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- Fresh strawberries - Granulated sugar - Heavy whipping cream - Powdered sugar - Vanilla extract - Angel food cake - Vanilla pudding - Fresh mint leaves The main ingredients for a Strawberry Shortcake Trifle are simple and fresh. I love using ripe, juicy strawberries because they bring a bright flavor. The granulated sugar helps to sweeten and draw out the juices from the strawberries. This makes them even tastier. You need heavy whipping cream to create that light, fluffy layer of whipped cream. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps the cream hold its shape. Vanilla extract gives the trifle a warm, sweet flavor. I use store-bought angel food cake for ease, but you can make your own if you prefer. Vanilla pudding adds a creamy texture that complements the other layers well. Finally, fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and flavor on top. - Alternatives for strawberries: You can use raspberries, blueberries, or peaches instead. - Non-dairy options for whipped cream: Use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. - Other cake options: Pound cake or sponge cake can work well instead of angel food cake. These substitutions allow you to mix things up. If strawberries are out of season, use other fruits for a fresh taste. Non-dairy options let everyone enjoy the trifle, even those with dietary needs. If you want a denser cake, try using pound cake for a richer flavor. Macerating strawberries To start, you need fresh strawberries. Cut them into slices and place them in a mixing bowl. Add granulated sugar to the berries. Toss them gently to coat. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices. The result will be sweet, juicy strawberries that add flavor. Whipping the cream Next, take another bowl and pour in the heavy cream. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Once you reach that point, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to whip until you see stiff peaks. This whipped cream will be light and fluffy, perfect for your trifle. Layering the trifle Now it’s time to build your trifle. Start with a layer of angel food cake cubes at the bottom of a large trifle bowl or individual cups. This base will soak up the strawberry juices. Layering order details For the layering, add a spoonful of macerated strawberries over the cake cubes. Make sure to include some of the sweet juice. Then, spread a layer of vanilla pudding on top of the strawberries. Use a spatula to smooth it out. Next, pipe or spoon the whipped cream over the pudding. Tips for even layering Repeat the layering process. Alternate between cake, strawberries, pudding, and whipped cream. Ensure each layer is even for a nice look. Finish the top with whipped cream, creating a beautiful final layer. Importance of garnishing Garnishing is key to making your trifle stand out. Add a few fresh strawberry slices on top. Place some mint leaves for a pop of color. This small step makes a big difference in presentation. Suggestions for presentation For the best look, use clear glasses or a trifle bowl. This way, you can see the lovely layers. Serve your trifle chilled for a refreshing treat. Your guests will love its beauty and taste. Enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Delight with family and friends! For the full recipe, check out the instructions provided above. To make the best whipped cream, start with cold cream. Whip it until you see soft peaks. Then, add the powdered sugar slowly. This gives you a sweet cream that holds its shape. When you reach stiff peaks, it’s ready. This cream makes each layer light and fluffy. The key to a great trifle is balance. You want soft cake, juicy strawberries, and creamy pudding. Layer them in a clear bowl. This way, you can see all the colors and textures. Each bite should have a bit of everything. To serve, use clear glasses or a trifle bowl. This shows off the beautiful layers. Chill the trifle before serving. It tastes best cold. For drinks, consider iced tea or lemonade. These pair well with the sweet dessert. Prep your strawberries ahead of time. Slice and toss them with sugar a few hours before. This gives them time to get juicy. You can also whip the cream and pudding ahead. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to layer. Using store-bought angel food cake saves time. It’s light and airy, perfect for this dessert. With these tips, you can make a stunning trifle with less stress. For the full recipe, check above. {{image_2}} You can change up your trifle's taste in fun ways. Adding different fruits can make this dessert fresh. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit brings a new twist. You can also mix in chocolate or caramel. Drizzle some chocolate sauce between layers or add caramel pudding. This adds richness and makes each bite exciting. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this treat. For gluten-free options, swap the angel food cake for a gluten-free cake. There are many great recipes online. For vegan adaptations, use coconut cream for the whipped cream. You can also use almond or soy milk for pudding. These swaps still keep your dessert delicious. Making themed trifles can be a lot of fun. For holiday-inspired trifles, use colors that match the season. For example, add red and green fruits for Christmas. For summer, use bright berries and tropical fruits. Seasonal variations keep your dessert fresh. You can change the flavors based on what is in season. This makes your trifle special all year round. For the full recipe of Strawberry Shortcake Trifle, check the recipe section above. To keep your trifle fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 days. As it sits, the cake may absorb the juices from the strawberries. This can make the texture different over time. You cannot freeze the trifle. Freezing changes the texture and flavor of the cream and strawberries. If you want to refresh it before serving, take it out of the fridge. Let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. This helps restore some of the cream's fluffiness. For best results, serve it chilled. Enjoy the layers and flavors as they were meant to be! How do you keep the trifle from getting soggy? To prevent sogginess, layer the cake and cream carefully. Use fresh strawberries instead of letting them sit too long. The juice from the berries can soak into the cake. If you worry about sogginess, add a layer of whipped cream between the cake and strawberries. This barrier helps keep the cake dry. Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them before using. Drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess. Frozen strawberries may be softer but still work well. They also have great flavor, especially when sweetened. Calorie count per serving One serving of strawberry shortcake trifle has about 300 calories. This can vary based on how much whipped cream and cake you use. Breakdown of macronutrients - Carbohydrates: 40g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 15g These numbers help you know what you eat and how to balance your meals. Adjusting for larger gatherings If you host a big party, double the recipe. This way, everyone gets a taste. Use a large trifle bowl for easy serving. Making mini trifles for parties Mini trifles are fun and cute! Use small cups or jars. This allows guests to enjoy their own servings. It also makes it easy for you to serve. This blog post covered how to make a delicious strawberry shortcake trifle. We explored ingredients that make it tasty, plus substitutions to fit your needs. I’ve shared step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect layers. Variations allow you to customize flavors and meet dietary needs. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers. Making this trifle is fun and easy. You can enjoy it at any gathering. Now, get creative and impress your friends with your amazing trifle skills!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Delight! This easy recipe layers juicy strawberries, light angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful treat will wow your guests.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 store-bought angel food cake, cut into cubes

1 cup vanilla pudding (prepared)

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Toss gently to coat, and let sit for 15 minutes to macerate and release their juices.

    While the strawberries are macerating, in another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

      In a large trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer the dessert. Start with a layer of angel food cake cubes at the bottom.

        Spoon a layer of the macerated strawberries (with some juice) over the cake cubes.

          Add a layer of vanilla pudding on top of the strawberries, smoothing it out with a spatula.

            Next, pipe or spoon a layer of whipped cream over the pudding to create a fluffy top layer.

              Repeat the layers (cake, strawberries, pudding, whipped cream) until the bowl is filled, finishing with whipped cream on top.

                Garnish the top with a few fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Use clear glasses or a trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers of the trifle, and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.