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Easy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe with Fresh Whipped Cream

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle - featured image

A quick and easy summer dessert featuring layers of day-old cake, macerated fresh strawberries, and fluffy homemade whipped cream. Perfect for last-minute gatherings and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for whipped cream, adjust to taste)
  • 6 cups cubed shortcake, pound cake, or sponge cake (day-old preferred)
  • Toasted almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and optional lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for at least 15 minutes to macerate.
  2. Chill mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10 minutes. Pour cold heavy cream into the bowl, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
  3. Cut cake into roughly 1-inch cubes. If fresh, optionally toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to help hold up in the trifle.
  4. Layer one-third of the cake cubes in the bottom of a trifle bowl. Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries with juice over the cake. Add a thick layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with whipped cream on top.
  5. Garnish with sliced strawberries or toasted almonds. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Keep cream, bowl, and beaters cold for best whipping results. Use day-old cake to absorb strawberry juices without becoming mushy. Macerate strawberries for at least 15 minutes to release juices. Serve chilled and consume within 24-48 hours for best texture and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cake. Optional additions include lemon juice, toasted almonds, chocolate ganache, or alcohol infusion.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, summer dessert, whipped cream, easy dessert, fresh strawberries, layered dessert