whipped topping for a lighter version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the cake with a gluten-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Assemble trifles just before serving for the best texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, though the cake may soften.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the whipped cream and strawberries lose their texture when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, store-bought whipped topping is a great time-saving option.
What’s the best cake to use for this recipe?
Pound cake, sponge cake, or angel food cake works best as they hold up well in the layers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components (cake, whipped cream, and strawberries) in advance and assemble the trifles just before serving.
How do I prevent the strawberries from making the trifle too soggy?
Drain the strawberries after macerating them if they release too much juice.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using.
How can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free whipped cream and cake, and substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Peaches, mangoes, or cherries are excellent additions.
How do I make these kid-friendly?
Use a smaller serving dish and let kids assemble their own trifles for a fun activity.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them in small mason jars or clear plastic cups for easy handling and cleanup.
Can I use a large trifle dish instead of individual servings?
Yes, layer the ingredients in a large trifle dish for a family-style dessert.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Trifles are a delightful and versatile dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. With their layers of soft cake, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, they’re sure to impress guests and loved ones alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these trifles are the perfect sweet treat to satisfy any craving!
PrintStrawberry Shortcake Trifles
These Strawberry Shortcake Trifles are a beautiful and delicious layered dessert featuring fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream. Served in individual glasses or jars, they’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 trifles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake)
- Ingredients listed on the box (e.g., eggs, oil, water)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Whole strawberries
- Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Bake the vanilla or yellow cake according to the package instructions (or make your favorite homemade recipe).
- Let the cake cool completely, then cut it into small cubes or crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Strawberry Layer:
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate, releasing the strawberries’ juices.
3. Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble the Trifles:
- In individual glasses or jars, layer the ingredients:
- Start with a layer of cake cubes.
- Add a layer of strawberries and their juices.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish each trifle with a whole strawberry and a sprinkle of crushed cookies or graham crackers for extra texture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Substitute pound cake or angel food cake for the cake layer if desired.
- Add a drizzle of strawberry sauce or jam between layers for more flavor.