Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Layers of juicy strawberries, tender cake, and vanilla whipped cream make an easy dessert that looks like you tried very hard.
Prep: 20 · Cook: · Total: 80 · Serves: 8 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (311 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Classic strawberry shortcake
Classic strawberry shortcake is wonderful, but layering it in a trifle makes it easier to serve. It is my go-to when I need a dessert that travels well.
Story
This dessert feels like summer in a glass bowl. I love that you can make it ahead, then focus on dinner while it chills. When you scoop through the layers, you get a little cake, a little cream, and strawberries in every bite. If you are feeding a group, set it on the table and let everyone dig in.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 2 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 store-bought pound cake or sponge cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Toss strawberries with granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let sit 15 minutes until juicy.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
- In a trifle bowl or deep glass dish, add a layer of cake cubes.
- Spoon on a layer of strawberries with some of their juices, then spread a layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat layers until you reach the top, finishing with whipped cream and a few pretty strawberry slices.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving so the cake soaks up the berry juices.
Chef Tips
- Do not overwhip the cream, you want it fluffy and smooth.
- If your berries are not very sweet, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- For extra vanilla flavor, stir a spoonful of strawberry juice into the whipped cream.
- This is best within 24 hours so the cake does not get too soft.
Cook's Notes
- **Cake option:** Pound cake is sturdy and easy, but angel food cake makes it extra light.
- **Chilling time:** One hour is enough, but two hours makes the layers slice more cleanly.
- **Serving:** Use a big spoon and go deep so each serving gets every layer.