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- 2 cups fresh strawberries - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Fresh strawberries are the star of this trifle. Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor. I always hull and slice the strawberries to make them easier to layer. Mixing the berries with granulated sugar and lemon juice helps draw out their juices. This creates a sweet syrup for the dessert. - 1 pound sponge cake or pound cake For the cake base, you can use sponge cake or pound cake. These options provide a light and fluffy texture. If you want a denser cake, pound cake is perfect. When picking your cake, look for freshness. A fresh cake absorbs the syrup better, making each bite delightful. - 2 cups heavy whipping cream - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract The whipped cream adds a creamy layer to the trifle. Use heavy whipping cream for the best results. Start by whipping it until it thickens. Adding powdered sugar and vanilla enhances the flavor. Be careful not to over-whip; you want soft peaks. This keeps the cream fluffy and smooth for your trifle. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to prepare the strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Gently stir to coat each piece of fruit. This step is key because the sugar draws out the juices from the strawberries. Let the mixture sit for about 20-30 minutes. This resting time creates a sweet syrup that enhances the flavor. Next, let’s whip the cream. Use a large bowl and an electric mixer. Start on low speed to avoid making a mess. Gradually increase to medium-high speed. As the cream thickens, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Watch for soft peaks to form. This means the cream is ready. Be careful not to over-whip. You want it fluffy, not grainy. Now, it's time to assemble your trifle. Grab a large trifle dish or individual glasses. Start with a layer of cake cubes. Make sure they cover the base evenly. Next, add a generous layer of the strawberries and the syrup over the cake. Follow this with a layer of whipped cream. Spread it gently to keep it even. Repeat this layering—cake, strawberries, and cream—until you run out of ingredients. End with a nice layer of whipped cream on top to make it look pretty. Using clear glasses to serve your trifle makes it look great. You can see the layers of cake, strawberries, and cream. This adds a nice touch. Drizzling some strawberry syrup on top gives it a shiny finish. It also adds extra sweetness. Want to make it even tastier? Add a splash of liqueur, like amaretto, for depth. You can also use flavored whipped cream. Try adding a hint of lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist. This little change can brighten the whole dish. One mistake many make is over-whipping the cream. This can turn your cream into butter. Stop whipping when you see soft peaks. Another mistake is skipping the chilling time. Chilling allows flavors to blend well. It helps the cake soak up the strawberry syrup. Don't rush this step! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Strawberries: Select strawberries that are bright red and firm to the touch for the best flavor and sweetness. Layering Technique: To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, consider using a light layer of whipped cream between the cake and strawberries. Make Ahead: This trifle can be prepared a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Variations: Experiment with different fruits like blueberries or peaches for a unique twist on this classic dessert. {{image_4}} If you have special diet needs, you can still enjoy this dessert. - Gluten-free cake alternatives: Use almond flour or gluten-free cake mixes. These options work well and keep the trifle tasty. - Vegan whipped cream options: Try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a rich texture without dairy. These swaps let everyone enjoy a delicious trifle. Mixing different flavors can make your trifle unique. - Incorporating different berries: Swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries. Each berry adds its own taste and color. - Adding citrus zest for flavor: A little lemon or orange zest brightens up the dessert. Just a sprinkle can add a fresh twist. Feel free to experiment with these ideas for a fun twist. You can adjust the trifle for different events. - Kid-friendly versions: Use fun toppings like colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips. Kids love these additions and will enjoy making their own. - Elevated versions for formal gatherings: Use a rich chocolate cake instead of sponge. Top it with a berry compote for a fancy touch. These ideas help you create the perfect trifle for any occasion. To keep your trifle fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use a lid if your dish has one. Store it in the fridge. This keeps the layers from drying out. Make sure to eat the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste. You can freeze a trifle, but it may change the texture. The cream may separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, cover it well. Use plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Serve it the next day for the best results. In the fridge, the trifle lasts about 3 days. After that, the cake may become soggy. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or watery cream. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses! A trifle is a layered dessert. It usually has cake, fruit, and cream. You can use many flavors and types of cake. In our recipe, we use sponge or pound cake. The dessert looks beautiful in a clear dish. It is perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Yes, you can prepare the trifle in advance. Make it up to a day ahead. Assemble it and chill it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to mix well. Just add fresh mint leaves right before serving for a nice touch. To keep the cake from getting soggy, use a few tips. First, layer the cake cubes quickly. Don’t let them sit too long in syrup. Second, use a thicker layer of whipped cream. This helps protect the cake. Lastly, add the strawberries just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. We covered the key ingredients like fresh strawberries, cake bases, and whipping cream. You learned simple steps for preparation and assembly, along with tips for great presentation. As you create your own trifle, remember to have fun with flavors and variations. Don't skip the chilling time, and enjoy your tasty dessert!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and cake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pound sponge cake or pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the strawberries are evenly coated. Allow it to sit for about 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Whip the Cream: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream. Start on low speed, then gradually increase to medium-high. As the cream thickens, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until soft peaks form.
  • Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, begin layering your dessert. Start with a layer of cake cubes at the bottom, followed by a layer of the macerated strawberries (with some syrup), and then a layer of the freshly whipped cream.
  • Repeat Layers: Continue to repeat the layering process—cake cubes, strawberries, and whipped cream—until all of your ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
  • Chill and Set: Cover the assembled trifle with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, add a few fresh mint leaves on top of the whipped cream for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, consider serving in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers.
Keyword dessert, layered, strawberry, trifle, whipped cream