Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Hey boos, let’s talk about a dessert that’s going to wrap your taste buds in a hug full of strawberries — my Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. I’m elevating the classic trifle with a twist that’s straight from the heart: a scrumptious strawberry cake base that sets the foundation for a truly strawberry-packed experience. This strawberry shortcake trifle features layers of soft, fluffy cake with velvety whipped cream, all tied together with a homemade strawberry sauce that’s bursting with the fresh taste of real strawberries. This trifle is a celebration of strawberry flavor, making it a perfect pick for your summer festivities or whenever you’re in the mood for a berry treat.

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What makes this strawberry shortcake trifle a standout is the pure strawberry flavor from start to finish. Beginning with the cake, infused with real strawberry puree and a touch of strawberry gelatin to amplify that fruity flavor, to the simmered-down strawberry sauce that adds just the right depth, this dessert is a love letter to strawberry lovers everywhere. Let’s get started on something that’s sure to become a new favorite.

The Heart & Soul Of This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: All American
Primary Cooking Method: Oven and Stove
Dietary Info: Indulgent
Key Flavor: Creamy, sweet, and light with bursts of sweet strawberries.
Skill Level: Beginner

Sweet Spots

• Easy Yet Sophisticated: Yes, there are multiple steps but this dessert is easy enough for even the least experienced home cook. Don’t worry though because even with its ease, it’s a showstopper on the table and a great way to wow your guests.
• Fresh Strawberry Glaze: For even more strawberry flavor, we’re adding a fresh strawberry sauce to bring things up a notch.
• Moist Strawberry Cake: This is no ordinary strawberry trifle! It’s got the layers of fluffy whipped cream and fresh ripe strawberries you expect but what truly sets it apart is the homemade strawberry cake that’s added to the layers.
• Indulgent But Not Heavy: It’s sweet and delicious but the fresh fruit and whipped cream create a dessert that’s on the lighter side of things. It makes the perfect end to a dinner party!
• Summer Perfection: This strawberry trifle makes the perfect end to any summertime celebration bringing a feeling a coolness and freshness from the juicy red strawberries and cool whipped cream.

Ingredients to Make

• Unsalted Butter: Key for a moist and flavorful cake. It also makes an appearance in the creamy whipped topping.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil: This ensures that your cake stays soft and adds an extra layer of moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the cake batter and works in tandem with the strawberries for a balanced flavor profile.
• Fresh Driscoll’s Strawberries: Pureed for the cake and sliced for the layers, these strawberries are the star of the show.
• Strawberry Gelatin Powder: Adds both color and flavor to your cake, enhancing the natural strawberry notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of your cake, because every cake needs a good foundation.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tanginess to your cake, making the crumb incredibly tender.
• Vanilla Extract: For that background note of aromatic sweetness that complements the fruity flavors so well.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Light and fluffy, it contrasts beautifully with the denser cake layers. You can buy it already made at the store or make homemade whipped cream from scratch.
• Strawberry Glaze: We’re making a strawberry sauce from scratch for the ultimate strawberry goodness with more fresh strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water.

How to Make Individual Strawberry Shortcake Trifles

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter

1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl.
2. Whisk together until well-combined and set it aside.

3. Add the butter, oil, and sugar to a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to cream together.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until incorporated after adding each one.
5. Add the strawberry puree and gelatin powder to the bowl and slowly mix it into the batter.
6. Add half of the dry ingredients and mix it in.
7. Add the remaining half of the flour mixture along with the sour cream.
8. Mix in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth but make sure you don’t over-mix.

Step 2: Baking the Strawberry Cake

1. Evenly pour the strawberry cake batter into a 9×13 pan sprayed with nonstick baking spray.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Making the Strawberry Sauce

1. Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Add the strawberries and water.
3. Whisk them until they are combined and all the sugar is hydrated. 
4. Heat on medium-high heat until the mixture begins to boil. Use a whisk to gently crush the strawberries and release their juices. 
5. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the sauce for about 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens. 
6. Remove the pan from the heat and cool the sauce to room temperature before using. 

Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Trifle

1. Cut the fully-cooled cake into small squares.
2. Place the small squares of cake into the bottom of a trifle dish.
3. Add a layer of whipped cream topping.
4. Add a tablespoon of strawberry glaze.
5. Sprinkle the top with fresh strawberry slices.
6. Repeat all the steps in the same order until the glass is full. Add whipped cream to the top of glasses and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Trifle

• Choose Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The quality of your strawberries can make or break this dessert. Opt for ripe, juicy berries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t Over-Mix the Cake Batter: Over-mixing can make the cake dense rather than light and fluffy. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ones.
• Layer with Care: The art of layering is key in a trifle. Make sure each layer is evenly distributed for a beautiful presentation and a well-balanced bite.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the trifle sit for a bit allows the flavors to meld together, giving you a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
• Use Real Whipped Cream: Opt for real whipped cream over the synthetic varieties for a richer taste and texture.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Store-Bought Strawberry Sauce: I highly recommend using the glaze included in the recipe but if you need to save some time you can certainly use a high-quality option from the store.
• No Sour Cream? If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will still give you a creamy texture but with a slightly different tang.
• Swap the Gelatin. If you’d prefer not to use strawberry gelatin, you can replace it with a tablespoon of strawberry extract to keep that extra berry flavor.
• Store-Bought Cake. If you’re short on time, a store-bought sponge or angel food cake can be a good substitute. Just make sure it complements the strawberry and cream flavors.
• Using Frozen Strawberries. Fresh strawberries are ideal, especially for the layers of the trifle. Frozen can work in a pinch, just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the trifle soggy.

What to Serve with a Strawberry Trifle

• Perfect for Brunch. It’s a light dessert and made with fruit making it perfect to serve for a holiday or special occasion brunch. Enjoy it after digging into brunch favorites such as Strawberry Butter Rose Buns, Egg Casserole, and Cheesy Grits.
• Summertime Lunch: Planning a lunch for your favorite ladies or the family? End on a high note with this decadent dessert after you’ve had your fill of Sheet Pan Salmon or Cobb Salad with Jerk Shrimp.
• Fun Holidays: Enjoy this as a dessert for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and more!
• Dinner Party: The perfect way to end any dinner with friends after serving up Wine Braised Garlic Chicken or Crab Stuffed Salmon!

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Strawberry shortcake trifle is truly best when made the day you plan to serve it but don’t worry about letting leftovers go to waste! Wrap up the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap or gently transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

How long will a strawberry trifle last in the fridge?

Store leftover well-wrapped for up to three days. The strawberries release their juices as it sits in the fridge and the cake will soak it up. The longer it sits the more soggy the cake will be. You also run the risk of the whipped cream deflating as it sits in the fridge.

Can I freeze this strawberry trifle?

No, I don’t recommend freezing it. The whipped cream and strawberries may not hold up so well after freezing. However, you can freeze the cake if you want to make it in advance. Simply wrap it up in plastic and foil after it’s fully cooled and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

This easy summer dessert makes the perfect end to all your summertime entertaining! Your friends and family are going to love each luscious bite of whipped cream, homemade strawberry cake, and fresh berries in this strawberry shortcake trifle.

More Best Strawberry Recipes

• Strawberry Cupcakes
• Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
• Individual Strawberry Crumbles
• Strawberry Cornmeal Cake
• Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake
• Strawberry Short Cake Funnel Cakes

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