Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is a delightful, layered dessert that combines juicy fresh strawberries, fluffy angel food cake, and creamy whipped topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces tub whipped topping, thawed
- 1 Angel food cake, cut into 1-inch pieces (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the strawberries and dry them well. Slice off the tops and quarter the strawberries.
- Step 2: Place the strawberries in a large bowl, sprinkle with ⅓ cup of sugar, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to macerate.
- Step 3: Beat the cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy using a hand or stand mixer. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until combined.
- Step 4: In a trifle dish, layer half of the angel food cake pieces at the bottom. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries and their liquid over the cake. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top.
- Step 5: Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, strawberries, and cream cheese mixture.
- Step 6: Garnish the top with fresh strawberries if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping for a richer texture.
- Try substituting pound cake or sponge cake if angel food cake isn’t available.
- For a boozy twist, drizzle a little strawberry liqueur or sherry over the cake layers.
Storage
Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cake will soften as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day. When ready to serve, you can gently stir the layers to refresh the texture or serve as is chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best because they retain their texture and sweetness after macerating. If using frozen, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
Is angel food cake necessary for this recipe?
Angel food cake is traditional due to its light and airy texture, but you can substitute with pound cake or sponge cake if preferred. Just note the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
PrintStrawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe
A delightful and easy-to-make Strawberry Shortcake Trifle that layers sweet macerated strawberries, creamy whipped cream cheese mixture, and airy angel food cake for a perfect no-bake dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces tub whipped topping, thawed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Other
- 1 Angel food cake, cut into 1-inch pieces (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and dry them well. Slice off the top of the strawberries and quarter each one to prepare for maceration.
- Macerate Strawberries: Place the quartered strawberries in a large bowl, sprinkle with ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and become sweetened.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, add a layer of angel food cake pieces at the bottom. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries, including the juice, evenly over the cake. Then, spread half of the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the strawberries.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of angel food cake pieces, followed by the remaining strawberries with their juice, and top with the remaining cream cheese mixture to complete the layers.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the top with fresh whole strawberries or sliced strawberries for decoration. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing, creamy dessert.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ripe strawberries.
- Allow sufficient time for strawberries to macerate to enhance sweetness and flavor.
- The angel food cake can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed and cold before folding into the cream cheese mixture for smooth texture.
- This dessert can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light, fruity dessert option.
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake, Trifle, No-Bake Dessert, Cream Cheese Dessert, Angel Food Cake, Summer Dessert, Layered Dessert
