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You need 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Start by hulling and slicing them. They add a sweet and juicy flavor. The sugar helps make the strawberries even sweeter. Use 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This mix creates a yummy syrup. Let the strawberries sit for 20-30 minutes. This step makes them extra tasty. For the cake base, you can use either sponge cake or pound cake. You need 1 pound of cake cut into cubes. Sponge cake is light and airy. Pound cake is denser and richer. Both options work well for a trifle. Choose based on your taste. The cake layers add texture and soak up the sweet strawberry syrup. For the whipped cream, gather 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. You will also need 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients create a smooth and sweet topping. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip. The right texture makes the trifle even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, wash the fresh strawberries. Hull them and slice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. This step is key. The sugar draws out the juice, making a sweet syrup. Let the strawberries sit for 20 to 30 minutes. This process is called macerating. It makes the strawberries taste even better. Next, grab a clean mixing bowl. Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape but still be soft. Be careful not to over-whip. If you do, the cream can turn grainy. Now, it's time to layer the trifle. Start with a layer of cake cubes in your trifle dish. Use sponge cake or pound cake for a soft base. Next, add a layer of the sweetened strawberries, making sure to include some syrup. Then, add a layer of whipped cream on top. Repeat these layers until you use all the ingredients. Make sure to finish with whipped cream on top. Chill the trifle in the fridge for at least one hour. This helps all the flavors mix well. Just before serving, add fresh mint leaves for a nice touch. To get fluffy whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream. Use a clean bowl and beaters. Mix for about 1-2 minutes on high speed. Stop when soft peaks form. If you whip too long, it may turn into butter. Add powdered sugar and vanilla for taste. This makes your cream sweet and nice. When layering your trifle, think about colors and textures. Start with cake cubes at the bottom. Then add a layer of strawberries with syrup. Top it with whipped cream. Keep repeating this until you reach the top. Make sure the last layer is whipped cream. This gives a smooth finish. You can also add mint leaves on top for extra flair. You can prepare this trifle a day before. It saves time and helps flavors blend. Just layer all the ingredients and cover it well. Let it chill in the fridge. This also keeps the cake soft. Just add mint leaves right before serving for freshness. Pro Tips Perfect Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Look for vibrant red color and a fresh aroma. Layering Technique: For a visually appealing trifle, ensure your layers are even and visible through the glass. Use a spatula to smooth each layer. Whipping Cream Tips: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to help it reach soft peaks quicker. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the strawberry mixture and whipped cream a day in advance, just layer everything right before serving for the best texture. {{image_2}} You can change up the fruit in your trifle. Try using blueberries or raspberries. Both fruits add a nice twist. They also bring bright colors to your dessert. You might even mix fruits together for a fun effect. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. Mixing flavors can make your trifle exciting and unique. Adding flavor to the whipped cream is easy. You can use different extracts. Almond or coconut extract works well. Add a teaspoon of either for a new taste. You could also fold in some lemon zest. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the trifle. Experiment with flavors to find what you love best. While sponge cake is a classic choice, you have options. Angel food cake gives a light and fluffy feel. It complements the fruit and cream nicely. For a richer taste, try pound cake. Its dense texture adds a great contrast. You can even use store-bought cake for quick prep. Just make sure it’s fresh and moist for the best results. To keep your strawberry shortcake trifle fresh, cover it tightly. Use plastic wrap or a lid. Store it in the fridge. This helps keep the cake moist and the cream fluffy. Enjoy leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste. Always refrigerate your trifle if you have any left. The cool temperature keeps the flavors fresh. Avoid letting it sit out for more than 2 hours. Keeping it cold prevents spoilage. If your trifle is layered, try not to disturb the layers too much when serving. Freezing is not the best for this trifle. The whipped cream may not hold up well. If you must freeze it, remove the cream layer first. You can freeze the cake and strawberries together in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, whip fresh cream to layer on top before serving. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first. Drain any excess liquid. This helps keep your trifle from getting too soggy. The taste will still be sweet and delicious. You can use coconut cream or whipped topping. Both options work well. They will give you a nice, creamy texture. If you prefer, you can also try Greek yogurt for a lighter version. The trifle lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. Keep it covered to maintain freshness. However, the strawberries may release more juice over time. That can make the layers a bit soggy. Yes, you can make individual servings! Just layer the ingredients in small cups or jars. This way, each person gets their own treat. It also makes for a great presentation at parties. This blog post covers how to create a delicious trifle. You learned about key ingredients like fresh strawberries, various cake bases, and essential whipping cream. We also walked through step-by-step instructions for preparing strawberries, whipping cream, and assembling your trifle. I shared tips for achieving the perfect whipped cream and layering techniques. You can explore variations with different fruits and cake types. Plus, I explained how to store your trifle. As you make this dessert, remember to have fun and be creative. You can impress your friends and family with your trifle skills!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, sponge cake, and whipped cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 pound sponge cake or pound cake, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 quarter cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine, then let sit for about 20-30 minutes to macerate. This will enhance the sweetness and create a syrup.
  • In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
  • In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the dessert. Start with a layer of cake cubes, followed by a layer of the strawberries (including some syrup), and then a layer of whipped cream.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with whipped cream on top.
  • Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Chill the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Keyword dessert, layered, strawberry, trifle, whipped cream