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Easy Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe with Perfect Whipped Cream

Easy Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle - featured image

A quick and easy layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, tender cake, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for summer parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 9-inch round yellow or vanilla cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: splash of lemon juice for strawberries
  • Optional: 1 spoonful mascarpone cheese for whipped cream richness

Instructions

  1. Macerate the strawberries by combining sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for about 10 minutes. Add lemon juice if desired.
  2. Cut the cake into roughly 1-inch cubes, trimming crusty edges if using store-bought cake. Set aside.
  3. Chill mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Pour cold heavy cream into the bowl, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
  4. In a trifle bowl, layer one-third of the cake cubes, then a layer of macerated strawberries with juices, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with whipped cream on top.
  5. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and cake soften.
  6. Before serving, garnish with whole strawberries or finely chopped mint if desired.

Notes

Chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best results. Avoid overwhipping cream to prevent it from turning to butter. Macerate strawberries to bring out natural juices and sweetness. Assemble trifle close to serving time but chill at least 1 hour for best texture. Whipped cream can be made ahead and refreshed with a quick whisk before layering.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, whipped cream, easy dessert, summer dessert, layered dessert, crowd-pleaser