Strawberry Shortcake Trifles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Trifles are a fresh, fruity, and creamy dessert that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat. Featuring layers of buttery pound cake, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, these individual desserts are perfect for entertaining or a sweet finish to any meal. They’re easy to assemble, can be made ahead, and offer the nostalgic flavor of traditional strawberry shortcake in a fun, portable presentation.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pound cake or angel food cakestrawberriesgranulated sugarlemon juiceheavy whipping creamsugarvanilla extract

directions

Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into quarters.

In a bowl, combine the strawberries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Let them macerate for 15-20 minutes until juicy.

Cut the pound cake into small cubes and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

To assemble the trifles, layer pound cake cubes at the bottom of individual serving glasses.

Add a spoonful of macerated strawberries with their juices.

Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Repeat the layers once more: cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.

Finish with a few strawberry slices on top for garnish.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 individual trifles.Preparation time: 20 minutesMaceration time: 20 minutesAssembly time: 10 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use chocolate pound cake for a twist on the classic.

Add a layer of vanilla pudding or mascarpone cheese for extra richness.

Swap strawberries with mixed berries for a colorful medley.

Top with crushed graham crackers or toasted almonds for crunch.

Drizzle with strawberry syrup or balsamic glaze for added depth.

storage/reheating

Strawberry Shortcake Trifles are best enjoyed within 1–2 days.Store covered in the refrigerator to keep the whipped cream fresh.Not recommended for freezing, as the cream and berries may lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep them chilled until serving.

What type of cake is best?

Pound cake or angel food cake both work well—pound cake gives richness, while angel food is lighter.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh is best, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed—just expect a softer texture.

How do I make them look neat in the glass?

Use a piping bag for the whipped cream and layer carefully with a spoon.

Can I make one large trifle instead?

Absolutely! Just layer everything in a trifle bowl instead of individual glasses.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a great treat for kids and adults alike.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use store-bought whipped topping in a pinch, though homemade tastes fresher.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, adjust the sugar to your taste, especially if your strawberries are naturally sweet.

How long do the strawberries need to macerate?

About 15–20 minutes is enough to release their juices and enhance flavor.

Can I use flavored cake?

Yes, lemon or vanilla-flavored cakes add a nice twist.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Trifles bring together the best parts of a beloved classic in a fun and easy format. Whether served at parties, picnics, or as a weeknight dessert, they’re sure to impress with their bright flavors and pretty presentation. Make a batch and savor the sweet simplicity of strawberries and cream in every spoonful.

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